JEM7VSBL Inlays

[bpd111]

I think I'm about ready to have Jeremy at LGM Guitars change out the blue plastic inlays from my SBL, but I'm not sure what I want. So, I'm looking to you folks for suggestions. I want something that you'll be able to see from more than a few feet away. The inlays are great work, and I want people to be able to see it and appreciate it. But I don't want it to be shocking or over done. I want real shell, not plastics or synthetics. And I want the color to gel with with the guitar's blue color--not clash!

I tend to prefer mother of pearl, but that might be too bright. Jeremy recommended blue paua, but I'm afraid the greenish tinge might not go with the blue.

I got this link from Jeremy. I hope I'm not giving away any "insider secrets". If I am, let me know and I'll pull it.

http://www.luthiersupply.com/shellblankpage.html

[jemsite]

the rosewood board hinders the inlay so i'd use a white MOP and add a pearloid white pickguard... glen

[bpd111]

At one time I considered changing the fretboard too, but I like the rosewood. I don't see how it "hinders" anything.

[MALAM]

I think you should get the larger leaves done egg yellow & the smaller ones brown

[bpd111]

Originally Posted by Bsboy

I think you should get the larger leaves done egg yellow & the smaller ones brown

You're kidding, right? The blue doesn't show up on the brown fretboard, but brown would?

[btweensunandmoon]

i looked at the choices and i would also suggest the blue paua. I think MOP would be a bit too much given the amount of blue in the guitar body. It just wouldnt look right. I dont think the green would be an issue and perhaps the green would add some spice (but not over the top) that the vsbl really needs.

[johncowan]

Another vote for the blue paua. If you want to know what the difference between that and mother of pear would look like on rosewood boards check out pics of PRS guitars. The mother of pearl is the standard inlay material for birds. The paua is the standard inlay material used with PRS guitars ordered with the artist package. Both look tremendous and both will jump out in light or under stage light. In low light situations I'd give the slight edge to the MOP.

Good Luck....

JC

[pawel]

Yet another vote for blue paua...

[littlegreenman]

I like the blue paua too :P

[omrisu]

look what I did!
JEM7VSBL PEARL

[bpd111]

Originally Posted by omrisu

look what I did!
JEM7VSBL PEARL

That looks great!

[jemsite]

Originally Posted by bpd111

At one time I considered changing the fretboard too, but I like the rosewood. I don't see how it "hinders" anything.

it hinders contrast w/ some of the fancier inlays, cause it's not as dark as ebony, or pale as maple.

i would not change or recommend you change the fretboard, just factor it when choosing the abalone. the blue paua is nice but at 4x the cost might look underwhelming... it really depends what you're looking for visually... glen

[jemsite]

Originally Posted by omrisu

look what I did!
JEM7VSBL PEARL

this is an example of what i'm talking about. it's nice, but subdued... you need to blow up the pic (ie. stand close) to really notice the inlay. the guitar on a stand from across the room will still look boring like the std VSBL. A lighter inlay (ie. like the jem10) would stand out more, but it depends on the look you want. i also think the plain white (ie. cheap looking) guard detracts and stands out more (detrimentally) with the improved inlay and should be changed.

your mileage will vary... glen

[omrisu]

Originally Posted by jemsite

the rosewood board hinders the inlay so i'd use a white MOP and add a pearloid white pickguard... glen

Well...Jem7Vsbl with white MOP & pearloid pickguard

[bpd111]

Hmmmm... (Thanks, omrisu!) I think I'm leaning toward the blue paua. Still, Glen raises a good point. I wonder how far away it would be visible. I don't want to be too showy, but I want people to be able to see the work!