| Visit Our Catalog at SteelGuitarShopper.com |

Post new topic GFI "Colored" Fret Boards
Reply to topic
Author Topic:  GFI "Colored" Fret Boards
Jim Eller


From:
Kodak, TN (Michigan transplant)
Post  Posted 27 Apr 2013 4:20 pm    
Reply with quote

I just pick up a 2007 GFI SD-10 Ultra. After playing Emmons with colored fret markers and nearing 70, I find it uncomfortable and somewhat difficult to read the GFI black and white fret board.

So, I had this brilliant idea. I have a couple of new Emmons fret boards so i will just put a little double sided tape on one and set it on top of the GFI board. NOT!! Apparently the scale is a different length.

So the question is, does someone make colored fret board for a GFI Ultra?

Thanks.
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Mike Perlowin


From:
Los Angeles CA
Post  Posted 27 Apr 2013 7:50 pm    
Reply with quote

I also iike different colored fret markers, and MSAs come only in red and white. So I created a photoshop document consisting of different colored squares, and printed it on transparent label paper. Then I cut the squares down to size, and put them over the fret markers.

Voila. Colored fret markers.
_________________
Please visit my web site and Soundcloud page and listen to the music posted there.
http://www.mikeperlowin.com http://soundcloud.com/mike-perlowin
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website
Michael Silk

 

From:
Erin, Ontario, Canada
Post  Posted 27 Apr 2013 9:24 pm    
Reply with quote

I slipped a putty knife under my old Sierra black and white fretboard and pried it off. Studied one of, (I think Benzian's) guitars for a good colour scheme, got out my acrylic paints and painted mine of which I'm fairly happy with. Then I applied some glue, slipped it back in place and using some shims twixt the strings and weight on top over night,.. I think it looks pretty good.
I really liked one of David Hartley's with the little tear-drops,.. but my Sierra already had the design of elongated diamonds so I just filled them in with bright colours and I'm happy.
. . Mike
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Dennis Wood


From:
Savannah, TN USA
Post  Posted 28 Apr 2013 4:49 am    
Reply with quote

I used yellow and green sharpie permanent markers. If you don't like the colors, a bit of lacquer thinner or acetone on a cloth will wipe the color off.
_________________
auribus teneo lupum
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Joey Ace


From:
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Post  Posted 28 Apr 2013 6:16 am    
Reply with quote

Hi Jim,
I just double-side taped a Sho-Bud fretboard on top of my GFI board. That was 6 years ago and it hasn't had a problem. I never liked the GFI fretboard design, just a personal taste thing. I also removed the front logos and glued them onto the underside. Both mods can be easily reversed, if the need arises.

I find it easier on the mind and reflexes to have the same style fretboard on different guitars.


View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website
Jim Eller


From:
Kodak, TN (Michigan transplant)
Post  Posted 28 Apr 2013 8:26 am    
Reply with quote

I'm willing to try the Sharpie thing but tell me again the acetone and lacquer thinner doesn't harm the original board if I change my mind!!

I don't mind sticking things on the board either, IF I know I can get it back off without making a mess of the original fret board.

Hey Joey - It's been awhile since we've met in person. Haven't been back to a Michigan show in a long while. Or, St. Louis for that matter.
I'm with you on the mind and reflexes thing. That's why I had that brilliant idea of sticking the Emmons board on there. That is, until I found out the fret lines didn't match up.
I don't really mind the ShoBud thing. Where do you get the board?

JimE
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Ollin Landers


From:
Willow Springs, NC
Post  Posted 28 Apr 2013 8:38 am     Dale Hansen
Reply with quote

Dale has some great tips on GFI mods.

He uses a normal highlighter pen. Claims it wipes right off.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TriNEV7ZOCg

I personally own one of Dale's Slide cars and the pedal brackets. They are top quality.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqoIuXEnUFE


Last edited by Ollin Landers on 28 Apr 2013 8:43 am; edited 1 time in total
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Joey Ace


From:
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Post  Posted 28 Apr 2013 8:41 am    
Reply with quote

Sorry to say they are no longer in stock, or available, from SGC where I got them for my Carter and GFI.

I also have a 1970 Emmons that has the original fretboard.
I can't change that. Putting a 'Bud fretboard on an Emmons would cause an unforeseeable disruption in The Force Smile

Besides, those Emmons atoms are way cool.
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website
Mike Perlowin


From:
Los Angeles CA
Post  Posted 28 Apr 2013 9:03 am    
Reply with quote

I've been told that the Emmons scale length is 24&1/4 inches, and the Sho-Bud is 24. Apparently the CFI is also 24.

You are right Joey, the Emmons atoms are very cool.
_________________
Please visit my web site and Soundcloud page and listen to the music posted there.
http://www.mikeperlowin.com http://soundcloud.com/mike-perlowin
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website
Dennis Wood


From:
Savannah, TN USA
Post  Posted 28 Apr 2013 11:37 am    
Reply with quote

just moisten a cloth with the thinner, don't saturate the fretboard.
try a small spot before doing the whole thing.
_________________
auribus teneo lupum
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
John Billings


From:
Ohio, USA
Post  Posted 28 Apr 2013 11:44 am    
Reply with quote

At Performance, we got some complaints about the colored fretboard markings disappearing under various, changing stage lighting. We switched to black with white markings, which solved the problem.
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail

All times are GMT - 8 Hours
Jump to:  
Please review our Forum Rules and Policies
Our Online Catalog
Strings, CDs, instruction, and steel guitar accessories
www.SteelGuitarShopper.com

The Steel Guitar Forum
148 S. Cloverdale Blvd.
Cloverdale, CA 95425 USA

Click Here to Send a Donation

Email SteelGuitarForum@gmail.com for technical support.


BIAB Styles
Ray Price Shuffles for Band-in-a-Box
by Jim Baron