source of Heritage's fretboards?

[eljay]

seems like an "old hat" topic but search didn't turn up much.

 

does H make their fretboards from scratch or buy them?

 

i'm considering having an aftermarket fretboard inlaid to my specs but, here's the catch, it needs to fit on a H neck!

 

thank you for info, eljay

[DetroitBlues]

seems like an "old hat" topic but search didn't turn up much.

 

does H make their fretboards from scratch or buy them?

 

i'm considering having an aftermarket fretboard inlaid to my specs but, here's the catch, it needs to fit on a H neck!

 

thank you for info, eljay

 

At PSP, we watched one being made.

[skydog52]

Check out Bryan England Custom Inlays.

They might be able to help you out. I know they do some work for Heritage.

 

http://custominlay.com/

[totonka]

When we were watching the fret boards being made at PSP, the dot inlays were done in-house, some of the more intricate work, outsourced. The frets were installed in-house. Insofar as the wood for the boards itself, I think I missed something that involved a large plume of steam there in the back of the shop over by the "Ferris wheel", and I'm not sure if that was them cutting the fretboards or not - but I think so.

 

Drilling the dot inlay holes

 

Installing binding

 

Bracing the cupid's bow

 

Installing frets (from PSP2)

 

Trimming fret wire (from PSP2)

[TalismanRich]

The Inlay work is outsourced, because cutting mother of pearl can be hazardous to your health. I know they use Custom Inlays in Caneyville Ky for some stuff. Lots of people use them.

 

http://www.custominlay.com/Home_Page.php

[High Flying Bird]

Drilling the holes...

 

 

[bolero]

that was a real treat to be able to watch these guys working on guitars....thx for the pics

[drfie]

I believe they steam the wood that is bent for making the sides on the hollow and semi-hollow bodies.

 

 

dan

[smurph1]

 

At PSP, we watched one being made.

Yep..that's why they are spendy but worth it!! Also the fact that each neck is hand shaped leads to some frustration with some people who are used to a CNC machine made cookie cutter type neck..With a Heritage the necks can vary in shape some, but without fail if you give em time you come to love em!! After I bought my 535 I started to think the neck was too thick, but now I realize it's perfect for me cause I play a lot blues and sometimes bend the crap out of it, and the fat neck gives me something to hold onto.. As always my 2 cents and YMMV..

[NoNameBand]

If I'm not mistaken, Heritage outsources their fingerboard inlays to some guy in Kentucky. I'm not sure who provides the board. They will do anything you want though. Apparently, thats all the guy does is inlays.

[TalismanRich]

If I'm not mistaken, Heritage outsources their fingerboard inlays to some guy in Kentucky. I'm not sure who provides the board. They will do anything you want though. Apparently, thats all the guy does is inlays.

 

Brian England has been known to make a guitar, mandolin or banjo on occasion....

 

 

The Story of ( Custom Inlay ) Owner Bryan England

 

As Bryan England was working at General Electric with Bill Sullivan of First Quality Music; he started learning to play the banjo and generated the desire to build one. He started by buying his first neck blank and inlays from Bill. After doing such a great job, Bill asked Bryan to take on more Custom Inlay work.

 

In 1987 Bryan quit G.E and went to work for Gibson, hand cutting and inlaying all of their banjos. After a year on their

payroll he went back to work for his self so he could do other peoples work. Still doing work for Gibson.

 

During a visit to the Grand Ole Opry, he ran into Bobby Osborne backstage. Bobby was looking for someone to create a mandolin.

 

Today, Bryan's Custom Inlay now has a full line of Mandolins and Guitars. Bryan's Guitars are unique and even have a patented string hook up that increases the volume and tone quality. In addition to those items, he can inlay pool tables, furniture, boxs, guns, instrument and just about any thing. With all of that Bryan continues to work along with Fender Guild, Washburn, First Act, Jackson, Heritage and many more..

 

[vejesse]

If you want to replace you fingerboard typically you buy a fingerboard from some place like Luthier's Mercantile. The board is oversized and you trim it to fit. Their commodity boards are plenty thick and likely better than what comes on a Heritage but they can make you anything you need.