Only side dot inlays with kit, nothing else?

[Monts]

So I've been working on a Stewmac kit recently and just got around to doing the fretboard inlays. Initially upon receiving the kit, I took a quick look at the bag with the dot inlays, and set them aside. Yesterday I went to start the inlays and upon closer inspection of the contents in the small bag, there are 20 pearl side dots...nothing else. They are 3/32 (small side dots).

I contacted Stewmac thinking they must have mistakenly only gave me side dots and forgot the bigger ones for the top of the fretboard, the response I got back was that it's supposed to have 20 small dots, no larger. There's no layout provided. What exactly is one to do with 20 (3/32) sized dots across a fretboard? Any ideas? Does anyone have a pic? Don't think I've ever seen a guitar with that small of dot on the top of the board?

[PatrickMadsen]

Other than just for looks, I never understood why they put dots on the top of a fretboard. You'd have to tip the instrument just to see them. I only have side dots on any custom I get made; I feel it's a cleaner look.

20 dots though should be enough for top and side; the top would just be smaller and could always use two for each top fret needed.

[Monts]

Originally Posted by PatrickMadsen

Other than just for looks, I never understood why they put dots on the top of a fretboard. You'd have to tip the instrument just to see them. I only have side dots on any custom I get made; I feel it's a cleaner look.

20 dots though should be enough for top and side; the top would just be smaller and could always use two for each top fret needed.

Maybe two centered on each half on top? They're pretty small, just not sure how that would look. I may just skip it like you said and only put them on the side.

[JonWint]

What kit?

The parts list I looked at for a dreadnought listed 8 fret marker dots and side dot material.

They will be happy to sell you the appropriate dots. Looks like tuning machines are not included in the kit.

[Monts]

It was the monkeypod OM kit. I don't think it comes with them. Yeah, I'd probably have to buy them as an extra.

[Nahil.R]

Originally Posted by Monts

It was the monkeypod OM kit. I don't think it comes with them. Yeah, I'd probably have to buy them as an extra.

That's cool, nice to see Stew-Mac offering more varied kits. Wish they had more options like LMI.

Good luck and have fun building your kit!

Nahil.

[Quickstep192]

I've seen guitars with small fretboard markers laid out like in the attached sketch.

[Quickstep192]

Here's a photo that better illustrates.

[Monts]

Thanks!! I saw a few other things similar, I'll probably do something like that!

[Quickstep192]

Or, you could get the router base from StewMac and a Dremel and go really wild with the inlay. Lots of inspiration here - https://www.luthiersupply.com

If you've got a steady hand and good eye, it's easier than you think...

[Monts]

Oh I have the Stewmac router base...Thanks for the link, some of those look amazing! now I’m thinking [emoji848]