These look like they'd be great if anyone currently has dot inlays and wants to experience linear inlays:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Stick-0-2-5mm-AG-In ... 2282wt_907

Kris

Being new to the stick (last Christmas), i had ordered by stick with dot inlays and I had no idea how valuable linear inlays would be in learning the instrument. I had the opportunity to play one almost identical to mine (thanks Bizon!) with linear inlays and the difference was amazing.

James suggested that I look for a violin shop and get them to sell me some of the tape they stick to the fingerboard of a child's violin. Did so, and they advised me there was no such tape and that they used automotive pinstripe tape. Ten bucks and 20 minutes work later, it looks great and is so much easier to see (white decals on indian rosewood). The tape is 3mm wide (a little narrower I think than Emmett's inlays).

I originally used small portion on the side of the neck, but that was useless. The good thing is that the stuff I used removes easily when needed without leaving a mark or residue.

I would much prefer Emmett's inlays, maybe next time!

Thanks to Rob Martino for his recommendation, I actually got some of the violin fingerboard tape:

Violin Fingerboard Tape which I use for the offset linear markers on my Ten String Grand.

They are not as easy to see as the wider markers, but the do the job.

I ordered my dark bamboo grand without inlays (wasn't sure what color would be best), and then sent it back to Emmett for a retrofit of what are now called "black pearl"

And I totally agree with you, linear inlays are extremely effective, very easy-to-use reference points, especially with a more vertical instrument positioning.

I love the functionality of the linear markers. They look great on the wide finger board and really help divide the "grid".
I like the LOOK of dots more, but not really by much. Something about that classic stick look slays me aesthetically.
That being said, i think there a lot of trade-offs ; function vs looks. For example the stickup looks so much nicer to me. But that being said, the Block's sounds would definately be worth something hideous being whacked in there. The block is still so well designed that it manages to capture enough of the stickup look to maintain a truly Stick look.
The amazing thing is that Emmet can make any new idea look as good as it plays.

Heck, my inlays are deep blue linear, against an Osage Orange fretboard (a beautiful orange wood.). It doesn't work in theory but somehow Emmet pulled it together with class. I have no idea why the guy who ordered it wanted this colour combination, there's no way he could have foreseen the results.

I'm wondering... has anyone ever modified a Stick with dot inlays to one with linear inlays? Can it be done in a way that doesn't look forced?

Just curious...
Karma

I guess you carefully gather the wood dust when you cut the channel for the linear inlays and use it to fill the void left by the dot inlay mixed with glue... It will never look the same and it will require an experience wood worker to do it properly. My advice is DO NOT TRY THIS; use violin tape or similar as linear inlays and just forget about the dots.
If linear inlays are really important to you, it could be the perfect excuse to order a new Stick


Cheers, Daniel.

I recently received a set of the linear inlay decals, as well as the "tree of life" inlay decals for bass. It went pretty well, aside from the fact that when I got my strings back on I noticed the lowest bass string covers the stem in various places. Were I to do it again, I'd move it so it's either more on the melody side, or centered around the low string (to give the illusion that it's wrapped around the string).

Check it out:



more pics @
http://picasaweb.google.com/103389591630259902010/InlayDecals?authkey=Gv1sRgCLXbi-j4xpjmYg&feat=directlink

This looks great on a Stick that is made from lighter toned timber. Having a rosewood stick, I would probably have to go with something that was a little lighter to contrast with the timber. I'm curious, where did you purchase these decals?

Regards,
Sam

The seller on eBay has decals designed to cover up regular dot inlays, so that you can put on "fancy" inlays like the tree-of-life or the EKG inlays. I am going to contact the seller and see if I can get some big ones to cover up my dot inlays. My new Stick has the dots in a position that's not really going to work for me, so I'm interested in putting in some linear inlays.

Speaking of inlays, here's my dilemma: I am primarily a bass player, and I NEED that low B! I have been experimenting with a Mobius Megatar until my Stick arrives, and I find the normal arrangement of things is not what works for me. I need to be able to hammer on the low B a lot, and it's easier to tap on the 2nd fret than on the first fret. My new Stick is an older model and doesn't have an X fret, just the nut then 1 and 2 (where the dot inlay is.) I've got the Stick tuned so that the fret 2 note is B, so the lowest string would be tuned to A at the nut and the 12th fret. What I plan to do is cover up the inlays and move everything up two frets. The fret 2 note will b B, and then I'll put markers at 5, 7, 9, 11, and 14 in the bass guitar pattern. Tuning the Stick to Dual Bass Reciprocal will give me instant familiarity on the melody side, and then I get the Stick-ness of the bass in 5ths, which is really awesome.

I love these inlays:



Some of those in a 34" scale, with big ol' dots to cover the original inlays - awesome.