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  #1  
Old 11-29-2019, 02:32 PM
Datcoolguy Datcoolguy is offline
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Default Custom Fret Inlay Luthiers Reccomendations?

Does anyone have any experience with any custom fretwork? Pricing, skill, and turn around time are key for me. I dont want someone who is backlogged 6 months, but I also want a quality job done. Can anyone provide any reccommdations?

Last edited by Datcoolguy; 11-30-2019 at 05:17 PM. Reason: Typo
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Old 11-29-2019, 03:55 PM
Stevied63 Stevied63 is offline
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If you are just looking for inlay work, Larry Robinson is one of the best.
https://robinsoninlays.com/
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Old 11-29-2019, 07:33 PM
Roksbug Roksbug is offline
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Default Inlay work

Harvey Leach recently did some inlay work for me. Absolutely stunning work!! He is located in northern California.
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Old 11-29-2019, 08:31 PM
gitarro gitarro is offline
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Jimmi Wingert is also famous for her inlay work although she had taken a hiatus earlier and I do not know if she is accepting work yet.
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Old 11-29-2019, 09:33 PM
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Harvey Leach is probably the best, and most famous, inlay artist out there.

Bill Nichols does wonderful work as well.
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Old 11-29-2019, 09:37 PM
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Craig Lavin is also a very good artist and very prolific.
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Old 11-29-2019, 11:44 PM
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Welcome Datcoolguy!

Plus one for Jimmi Wingert, who has done some amazing inlays for my guitars. She's working again after a break to have a baby, and you can see her inlays here - https://www.instagram.com/jimmiwingertinlay/?hl=en

Larry, Harvey and Jimmi each bring their own aesthetic to their inlays and with those three, plus Craig Lavin, you have an amazing choice.
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Old 11-30-2019, 09:36 AM
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As has been said, Larry Robinson, Harvey Leach, and Jimmi Wingert are all great choices, but they probably all have the 6-month backlog you are trying to avoid. Perhaps look into Mike Franks of Michigan? He's done some impressive inlay work that you can see at links here.

Last edited by Erithon; 11-30-2019 at 03:35 PM.
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Old 11-30-2019, 10:46 AM
Datcoolguy Datcoolguy is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Erithon View Post
As has been said, Larry Robinson, Harvey Leach, and Jimmi Wingert are all great choices, but they probably all the 6-month backlog you are trying to avoid. Perhaps look into Mike Franks of Michigan? He's done some impressive inlay work that you can see at links here.
Do you know if they require the guitar for 6 months to work on or of theyll just take a security deposit? I dont wanna be without my guitar for 6 months v.v
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Old 11-30-2019, 11:35 AM
tadol tadol is offline
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Adding inlay to an existing guitar is far more difficult than doing it before the fretboard is attached. Depending on the complexity of the design, you might consider having a new fretboard made, and then most of the time-consuming work can be done while you have your guitar, and then its a faster job of just replacing the fretboard. Of course, if it’s just a matter of adding a little decoration between a couple frets, thats a different story -
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Old 11-30-2019, 03:39 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Datcoolguy View Post
Do you know if they require the guitar for 6 months to work on or of theyll just take a security deposit? I dont wanna be without my guitar for 6 months v.v
I have no idea. You'll need to contact them and ask. But a down payment seems likely: I doubt they'd ask you to send them your instrument if they're just going to let it sit in a corner for months.

But you said you are looking to avoid a lengthy wait right? It won't hurt to check, but I'd be surprised if folks like Robinson, Leach, or Wingert didn't have considerable waitlist.
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Old 11-30-2019, 03:55 PM
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Hey datcoolguy

It occurs to me you have not actually mentioned whether you want INLAY, or FRETWORK. (Or both)

Paul
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Old 11-30-2019, 04:32 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Erithon;6225116.... Perhaps look into Mike Franks of Michigan? He's done some impressive inlay work that you can see at links [URL="https://www.mjfranksguitars.com/news"
here[/URL].
I think Mike has someone else do most of the fancy inlay that show up on his guitars. He does not represent himself so much as an inlay artist as a luthier. I can certainly endorse his work as a luthier. The inlay he did for me was well-executed but simple, just as I'd asked for.
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Old 11-30-2019, 05:16 PM
Datcoolguy Datcoolguy is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Guitars44me View Post
Hey datcoolguy

It occurs to me you have not actually mentioned whether you want INLAY, or FRETWORK. (Or both)

Paul
Both yes. I am looking to redo the binding on the body, as well as, head and fretwork inlays.

I got a good deal on a taylor 214ce so I want to make it flashy.
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Old 11-30-2019, 05:33 PM
Gordon Currie Gordon Currie is offline
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I can recommend Larry Robinson. My partner had her custom guitar fretboard inlaid.

In her case, she had the luthier send the neck just before final attachment. The turn-around time was not excessive (maybe 4 weeks).

Are you looking at inlay on an existing guitar? That would entail a lot more prep work.
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