While there are many ways to accomplish the same thing, I thought that I would show how I made side fret markers on my Nova U. I took a 5/64" drill bit and gently and carefully twisted it between my fingers until it just reached the point where I had a divot as wide as the drill bit. Then with the tip of a round toothpick I dabbed a TINY amount of white paint in the divot. I must emphasize TINY, as it surprised me how little it took. I think the results are quite good (see photo).
Enya Nova U DIY Fret Markers
- Thread starter Jolly_O
- Start date
Jerryc41
Well-known member
Nice! I was just thinking about what to do about the lack of markers. I considered getting stick-ons. I was afraid of drilling right through the hollow neck if I used inserts.
Yes, Jerryc41, I too was afraid of drilling through as have no idea of how thick the material is. I decided to play it very safe and drill using only my fingers. The material is quite soft, so I checked progress often and stopped immediately when the full width of the drill bit was reached. It left me a nice concave divot for the paint.
Jerryc41
Well-known member
Sounds like a project for tonight. I have several that need side markers. I'll save $10 on the stick-on kind. That's half a pizza.
actadh
Well-known member
Looks good!
I have had nice results with stickers on these polycarbonate ukes. I used the same set of rainbow heart stickers on my Outdoor and my Nova U. Pack of 100 stickers for a buck. I had used just the tips of the hearts in the Outdoor picture, but found the entire sticker stayed on better and was easier for my old eyes to see.
I have had nice results with stickers on these polycarbonate ukes. I used the same set of rainbow heart stickers on my Outdoor and my Nova U. Pack of 100 stickers for a buck. I had used just the tips of the hearts in the Outdoor picture, but found the entire sticker stayed on better and was easier for my old eyes to see.
Attachments
Jerryc41
Well-known member
That's a good idea getting non-uke stickers for $1.00, rather than paying $10 for some white dots.
Jerryc41
Well-known member
Those little white stars on the fretboard lift right off, buy the way. I removed mine before I put a graphic on the fretboard.
Poul Hansen
Well-known member
Why not go all the way, it's quite easy
Buy the dots here
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/12-WHITE...10:m:m-PrcioGhiInhgTS1TH3c3A&var=650038124351
And a suitable drill bit of this type
https://www.ffx.co.uk/tools/product...0557351-7-Piece-Brad-Point-Wood-Drill-Bit-Set
Press the dots in with some glue using a flat piece of plastic, to get them flush.
I have also used stickers. I bought some sheets with letter, commas and periods.
Buy the dots here
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/12-WHITE...10:m:m-PrcioGhiInhgTS1TH3c3A&var=650038124351
And a suitable drill bit of this type
https://www.ffx.co.uk/tools/product...0557351-7-Piece-Brad-Point-Wood-Drill-Bit-Set
Press the dots in with some glue using a flat piece of plastic, to get them flush.
I have also used stickers. I bought some sheets with letter, commas and periods.
Last edited:
Jerryc41
Well-known member
That could be tricky with a hollow fretboard.
Poul Hansen
Well-known member
Sure, is that common? Why hollow?
Plastic ukulele necks are often hollow. Even if the plastic is thick enough, I would worry about a drill bit designed for wood causing the plastic to split.
Poul Hansen
Well-known member
Aah I didn't know they were plastic 
but this kind of drill could probably be used anyway, as it cuts the circumference first, which makes it such a good drillbit on precious woods and lacquered wood.
but this kind of drill could probably be used anyway, as it cuts the circumference first, which makes it such a good drillbit on precious woods and lacquered wood.
This is exactly how I do it - though I use a bit in a Pin Vise for control. But same process. Hand drill a very shallow depression - whether the uke is plastic or wood - then drop in a tiny amount of enamel or acrylic paint. Leave to dry. Job done.
Jerryc41
Well-known member
I just gave it a try with a 5/ 64" bit, and that's tiny. I'm going to try larger.
EDIT: I'm sticking with stickers.
EDIT: I'm sticking with stickers.
Last edited:
Similar threads
