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What do you all use to burn your model/serial numbers into your neck/tail blocks? I've seen a few ideas online, but they are way too expensive for my wallet! I'm not quite at the point of having a fancy custom branding iron made, yet I'd really like to stop using this rubber stamp that puts extra marks everywhere :-/ Thanks!

V/R

Ken

Short of a branding iron, the best bet is probably number/letter stamps. 3/16" may be about right for a serial number. I've got a set of 1/4" numbers, and they are okay but a bit large.

I use a number punch and I've created labels which note my model numbers and serial numbers.

I use a number punch

Thanks! I have a set of small leather punches. I tried to heat them up...and they melted :-/ Do you put ink on them first? Or just leave them as indents?

Just indents.

Here is 2016 stamped with 1/4" high stamps. I notice that because of shadow weirdness or something, you can make the numbers look as though they are raised up instead of indented. They aren't.

You can stamp the neck block (before you install it), ink the numbers, then sand the surface to get rid of stray color.

Ed

My first few guitars I just used a sharpie. Not necessarily very fancy but it definately identifies your guitar as unique. Later when I built professionally I bought the "high dollar" custom branding iron.
George