Fret Inlays

As many of you know, I'm having a custom archtop built. My luthier has asked me about what type of fretboard inlays I'd like. Decisions, decisions!

I haven't seen the guitar since it was in the early stages and before it was stained. So, I really don't know what would look good. The guitar will be light in color (blonde or slightly darker) with an ebony fingerboard. My luthier pointed me toward a site for ideas. I'm lost.

Anyone have suggestions? I don't want dots or trapezoids. I don't want "Elvis" or too much bling, but something that will enhance the appearance in a subtly beautiful way.

DePaule Supply (lots of inlays in separate categories)

Example:

https://luthiersupply.com/image/data...ets%20Full.jpg

Just remember that "less is more" and you'll come to the right decision. Personally I'd favor something simple yet elegant. The examples from DePaule Supply are worthy of consideration. I'm especially impressed with the purfling inlay for the sound hole. Don't forget something appropriate for the fretboard's side markers, perhaps iridescent for low-light situations.

I agree with the "less is more" philosophy. Still, I don't want "plain." Dots and traps are just too... mundane.

Here are couple I've passed on to my luthier. He'll give me feedback on what he thinks might go well. This discussion is part of the fun of having a custom guitar built! :smile:

Modern Art: https://luthiersupply.com/image/data...203%20Full.jpg

Falling/Tumbling Leaves: https://luthiersupply.com/image/data...ves%20Full.jpg

Music Notes (because hey, why not?):
https://luthiersupply.com/image/data...0FB%20Full.jpg

And maybe lighting bolts?

https://luthiersupply.com/image/data...-Lightning.jpg

The lightning bolts would look right at home on some bizarro electric shredder -- Jackson, Charvel, Ibanez, etc -- but I don't see them on a quality custom acoustic instrument. The music notes look intriguing though.

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Originally Posted by phantomman

The lightning bolts would look right at home on some bizarro electric shredder -- Jackson, Charvel, Ibanez, etc -- but I don't see them on a quality custom acoustic instrument. The music notes look intriguing though.

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I agree. I like the musical notes because, well, because. Somehow, I think the tumbling leaves might be uniquely understated. You'd have to be looking directly at them to see them.

I was also looking at what they call their "traditional" inlays. This is called a Ludwig:

https://luthiersupply.com/image/data...Ludwig%201.jpg

And the Ludwig 3:

https://luthiersupply.com/image/data...0FB%20Full.jpg

Personally, I do like the less is more, philosophy. I like either no markers at all (just side dots) or very small ones, probably offset to the upper corner.
That said, I do like the Gretsch thumbnail inlays. Something subtle offset like that would appeal to me as well.

The "Ludwig" is a little too baroque for my taste.

I'd opt for no inlays, as already mentioned. Maybe one at the 12th fret

After speaking with my luthier today, we both agreed the Modern Art inlays (the gold-toned ones, on the right) would look pretty cool on the guitar. He indicated he has his own headstock inlay, but might be able to make it all work together.

Whew, one more hurdle passed.

https://luthiersupply.com/image/data...203%20Full.jpg

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Originally Posted by OldStrummer

After speaking with my luthier today, we both agreed the Modern Art inlays (the gold-toned ones, on the right) would look pretty cool on the guitar. He indicated he has his own headstock inlay, but might be able to make it all work together.

Whew, one more hurdle passed.

https://luthiersupply.com/image/data...203%20Full.jpg

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Of the ones you posted earlier, |I do like these ones - kinda modern, kinda art-deco, and definitely not something you see every day.
Not taking anything away from teh others, but I feel like |I've seen them all before.
One that I do like is on some of John Entwistle's Status Buzzards, th fret marker was the Roman numeral for that fret - I, III, IV, VII, etc. That was pretty cool and I don't think I'd seen that before.

I went with a Vine look on mine...

https://scontent-lga3-2.xx.fbcdn.net...1d&oe=61599FA1

Nice!

Why not your initials, or a name, a name of what you call the guitar.

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Originally Posted by jaxjaxon

Why not your initials, or a name, a name of what you call the guitar.

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A superb method of ensuring that the guitar can never be sold should the need arise.

:eyes

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jaxjaxon

Why not your initials, or a name, a name of what you call the guitar.

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That's kind of what I meant by " I don't want "Elvis" or too much bling."

Quote:

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Originally Posted by OldStrummer

That's kind of what I meant by " I don't want "Elvis" or too much bling."

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Agreed.
Funny thing is, when you show up for a gig with a crazy beautiful, fancy looking guitar, it raises the expectations of the audience.

Show up with an old, beat up guitar and people will say, "Did you hear the sounds he was getting from that old beat up guitar? LOL.

I have done my last two guitars with no fret markers and love the look. I only use the side dots anyway. Finger board inlay is strictly decorative to me.

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Originally Posted by Cogs

I'd opt for no inlays, as already mentioned. Maybe one at the 12th fret

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Ebony without fret markers looks elegant. I agree about a 12th fret inlay. Have you thought about something, for example, that expresses your interest in running or spirituality, something small and not overly ornate? Just a couple of thoughts.

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Originally Posted by ch willie

Ebony without fret markers looks elegant. I agree about a 12th fret inlay. Have you thought about something, for example, that expresses your interest in running or spirituality, something small and not overly ornate? Just a couple of thoughts.

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Not a bad idea, Willie. But I've already chosen the "Modern Art" style. My luthier and I agreed it would look nice on the ebony fretboard.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by OldStrummer

Not a bad idea, Willie. But I've already chosen the "Modern Art" style. My luthier and I agreed it would look nice on the ebony fretboard.

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It'll look spectacular, I'm sure. I can't wait to see the end product.

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Originally Posted by ch willie

It'll look spectacular, I'm sure. I can't wait to see the end product.

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Me, too. It's now been about seven months in the making. I'm told it's near finished.