Active Band Man Chats - Fretboard Inlays

So, what’s the topic this time?

Inlays!

Wait, straight to the point? Isn’t that a bit too quick?

Yep!

No usual long-winded banter this time...

It’s fine to get to the point inlay-tely.

...You just wanted to say that, didn’t you?

Can you explain what inlays are?

They’re decorative pieces cut into various shapes and embedded into a surface. In this case, we’re mainly talking about fretboard inlays—what are commonly known as position markers, right?

Exactly. For guitars, inlays can also be found on the headstock as brand logos or designs, or even as part of the body’s binding. But today, let’s focus on fretboard position markers. There’s a lot to explore!

Yes, in terms of both design and materials.

Let’s look at some designs! Starting with the simplest: dots!

PLAYTECH / ST250 Rose White

These are dot inlays, the most commonly used design on guitars, especially on models like Fender. Probably the easiest to produce, right?

Exactly! And on the 12th fret, you’ll find two dots.

Right. And for 24-fret models, you’ll also see two dots there.

PLAYTECH / LP400 Black (LP Style)

Trapezoid inlays.

Epiphone / Les Paul Custom Ebony
On Les Paul Custom models, you get block inlays. They have a sharp, clean look—very cool!

Squier / Classic Vibe '70s Jaguar Black
Block inlays on Fender-style guitars? I like that too. It has this unexpected charm, almost like a contrast you can’t help but love.

Fender / American Ultra Jazz Bass Ultraburst
Ah, for bass guitars, it reminds me of the '70s Jazz Bass. The Jazz Bass went through various spec changes over the years, so inlays can often help pinpoint its production year.

Bass guitars have larger fretboards, so there’s more room for bold inlays. That’s great!

That’s your takeaway? Well, personally, I prefer block inlays over dots. Not a hard rule, but if I get to choose, I’d go for blocks.

Next up, something hardcore!

Jackson / JS32Q DKA Dinky Arch Top, Transparent Green Burst

Oh, it’s a Jackson—definitely has that metal vibe.

This one features shark fin inlays.

Shark fins... dorsal fins, maybe? And recently, I’ve seen shark tooth inlays, which are even more jagged. Literally like shark teeth. There’s also a smaller variation called piranha tooth inlays.

The variety keeps growing, huh? For another bold option, there’s this!

Schecter / Demon-6 ABSN

A cross? ...For a model called ‘Demon’?

Speaking of crosses, this one comes to mind!

ESP / jeune fille X Ferrum -Cross Ray Illusion-

Whoa, this is a super high-end model! Is that... text? You read it starting from the higher frets?

Seems like it. Probably meant for the audience to read rather than the player.

I see... interesting approach.

ESP / M-II Sayo II FR
Oh! This is totally my style!

A rose, huh.

Yeah! A rose blooms right at the 12th fret! And I love how the ones on the other frets are subtly placed off to the side.

I wonder if it’s easy to play with that design...

ESP / Anchang Star BK
Skulls, too!

Wow! That’s Sex Machineguns’ Anchang signature model, right? Yeah, just like the ones with text or roses, artist models really go all out with their designs.

ESP / Vulture Olympic White

This one also has a bold design on the 12th fret, like the rose earlier.

Totally! Since it’s called Vulture, it probably evokes images of vultures or condors.

ESP / Stream-GT Custom FM Blue
This one has a block shape, but the material’s natural patterns make it look so elegant!

ESP really pays attention to detail, don’t they?

ESP / ESP-Arrow FR Toko

Butterflies?

Not just any butterfly—these are inlays of Morpho butterflies made from reconstituted stone!

I don’t really get it, but... sure.

ESP / JimmyCAT - 44Magnum 35th Anniversary Edition

Oh, the ‘44’ is the band’s logo, from 44Magnum, right?

Yes!

ESP’s craftsmanship in these intricate designs is truly top-notch.

But Ibanez is no slouch either!

Ibanez / PIA3761C-BLP

I see, the whole neck forms one cohesive design.

And then, on the flip side!

Aristides / 080 Red Metallic Satin w/Arcade-Style Killswitch

Wait... how many strings does this have?

Does it matter? On such a wide fretboard, having just one inlay at the 12th fret gives it such a clean and sleek look!

Well... I guess that’s true...

Gretsch / G6120T-BSSMK Brian Setzer Nashville '59 "Smoke" w/Bigsby OR
Simple, but with a clever twist—nice!

The inlays are positioned off to the side.

And another Gretsch! This one’s more intricate.

Gretsch / G6120RHH Reverend Horton Heat w/Bigsby Orange Stain

There’s some kind of design inside the inlays...

Paul Reed Smith represents the motion of a bird landing!

Paul Reed Smith (PRS) / SE Custom 24 Floyd Charcoal Burst

It has such a dynamic, speedy vibe!

I think that’s about it!

Thanks for the effort!

But wait, check out the inlays on my Teisco guitar.

No matter how many times I see it, I still can’t figure out what shape they’re supposed to be... mushrooms?

Mysterious, right? What could it be...? Oh! Could it be the ‘T’ from Teisco?

It does kind of look like a ‘T’... maybe? But this discussion has made it clear that the possibilities for inlays are endless. That said, while simple designs like dots or blocks are straightforward, creating letters or pictures as inlays involves a lot of handwork by skilled craftsmen, so naturally, the costs go up.

Exactly. That’s why they’re often used in artist signature models. When it comes to high-end models, those intricate inlays are included, which naturally comes with a premium price tag. On more affordable models, those details are often simplified or replaced with dots instead.

But... let me ask you this: Can you even see the inlay while you’re playing?

Hmm? No, you can’t really see it.

Right? Honestly, as long as there are position markers on the side of the neck, isn’t that enough?

No, no, inlays are still important! When you’re admiring the guitar, having them makes a huge difference compared to not having them at all.

Fair enough. Looks are important.

See? If it were up to me, I’d go with something like roses. What about you, Horry?

Hmm... I’m fine with something simple. But if I had to choose, I’d probably go with blocks over dots.

Nope, nope! If we’re doing this, let’s put some serious thought into it!

Fine... Since my band, Nacional, is supposed to be a ghost-themed rock band (according to the concept), maybe something like will-o’-the-wisps?

Love it!

And for the 12th fret, how about a well?

Even better! Ghosts emerging from the well, tossing plates onto each fret: “First fret... Third fret... Fifth fret...”

And then they run out of frets—“Oh no, I’m cursed”—like a parody of Banchō Sarayashiki! What’s this about “running out of frets,” though? That makes no sense!

Ahh! Horry’s scary when he’s mad! But remember, because everything is?

For love!

By the way, wouldn’t a Dullahan be a cool idea, too?

Dullahan? What’s that? (Googles) Ah, I see... A headless horseman...