Side dot markers stickers

TeleMaster

A new tele I have has very faint side dot markers. I struggle to see them when at practice, where we have low lighting. 

I found some small circular stickers to replace or add dot markers, but nothing too suitable in the UK.  Has anyone got any issues of what I can use?

skullfunkerry

I’ve bought inlay stickers and body decals from here before:

https://www.inlaystickers.com/

Not sure if they do side markers as well though. If not, presumably any small vinyl stickers would be ok? Something like the sheets they sell in Paperchase/Poundland etc?

Mudcrutch

I’ve never known a good guitar teacher to recommend using Neck  side dot markers.

Mudcrutch

The best Decals are Captain Beefhart.

TeleMaster

skullfunkerry said:

I’ve bought inlay stickers and body decals from here before:

https://www.inlaystickers.com/

Not sure if they do side markers as well though. If not, presumably any small vinyl stickers would be ok? Something like the sheets they sell in Paperchase/Poundland etc?

Thanks. They're in America, I found some in the UK but they're maybe a bit big. 

TeleMaster

Mudcrutch said:

I’ve never known a good guitar teacher to recommend using Neck  side dot markers.

I've been playing 25 years now. I want some visible side dots to help orientate me from time to time on a really dark stage so I'll use some side dots. Even people who say don't use them probably use them sub consciously, I don't really care what 'good teachers' recommend. Most teachers I've used have said that there are no rules, and if it works there's no harm in using it. Thanks. 

Nitefly

I imagine stickers would peel off eventually - what about enamel paint as used by model aircraft types?  Bright yellow should be OK.

Teflon

Why not go the whole hog and get some LEDs installed http://www.simscustom.com/html/00leds.htm.  I've seen a guitar with these fitted in the side of the neck, and when switched off, you'd never know they weren't standard side dots.  A very subtle mod if you're into that sort of thing.

Cliff

Kittyfrisk

There was a discussion on this topic a while back
https://www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/comment/2699211/#Comment_2699211

TeleMaster

Nitefly said:

I imagine stickers would peel off eventually - what about enamel paint as used by model aircraft types?  Bright yellow should be OK.

Would that cause any harm to the finish?

TeleMaster

Teflon said:

Why not go the whole hog and get some LEDs installed http://www.simscustom.com/html/00leds.htm.  I've seen a guitar with these fitted in the side of the neck, and when switched off, you'd never know they weren't standard side dots.  A very subtle mod if you're into that sort of thing.

Cliff

A bit extreme for a 53 Tele reissue! Lol

TeleMaster

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/303074476595

These seem decent. Although slightly larger than normal side dots. 

Roland

Stickers do wear off, and they can leave a sticky residue. I tried Humbrol white enamel paint, but that wore off too. I had more luck with a silver marker pen. If the guitar I question hadn’t been a Parker Fly I’d have drilled for new markers.

Talking of markers. I bought some Lumilay to solve a similar problem, but haven’t fitted it yet. The urgency evaporated because I can’t test it under gig conditions.

Nitefly

TeleMaster said:

Nitefly said:

I imagine stickers would peel off eventually - what about enamel paint as used by model aircraft types?  Bright yellow should be OK.

Would that cause any harm to the finish?

Dunno, sorry, but I suppose it would depend on what the finish actually is.  I can't see it having much impact on poly, but an oiled finish might be a problem.  

TeleMaster

Nitefly said:

TeleMaster said:

Nitefly said:

I imagine stickers would peel off eventually - what about enamel paint as used by model aircraft types?  Bright yellow should be OK.

Would that cause any harm to the finish?

Dunno, sorry, but I suppose it would depend on what the finish actually is.  I can't see it having much impact on poly, but an oiled finish might be a problem.  

It's a nitro finish. 

Nitefly

Hmm, maybe try acrylic instead of enamel then, they are water-based:

https://www.humbrol.com/uk-en/shop/paints/acrylic-paints/99-lemon-matt-12ml-acrylic-paint.html

Sassafras

Get the coarsest file you can find and file the fretboard edges down between the side dots so they stick out.
Rely on your sense of touch more than your eyesight.

darius

I can't give stickers advice but +1 for installing Luminlay side dots. Done by a tech, they are a game changer for dark gigs. (Those were the days).

And I do hope @Sassafras is joking. :-)

TeleMaster

darius said:

I can't give stickers advice but +1 for installing Luminlay side dots. Done by a tech, they are a game changer for dark gigs. (Those were the days).

And I do hope @Sassafras is joking. :-)

How much did that cost you? And yea, I'm not gonna go to a Custom Shop with a file lol. I'll leave the work to someone else!

rossi

I would drill a small shallow hole and fill with paint .I use Tamiya .Its a resin based water soluable  until dry paint and high quality . .Use a decent  fine brush from a proper art  dealer or model shop not a cheapie as it will have a proper point .If carefull you should just get it right and not need to remove any excess.I use Tamiya clear gloss too and any clear laquer small chips as it is similar in  actual texture and appearance  to nitro and poly  clear .A touch of clear orange added to it matches a tinted clear on necks ..

If you want to go anal then drill out and insert brass rod  then file down and polish .

TheMadMick

I was about to say something similar to rossi.