Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

My 4001FL has a side dot for each "fret". The previous owner clued me into the fact that using Sharpie marker to denote the major "frets" (3,5,7,9,12,15,17,19) was totally reversible using Goof Off to clean it up, so it doesn't have to be pretty. However I'm looking for a more elegant, more permanent solution. This bass is already modified as I'm sure many of you know so it's no big deal altering it tastefully.

I want a way to denote those major "frets" that looks tasteful, maybe a symbol or a number or something, but I'm having trouble finding any decent decals or coming up with any reasonable stencils. My wife thinks if I can get a good stencil made I can use black touch-up paint for automobiles and that should stay on the binding well.

Anyone have any suggestions or experience in this area?

Maybe somehow you can cover the unwanted dots, with something like small pieces of a weatherproof label. When you find a way that you're satisfied with, you should leave the first fret marker as well. Most fretless bass guitars are marked at 1,3,5,7,9,12,15,17 & 19. Also at 21 & 24 for two octave fingerboards.

Maybe just white car touch-up paint? Not sure whether to zig or zag here.

I'm no expert, but I have heard of individuals using 'white-out.' I've seen some examples, but I'm not sure how they were able to get the dot so perfect (shape). It looks good. I understand that it's fairly durable and inexpensive way to increase the visibility of the dots along the neck's edge.

I guess if you could match the color, it would be fine. I can't tell how "aged" the white on your FL has become. Don't forget there white will age more. A good match now might not be so good a few years from now. That's why I was thinking something less permanent. White-out is also less permanent. Maybe Paul W or JH will have a good suggestion.