Replacing dot inlays on a new neck

[docteurseb]

There are a few Tele "in-stock" necks I like for an upcoming build but they usually have cream dot inlays.
Maybe I could upgrade the dots as explained here and learn a new trick (or ruin a neck) in the process:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ki0YqTZXI78

That looks simple, right ?
I wonder if the cream dot material Warmoth uses will be as cooperative as the plastic dots seen in that video.

Has anyone tried something this ?

 

[TonyFlyingSquirrel]

There are a few Tele "in-stock" necks I like for an upcoming build but they usually have cream dot inlays.
Maybe I could upgrade the dots as explained here and learn a new trick (or ruin a neck) in the process:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ki0YqTZXI78

That looks simple, right ?
I wonder if the cream dot material Warmoth uses will be as cooperative as the plastic dots seen in that video.

Has anyone tried something this ?

Easier said than done on a fretted neck.
On a slotted neck with no frets, easier to re-radius after dot replacement, but much more difficult on a fretted neck, radius will not be uniform on the affected areas.

Easier to just order a neck made with your desired dots.

 

[mayfly]

What he said.  Just order the dots you want.

 

[ghotiphry]

Huh.  After watching the videos, I'd love to try it.  I've got a pau ferro/pau ferro with cream inlays I'd like to have with black.  I don't know that I would want to be the guinea pig, however.  Thing is, sometimes certain neck is available only in the showcase, like a jazz bass pau ferro/pau ferro.  And, apart from maple and roasted maple, which get black inlays, they always do cream.  In addition, buying a neck from the showcase is cheaper than custom build, given the same configuration.  I've actually passed by a neck because of the stock inlays.  Knowing there's an option like this might steer me towards a neck I'd not considered.

You gonna try it?

 

[docteurseb]

Thanks all for the words of caution!
If I attempt this, I'll let you know on this thread with pictures during the process.

I just watched part 2 which is about leveling the dots:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovfQK7sEoOM&t=424s

He is using a razor blade, it still looks "simple" enough ;-)
Knowing myself though, I'm not sure my fingers will still be in one piece if I try this.

The primary reason I'd go "in-stock" is to save time, it's also nice to see what you're getting especially with figured or exotic woods. And as ghotiphry mentioned, discounts can be substantial on exotic/figured woods which doesn't hurt.

 

[TonyFlyingSquirrel]

Thanks all for the words of caution!
If I attempt this, I'll let you know on this thread with pictures during the process.

I just watched part 2 which is about leveling the dots:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovfQK7sEoOM&t=424s

He is using a razor blade, it still looks "simple" enough ;-)
Knowing myself though, I'm not sure my fingers will still be in one piece if I try this.

The primary reason I'd go "in-stock" is to save time, it's also nice to see what you're getting especially with figured or exotic woods. And as ghotiphry mentioned, discounts can be substantial on exotic/figured woods which doesn't hurt.

What you save in time and money may come at a cost...

 

[Cagey]

Showcase savings are typically 10%-15%. So, on a $300 neck, that might be $30 - $45. So, you have to ask yourself what your time is worth. Replacing those dots isn't a trivial task, and may leave you with a less-than-perfect fretboard. Is the time and risk worth $30 - $45?

That said, most showcase necks aren't fretted. If you can do fretwork, you could buy the neck unfretted, replace the dots, then fret it yourself. Even if Warmoth frets it, they still need to be levelled, recrowned, dressed and polished once you get it anyway, so installing the frets in the first place doesn't add that much more to the job.

 

[ByteFrenzy]

A couple of years ago I installed two abalone dots at the 12th fret on a previously sans dots bass neck, and frankly it went quite well. The only issue I had was that I overdid going through finer and finer sanding pads until it bacame more polished where I added the dots than the rest of the neck. These pictures are from after fitting but before final cleaning up.

 

[docteurseb]

For now, I'll go ahead and have a custom one built ;-)

 

[lightsoundgeometry]

I have done 6 of them now and still a work in progress although my last one turned out really well .

it all depends on how the old inlays are glued in ..you have to insanely careful or you will indent or chip the wood around the edges of the holes . I also recommend getting the inlays from stew mac to assure the right size, taking risk and chances going from feebay.

I use the stew mac two part epoxy for this as well and I believe SM also carries the dye. If Warmoth carries the products order from them as I believe it will be quality too.

of course if you have a tool room or shed/garage with proper routing tools and vices its not a problem...I am working with rudimentary  devices here like a hand held black n decker dremel with no real vice or table route.

if you could clamp the neck level under a precision routing press it would be a piece of cake for the most part. I like to do one at a time to make sure the inlay dries level with the wood as it tends to move whilst drying.