Neck fret markings refer to the small circles that are inlaid into the fretboard of a guitar. These markings are important for guitarists in order to locate specific notes on the fretboard. In order to create these markings, a process called inlaying is used. In this process, a 6mm circle is cut out of mother of pearl and then drilled into the fretboard.
The drilling process involves using a 6mm drill bit set to a depth of about 1.5-2mm. This creates a small indentation that the inlay can sit in. Once the inlay is placed in the indentation, it is glued down using superglue. The inlay is then gently hammered down using a soft hammer to ensure that it is flush with the surface of the fretboard.
After the inlaying process is complete, the fretboard is then sanded down in order to ensure that all of the inlays are flush with the surface of the fretboard. This is done using a sanding block that is curved to match the radius of the fretboard. In some cases, the technique used to sand down the fretboard may not be perfect, which can result in the edges of the fretboard being rolled off. This is not a major concern, as the fret wires that are installed later will not be affected by this.
Overall, the inlaying process is an important part of creating a high-quality guitar neck that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. By taking care to ensure that the inlays are properly installed and the neck is properly sanded down, guitar builders can create necks that will last for years and provide excellent playability for guitarists.
Posted by Serge Marx on 2010-08-28 09:52:23
