Replacing azurite malachite dots?

[tylerncc]

Anybody have experience in replacing the azurite malachite fret dots? I ordered a showcase neck because they had one that was remarkably close to what I wanted to custom order (roasted maple 1 piece, 6150SS frets, 59 roundback), and the only thing I was unsure about was the fret markers. In the photos the azurite malachite looked fairly dark, almost like dark abalone with a slightly blue tint, so i was willing to take a chance. Having seen them in person now I'm really not loving the look, especially since I'm going for a more traditional tele style build. Honestly looking closely Im not even sure they're real and not a plastic imitation. Anyway, I'm just contemplating trying to drill them out and pout something else in there, but obviously if they're really stone thats a totally different undertaking compared to wood or plastic.

Anyone have thoughts?

I'm new here, trying my first full build, so I'm sure you'll see me around quite a bit!

 

[Rick]

Without knowing the color of the body or any pics or pickguard etc It’s hard to say. What’s the plan? You’d be surprised what azurite will match ...

 

[Logrinn]

If it were me, I wouldn’t try to drill them out.
Firstly, I’m pretty sure I would fail miserably with it and ruin the neck.
Secondly, I feel that the fret markers on the face of the fingerboard is less visible to me and of less concern. I’m more focused on the side markers being clearly visible.
If I felt strongly about them being the wrong color, I would first try to paint them with a marker, preferably with something that I’m able to remove easily if it doesn’t turn out to my liking.
Then, if it’s ok, I could try it with a permanent marker.
I would probably need to fill in the color after a while, but that should be very easy to do. Like two minutes work.

 

[PhilHill]

Attempting to modify the color of the existing dot's would be my first thought too. Replacing neck dots is not as easy as it seems at first. It's VERY easy to scar the neck in doing it.

 

[Fat Pete]

I've run into a few instances of the 'if I leave that, it'll bug me forever' effect during guitar builds, some of which I did leave and now I can't think what they are. Coincidentally, I wasn't that pleased with my azurite malachite dots, but it wouldn't have come to mind if you hadn't reminded me.

So, given the risks, I suggest finishing the guitar and putting a note on your calendar to revisit the idea in 6 months time.

 

[PhilHill]

Here I'm busy giving advice, which is good, but I seem to have forgotten my manners. Welcome to the Forum! Good luck on your build, and please post pictures of your progress if you can.  :headbang: :headbang:

 

[Logrinn]

So, given the risks, I suggest finishing the guitar and putting a note on your calendar to revisit the idea in 6 months time.

:toothy12:

 

[Rick]

I think the OP will be pleasantly surprised if he just moves forward.  In my last build, I had turquoise dots, and a red pickguard, but then my wife  suggested a blue shell guard, and that made it over the top.  (body was a translucent turquoise, silver hardware, amber bird's eye neck) It really looked great. 

 

[docteurseb]

Attempting to modify the color of the existing dot's would be my first thought too. Replacing neck dots is not as easy as it seems at first. It's VERY easy to scar the neck in doing it.

Exactly. I experimented doing that on a cheap $20 neck as I was considering doing that to a Warmoth showcase neck, it didn't go well.
Removing plastic dots was easy, I would imagine removing azurite malachite dots not to be removable as cleanly but I could be wrong.
It is however very difficult not to damage the fretboard as you try to sand the new dots flush. Maybe with lots of patience (and luck) but it's something I don't have for this type of stuff.

 

[vetteman]

I think a "Sharpie" of your color choice would be a great starting point.  Lots of room for error here.

 

[tylerncc]

Thanks everyone!  Yeah, I suppose more info might've helped. I got a Mary Kay White vintage tele body, chambered. Swamp Ash top on Alder. The other thing I was a little disappointed with 'out of the box' was that the two woods took the white pretty differently, so the top is definitely more pinkish because of the wood tome showing through and the sides and back are more white, which is the color I was actually hoping for. Live and learn, first of many I'm sure!  In the end I'll probably be OK with the body color if I do a tortoise shell guard or something, but that seems to be moving farther away from something that will look good with the fret markers. However, I think given how many other firsts I have ahead of me, messing with the inlays is a bad idea. I like the idea of revisiting in 6 months and seeing if I even care anymore. If I do I can decide what to do then.

So now I'm off to start the process of applying the headstock decal! Which, if I'm honest, is definitely NOT the thing I thought I would be doing right out the gate, but that's what's beautiful about these forums...so much knowledge to share!

Thanks!