Glow in the Dark Fret Markers!!!!! Luminlay Substitute

[JonnyAngle]

codetocontra got me hooked on this scheme. With Aluminum necks, it can be hard to see the fret markers in the dark. Most companies offer Luminlay dots for an upcharge. This is a substitute for that which I think looks just as good.

Step 1: Take 1/*16" drillbit in your hand and turn it over the stock inlay. Make sure you get all of the old dot out.

Step 2: Start filling the hole with glow in the dark nail polish. You have to be sure to fill it from the side or you'll get air bubbles.

Step 3: After it's been drying for about 10 minutes, CAREFULLY scrape around the dot to clean off any excess material

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Step 4: Take a rag with Acetone and rub it over the top.

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I didn't fill my inlays to the top to get some shadow depth in ambient light. Seems to POP more that way. I'd say its 1/32" from being full.

If you do this on a wood neck, the drilling process tends to crack any clear finish in the top, so it's advised to clear over the top once this whole process is finished.

[JonnyAngle]

Here's how it looks when it's all done!

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final full.jpg (63.53 KiB) Viewed 3194 times

[adamajah]

1. That looks sick
2. You got big balls drilling into an $800 neck. Props!

[Gone Fission]

Fuck, that gives me ideas for a lap steel project. Though I’ll probably need a lot for all the frets. Still, very cool idea.

[JonnyAngle]

I'll give an update on this:

The glow only lasts for a minute or two in pitch black. It does pick up "stage lights" to stay lit longer. I am trying to find someone who has legit LUMINLAY side dots for comparison. I'll have a set in about 5 months, so hang tight!