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So I'm thinking.. I'd really like to have LEDs as inlays and fretboard markers.
I got this idea looking at LED lighting kits for my motorcycle.
My plan.
Stage 1 remove finger board from old neck (Kramer)
- completed, fingerboard is completely intact. There's an article on www.projectguitar.com explaing, it works but be very, very carefull.
Stage 2, cut inlays out of clear plexiglass. Matching coloured film as well. (blue in this case)
Stage 3, route inlay channel in fretboard.
Stage 4 drill hole for LED in bottom of inlay channel, route shallow trough for wires into bottom of fretboard (Not as hard as it seems, wiring for LED is super thin, thinner than pickups wiring.) about an 1/32 deep channel will do
Stage 5 installation of LEDs and wiring, wiring exits neck heel and through hole in neck pocket to cavity, use long enough wiring with quick disconects. More thought on this area needed.
Stage 6, re-glue fretboard instructions on www.projectguitar.com
Stage 7 Place coloured film and clear plexiglass
I'm thinking, coloured(Yes, thats how we spell it up here) - film, behind plexiglass inlays inserted, the usual fretwork performed.
Stage 8 plug in and play (hopefully)
The way I see it, this should be possible. A lot of work, and I'm sure I will make many mistakes.
I'll be practicing on some fretboard blanks first, to get my technique down.
If I could get a source for coloured plexiglass, it would be better than using the film. Although both the film and the plexi should be "frosted", not reallt completely clear, as that will diffuse the light from the LED, filling the inlay, otherwise you would get a bright spot and he rest wouldn't light up. (I think)
Also, you can buy tiny circut board kits that could alternate the LEDs.
Most electronic supply stores have all the electronics needed.
Any thoughts/Advice?
I got this idea looking at LED lighting kits for my motorcycle.
My plan.
Stage 1 remove finger board from old neck (Kramer)
- completed, fingerboard is completely intact. There's an article on www.projectguitar.com explaing, it works but be very, very carefull.
Stage 2, cut inlays out of clear plexiglass. Matching coloured film as well. (blue in this case)
Stage 3, route inlay channel in fretboard.
Stage 4 drill hole for LED in bottom of inlay channel, route shallow trough for wires into bottom of fretboard (Not as hard as it seems, wiring for LED is super thin, thinner than pickups wiring.) about an 1/32 deep channel will do
Stage 5 installation of LEDs and wiring, wiring exits neck heel and through hole in neck pocket to cavity, use long enough wiring with quick disconects. More thought on this area needed.
Stage 6, re-glue fretboard instructions on www.projectguitar.com
Stage 7 Place coloured film and clear plexiglass
I'm thinking, coloured(Yes, thats how we spell it up here) - film, behind plexiglass inlays inserted, the usual fretwork performed.
Stage 8 plug in and play (hopefully)
The way I see it, this should be possible. A lot of work, and I'm sure I will make many mistakes.
I'll be practicing on some fretboard blanks first, to get my technique down.
If I could get a source for coloured plexiglass, it would be better than using the film. Although both the film and the plexi should be "frosted", not reallt completely clear, as that will diffuse the light from the LED, filling the inlay, otherwise you would get a bright spot and he rest wouldn't light up. (I think)
Also, you can buy tiny circut board kits that could alternate the LEDs.
Most electronic supply stores have all the electronics needed.
Any thoughts/Advice?
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