block inlay patterns

[nick delmore]

I'm looking for some pics of fingerboards with block inlays for an upcoming build. I haven't found a lot with a Google search so if anyone has any good pics, I'd appreciate if you posted them here. Thanks.

[sunburst]

Two very similar with simple pearl blocks, one a little different.

https://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/t...stom-oval-hole

https://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/t...custom-mandola

https://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/t...stom-hamlett-f

[Billy Packard]

I love block inlays...

Billy

[nick delmore]

I love block inlays...

Billy

Seems like people either love them or hate them. Not a lot of middle ground, from my observation.

[Mainer73]

Seems like people either love them or hate them. Not a lot of middle ground, from my observation.

Truth! I'm in the hate 'em category myself, but I don't judge anyone who loves them. That's what's great about having asthetic options.

[KEB]

The Gibson Sam Bush signature models have a block inlay, so you can find some examples with a search for that.

[mandroid]

block with Abalone sandwiched between 2 pieces of oyster shell looks nice ..

NZ Paua shell offers a more intensive blue..

[Billydog]

[Billydog]

[Don Grieser]

Now that's classy, Billydog!

Just curious, is there any concern about wear on block inlays or is it as hard or harder than ebony?

[Billydog]

No issues Don. Mandolin is 2004 and played everyday.

[Billydog]

Under the lights I can see it it needs a clean!!!!

[nick delmore]

Howdy friends & neighbours (sorry, just been watching some old Flatt & Scruggs videos).

Would anyone happen to have a pic of a mandolin fingerboard with this style of inlay?

[pheffernan]

[Mark Gunter]

Approaching the block inlay concept without actually being blocks, lol

[Hudmister]

Harmony Bat Wing

[j-hill]

I had a Stiver built a number of years ago with a block inlay. I really liked the result.

[Sterling]

#37 Amber Koi fish with Lapis lazuli blocks by Martin Jacobson.

[Hudmister]

[Ahttps://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=201052&d=1652299543TTA CH=CONFIG]201052[/ATTACH]

#37 Amber Koi fish with Lapis lazuli blocks by Martin Jacobson.

Time to put strings on and see if it stays in tuna. You can practice scales.

[Sterling]

Time to put strings on and see if it stays in tuna. You can practice scales.

How’s that?

[Greg Connor]

Wow! That’s pretty.

[Hudmister]

While we're on the subject I am curious why there is often a block inlay at the first fret. The nut is like the 12th fret only an octave lower. Putting an inlay at the first fret would be like putting an inlay at the 13th fret. An inlay at the first fret does not seem to follow the rest of the fret marking convention. Perhaps it is done for decorative reasons. Some builds do not have a first fret marker, (j-hill's Stiver at post 17) for an example.

[JeffD]

Block inlays can be stunning. Really beautiful.

As far as playing, I use the dots on the side of the neck anyway, so it makes little difference to my playing what is on the fretboard itself.

But the look can be amazing.

[Steve 2E]

While we're on the subject I am curious why there is often a block inlay at the first fret. The nut is like the 12th fret only an octave lower. Putting an inlay at the first fret would be like putting an inlay at the 13th fret. An inlay at the first fret does not seem to follow the rest of the fret marking convention. Perhaps it is done for decorative reasons. Some builds do not have a first fret marker, (j-hill's Stiver at post 17) for an example.

I’m gonna go out on a limb and say it’s mostly about aesthetics. I’m not a big fan of block inlays, but to my eye they look better starting on the first fret.

[T.D.Nydn]

if I had to choose a block pattern , I’ve always liked the split block…