Semi-Permanent Side Dot Markers

Larry U · Mar 10, 2016

Yesterday, I took delivery of a new Mainland Mahogany Long Neck Pineapple Concert ukulele. It's a gorgeous instrument and sounds excellent. However, to my dismay, I found that it does not have side dot position markers, only the dots on the fretboard. I'm finding that, at this stage of my playing ability, I need to rely on side position markers once I get up above the fifth fret or so.

It looks like I have a few options: 1) I can take it to a local guitar repair guy (whom I trust to know what he's doing) and have him install the dots. 2) I can purchase the appropriate material and tools and try to do it myself (I don't have a lot of confidence in my ability to do this well). 0r, 3) Purchase some dry-transfer, semi-permanent, fret dots that can be applied to the side of the fretboard, but will eventually wear off/need replacement. Here's an example: http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Dry-Transfer-PearlWhite-Fret-Dots-Fret-Markers-for-Classical-Guitar-/290630410018?hash=item43aaec1f22:m:mcVQBAMKrGH8FuyH1-18RoA

Has anyone used these semi-permanent markers? Any opinions on the quality and durability? It's a cheap and dirty option, but I'm hoping that eventually I won't need the markers after my fretboard skills improve.

ZappCatt · Mar 10, 2016

I do not have experience, but why would they wear out anytime soon? Unless your thumb comes over and rubs, they should last awhile. If you were adding them to the frets themselves I could see them wearing out pretty quickly.

I might get some of those.

EDIT: Ok, I bought some....so will have experience soon ;-)

Larry U · Mar 10, 2016

ZappCatt said:
I do not have experience, but why would they wear out anytime soon? Unless your thumb comes over and rubs, they should last awhile. If you were adding them to the frets themselves I could see them wearing out pretty quickly.

I might get some of those.

EDIT: Ok, I bought some....so will have experience soon ;-)

I was thinking they're basically decals stuck to the surface so they might not last forever. However, I think I'm going to join you in the experience and order a set right now. It's cheap enough that if it doesn't work out, it's no big deal.

Pukulele Pete · Mar 10, 2016

I have one on the 5th fret of my Martin SO . Excellent so far , if you dont like it you can remove it with your fingernail. Mine looks like it will last a long time.
Great product.

Steveperrywriter · Mar 10, 2016

Got a tiny snowflake dot sticker on the seventh, and an even smaller on on the fifteenth fret of an ukulele without any fretboard or side markers. Been there for two years, haven't come off yet.

Larry U · Mar 10, 2016

Steveperrywriter said:
Got a tiny snowflake dot sticker on the seventh, and an even smaller on on the fifteenth fret of an ukulele without any fretboard or side markers. Been there for two years, haven't come off yet.

View attachment 89155
View attachment 89156

I like that snowflake. Where did you get it?

Steveperrywriter · Mar 10, 2016

Snargle said:
I like that snowflake. Where did you get it?

Rite-Aid, in the fingernail-decorating section. Got a whole pack of different sizes and shapes.

ZappCatt · Mar 10, 2016

Steveperrywriter said:
Got a tiny snowflake dot sticker on the seventh, and an even smaller on on the fifteenth fret of an ukulele without any fretboard or side markers. Been there for two years, haven't come off yet.

Darn, that is a good idea. I would not be surprised to find Palm Trees, Whales or Turtles in the Fingernail decal section. I might have out to CVS on lunch.

Larry U · Mar 11, 2016

Steveperrywriter said:
Rite-Aid, in the fingernail-decorating section. Got a whole pack of different sizes and shapes.

Awesome idea, Steve! Great suggestion. I will have to check them out.

kypfer · Mar 11, 2016

With instruments with white binding to the fretboard, I first very carefully measure and mark with a pencil or other non-indelible marker. Assuming I perfectly happy with the position I then take a thick pin, needle, bradawl, bodkin or whatever and make a good deep prick (just a prick mind, we're not trying to stab it to death). This (slight) depression is then filled with ink from a felt-tip pen and allowed to dry. The whole depression can then be filed smooth if necessary, clean off any surplus ink or pencil marking and you're good to go

It's surprising how obvious a relatively small dot of black can be on white plastic !

It probably took me longer to write that than complete the job

eatmyuke · Mar 11, 2016

this is a great idea, i usually just use a marker but it tends to leave a nasty smudge :/

wayfarer75 · Mar 11, 2016

Steveperrywriter said:
Rite-Aid, in the fingernail-decorating section. Got a whole pack of different sizes and shapes.

Oh, that is a great idea. Totally stealing it! Two of my ukes have only one side marker at 7, and it would be nice to have two more on each.

DownUpDave · Mar 13, 2016

I have applied the dry adhesive vinyl transfer dots to a Pono baritone. It was easy to do and they look good. Because I don't roll my thumb over the top they don't wear or get frayed.

I had read a post like this about a year ago and several members recommended "JOCKOMO" an ebay dealer that specializes in this kind of thing. Just goggle jockomo ebay store and the listing will pop up. Great product, great price, you get twenty two 1/8" dots for about $6.00. This uke did not have a dot at the third fret on either the fretboard face or side. Because these were larger than the original side dots I put them over top of the ones already there.

Larry U · Mar 13, 2016

Steveperrywriter said:
Rite-Aid, in the fingernail-decorating section. Got a whole pack of different sizes and shapes.

Picked up a pack of fingernail decals yesterday at the drug store. Snowflakes (flowers?) applied to edge of fret board and it looks great! Very simple and very cheap.

Twibbly · Mar 13, 2016

Would there be anything wrong with just using a paint pen to apply dots? You could even do different colors for different spots...

DelSc · Mar 13, 2016

I have used white-out to mark side dots on dark fret boards. It stands out well and stays put but is reversible.

KohanMike · Mar 14, 2016

I've used cheap thin dots that rubbed off too soon, and also Jokomo dots and fret marker blocks, which are very good, but I really like the idea of fingernail stickers. I'm going to look at those.

Larry U · Mar 14, 2016

Twibbly said:
Would there be anything wrong with just using a paint pen to apply dots? You could even do different colors for different spots...

Nothing wrong with it but I wouldn't trust myself to be able to create perfectly shaped and sized dots. And being somewhat of a klutz, I also don't trust myself with paint around a finely-finished wood instrument.

Twibbly · Mar 14, 2016

Snargle said:
Nothing wrong with it but I wouldn't trust myself to be able to create perfectly shaped and sized dots. And being somewhat of a klutz, I also don't trust myself with paint around a finely-finished wood instrument.

Thanks.

You...might have a point there.

Tootler · Apr 16, 2016

I just used a fine tip permanent marker pen - just dot with the tip on the neck opposite the frets. Works fine for me and when it wears out, easy to redo it. I've not found a problem with smudging as long as you're careful and give it time to dry properly before using the uke.

Semi-Permanent Side Dot Markers

UU VIP

Well-known member

UU VIP

Well-known member

Well-known member

UU VIP

Well-known member

Well-known member

UU VIP

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

UU VIP

UU VIP

Well-known member

Member

Los Angeles, Beverly Grove West

UU VIP

Well-known member

Well-known member

Similar threads