A different kind of position marker........your thoughts?

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Cbstark46143
Posts: 43
Joined: Sat Aug 30, 2014 5:49 pm

A different kind of position marker........your thoughts?

Post by Cbstark46143 »

I’ve not seen this before, but I think it should work.

How about using gold frets at 5, 7, 9, 12, etc... in contrast to silver at all other locations instead of traditional position markers?

I would keep the side dots the same.

What are your thoughts....pros and cons?
Danl8
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Re: A different kind of position marker........your thoughts

Post by Danl8 »

Why not try it?

A reason not to do so might be if it is going to be for sale, that might limit your clientele somewhat. For me as a player, I don't usually rely on inlays or markers for position; the side dots are much more functional in that regard. I look at markers at any location as decorative and non-functional. I would think the same applies to colored frets. Maybe silver frets at positions on an otherwise gold colored fret FB? Or how about black frets on ebony with silver frets at 5, 7, 9 & 12?
ruby@magpage.com
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Location: Chestertown Maryland

Re: A different kind of position marker........your thoughts

Post by ruby@magpage.com »

I don't have any gold fret wire to compare, but I think it sounds like it would work. Easy to replace a few gold with silver if it is a bust.

Ed
Ed M
Mal-2
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Re: A different kind of position marker........your thoughts

Post by Mal-2 »

The player shouldn't be looking at the marks on the front anyhow, they should be looking at the dots on the side. Chapman often only has an ∞ at the 12th fret on an otherwise unmarked fingerboard, and they're selling just fine.

That said, an unusual and attractive set of inlays can really add to the perceived value of a guitar. (Bespoke pieces like Diane makes are a whole different class entirely. Those are heirlooms.)
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MaineGeezer
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Re: A different kind of position marker........your thoughts

Post by MaineGeezer »

The only potential problem, probably quite minor, that I can see is getting both "normal" and gold fret wire the same size. The dimensions may not quite match, the best you can do. However, any minor height variation will be addressed when you level the frets, and if the profile or width are slightly different...you want the gold frets to stand out, anyway, so a difference in profile or width can be a "feature."
Don't believe everything you know.
Anything is possible if you don't know what you are talking about.
When things are bad, try not to make them any worse, because it is quite likely they are bad enough already. - French Foreign Legion
JLT
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Re: A different kind of position marker........your thoughts

Post by JLT »

Would there be an issue with the two types of frets wearing out at different rates?
Cbstark46143
Posts: 43
Joined: Sat Aug 30, 2014 5:49 pm

Re: A different kind of position marker........your thoughts

Post by Cbstark46143 »

The results are in!


The visible contrast between the gold and silver frets is so subtle it is barely noticeable.
(See photos)

The gold frets were slightly taller and a bit harder than the silver which made leveling and recrowning a pain.

For me, it’s not worth the effort.....but now I know.

FAIL.........
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Diane Kauffmds
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Re: A different kind of position marker........your thoughts

Post by Diane Kauffmds »

I think its an excellent idea, because you can see the color difference from the side, which eliminates the need for side markers, but you'd have to use stainless steel frets for the remaining markers.

I don't see it as a fail, but a learning experience. The idea is a good one.
Diane Kauffmann
Country Roads Guitars
countryroadsguitars@gmail.com
Danl8
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Joined: Mon Jul 28, 2014 7:50 am
Location: Chadds Ford, PA

Re: A different kind of position marker........your thoughts

Post by Danl8 »

Looks like a nice guitar! Definitely not a fail; you experimented and successfully implemented your design. And perhaps you learned that you wouldn't want to spoil the memory of this experience by doing again (or maybe you would...).
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