BlackDots on Black Ebony FB, Visibility?

[s1player]

I thought the neck woods section would be a good place for this. Let me know if I should request it moved to the "General Discussion" section.

So I don't appear too dumb - I want to point out this is purely an aesthetics question. I have 2 scalloped neck guitars without Fretboard face dots and get around just fine using the side dots. So, I am positive I don't "need" Fretboard dots for playing. So, this is really purely for looks.

Would there be enough contrast between the Black Fretboard dots against Black Ebony to subtly show the DOTS?

Or, would there not be enough contrast in the materials?

The effect I want to acheive is enough contrast that the dots subtly show up.

The effect I DO NOT WANT is that it looks like someone just made a mistake and ordered a black fretboard with black dots that just blend in with the fretboard and just looks like a weird mistake.

Perhaps someone with a Warmoth Black Ebony Fretboard and perhaps another WM neck with Black dots could put them side by side and assess. or even post a picture?

I know - picky detailed question about guitars - but that's what is fun about building your own.

And, in this case, please feel free to give your subjective opinion about this combo. Still debating whether this would be "cool" or just weird.

 

[bagman67]

The black ebony is pretty darn black.  I haven't seen what you are describing done - for the obvious reason that folks who want black dots on black lumber are few and far between - but my suspicion is that what you would get would not be merely subtle - it would be invisible.  Maybe black dots in rosewood, or even on a very highly figured piece of macassar ebony would be more subtly noticeable.

 

[s1player]

The black ebony is pretty darn black.  I haven't seen what you are describing done - for the obvious reason that folks who want black dots on black lumber are few and far between - but my suspicion is that what you would get would not be merely subtle - it would be invisible.  Maybe black dots in rosewood, or even on a very highly figured piece of macassar ebony would be more subtly noticeable.

Yeah - that's what I am wondering. The thing I haven't seen is what unfinished Black Dots look like. If they are matte - you may well be right - not enough contrast. Hopefully, someone with both can weigh in.

 

[stratamania]

You could use this tool to get an idea.

http://www.warmoth.com/Guitar/Necks/Inlays.aspx

I don't think it would look that great.

Perhaps black mother of pearl maybe, but I'm not sure if I would want to risk it. It could look ok but may not.

 

[Great Ape]

Now THAT'S funny!!

 

[s1player]

Now THAT'S funny!!

Sorry. What's funny? I must have missed it.

 

[jackthehack]

Now THAT'S funny!!

Sorry. What's funny? I must have missed it.

Go to http://www.warmoth.com/Guitar/Necks/Inlays.aspx and change the fingerboard wood to ebony...

 

[s1player]

Now THAT'S funny!!

Sorry. What's funny? I must have missed it.

Go to http://www.warmoth.com/Guitar/Necks/Inlays.aspx and change the fingerboard wood to ebony...

I did that. And - if the actual fretboard would turn out like that - I would go for it.

However, the problem with the inlay tool is that - for the Ebony option - they don't specify whether that is the "Black" Ebony or standard Ebony. The tool shows a subtle contrast which I think would be cool looking.

I called Warmoth a bit ago and they said that there likely wouldn't be enough contrast for it to show up.

So, I am think of other options for neck woods that would go with the body I have ordered.

Thanks everyone for providing input on my question.

 

[swarfrat]

I'd be inclined to try it if you wanted it. After all, if you drilled the dots, plugged it with ebony from the same piece of wood, the repair would not be invisible. So a different material, even if they're the exact same shade/hue/etc... is likely to appear just a smidge different because of the differences in surface reflectivity, texture, etc.. Even in my hypothetical example, if you didn't match the grain direction, it'll still be annoying (assuming it was a repair which was supposed to be invisible) But I wouldn't expect it to photograph easily either.

 

[Cederick]

First order I made was rosewood with black dots; I got cream dots, and I mailed Warmoth about why they didn't give me what I wanted and I never got a response.

So I'm not sure if they would even do black dots on your ebony?  :icon_scratch:

 

[SustainerPlayer]

I would go with no dots at all. That is a so much cooler look.  :headbang1:

 

[Edoardo]

+1 for no dots on the fretboard. Classy. I'm going that way

 

[Cagey]

I'm a big fan of clear fretboards - no dots or other inlays. But, you need something on the side that you can see. Or, at least I do. A black dot on black wood wouldn't be enough, except for playing around the house. On stage? Lighting is sporadic at best and you need all the help you can get. I don't know about you, but I get addled under pressure and don't want to fight with my instrument. It should be my friend and help me as much as it can.

 

[MortenB]

It should be my friend and help me as much as it can.

+1... I fully agree..!

I have a Gecko bass with a black ebony fretboard. I just tried to make a simple mock-up where I used some of them little felt washers for strap buttons as ''black dots''. Even though these are bigger than dots, not flat with the surface and in a totally different material - they are almost impossible to see. I would NOT do this... Not really visible at all, and I think it will look tacky and out of place because the form/function factor is off.