Choosing dot color for a padouk neck

[Mincer]

I am considering a padouk neck & fingerboard for my Strat project, and I am having trouble considering what color dots I should get. With a scalloped neck, you have either black or cream on the front, while the sides can have black, white, pearl, or abalone. There is a padouk Tele neck in the showcase with cream dots, and the contrast is pretty good. But black would also contrast pretty well. My concern is that black dots might start to disappear as the neck ages and darkens. Is it a good bet to stick with the lighter colors? While I not really look at the front of the fingerboard, I certainly refer to the side dots when performing. The body is a black cherry sunburst- flame maple over ash.

 

[u.9]

I have a padauk body that was terra cotta orange when new/raw. Applied Min Wax Wipe-on Satin Poly, which darkened it a lot and ambered it a bit, such that it now (afer aging 16yrs inside w/very little UV exposure) looks very similar to tortoise shell, somwhere between red and standard shell. Black dots would be visible from a distance but not stark. Cream would pop for sure. YMMV, depending on whether you leave the neck raw or not, and how that particular piece darkens over time and use.

Black cherry is on the cool side of red, while padauk is typically on the warm side. Personally, I feel black dots would mitigate the difference since cream is also a warm color. Hope any of this is useful!

 

[stratamania]

Given that the neck will darken over time, if you want dots, my suggestion is to go with the cream. Optionally, choose a different wood for the fretboard or just not have any dots (apart from at the side).

 

[teleme01]

 

[rauchman]

If you like to see you dots while playing, go with something lighter for this wood

 

[Mincer]

Lighter it is! For those with a padouk neck or fingerboard, how do you like it? I have experience with maple, roasted maple, mahogany and wenge.

 

[ragamuffin]

Lighter it is! For those with a padouk neck or fingerboard, how do you like it? I have experience with maple, roasted maple, mahogany and wenge.

I had a padauk shaft neck and it felt great! I regret selling that one. The grain is similar to roasted maple but slightly more open grained. Maybe somewhere between roasted maple and mahogany? Not as open or waxy feeling as wenge.

 

[Bob Hoover Ross]

For those with a padouk neck or fingerboard, how do you like it?

I have a Padouk Tele neck with an ebony fingerboard. I burnished the neck (as per this thread) and it feels fantastic, like the proverbial baby's butt.

Full Disclosure: I can't speak to how the neck actually plays, because 4 years after getting the neck and body I still haven't completed the guitar build! But man, it does feel nice...

 

[teleme01]

Mine is wenge with padouk fretboard, I like it a lot, eye candy.