When I have built my previous fretless cbgs I have burned the fret line into my necks. I’m about to start a new build using a very dark wood for my fretboard. I would like to score the fret lines in and then fill them with a brass powder. Has anyone had experience in doing this and could offer advice regarding choice of adhesive and best method?
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I see there's still posting problems....
Anyway, I suggested zip ties on edge. Lots of colors and sandable.
Hi, that's a good move. There is Gel-type CA glue that has a slower set time so maybe even mixing the brass powder into a paste and applying it to the slot might work.
Taff
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I’ve seen that method suggested using resin, but it sounds too messy for my liking, possibly ok for fret position dots.
Thanks Taffy, I’ll have to practice on some off cuts, don’t want to ruin a good piece of wood.
Hi again, just thought of another way. I normally inlay timber in a bass neck when making it fretless, soo.
I could use thin brass strips, sold at hobby-type outlets or online.
Again thin saw cut - a thin bead of glue - push in the brass strip - sand it flat. However, brass may tarnish over time and be less visible than it was at first.
Taff
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Hi Michael, what a great idea. I have not tried it but this is what I would do/try:
I would use a thin saw cut rather than a score mark.
Run in the brass material
Flow a layer of CA glue
When dry, level off the filled slots to the fingerboard.
Taff
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Ask Randy Bretz, he does it quite often?
https://www.cigarboxnation.com/profile/RandySBretz?xg_source=activity