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

Posted: Thu Aug 09, 2018 1:10 pm
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?

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

Posted: Thu Aug 09, 2018 1:54 pm
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?

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

Posted: Fri Aug 10, 2018 4:45 pm
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

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

Posted: Sat Aug 11, 2018 2:21 am
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.)

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

Posted: Sat Aug 11, 2018 9:00 am
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."

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

Posted: Fri Aug 17, 2018 8:31 pm
by JLT
Would there be an issue with the two types of frets wearing out at different rates?

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

Posted: Tue Mar 12, 2019 11:19 am
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.........

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

Posted: Tue Mar 12, 2019 4:11 pm
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.

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

Posted: Tue Mar 12, 2019 9:20 pm
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...).