Guitar Inlay Stickers are a fantastic way to personalize your instrument and give it a customized appearance without the need for permanent modifications. If you’re looking to enhance the visual appeal of your guitar, especially the fretboard, these stickers offer an easy and reversible solution. Let’s dive into the world of guitar inlay stickers and see how they can transform your playing experience.
I recently decided to try out guitar inlay stickers on my 2012 Gibson SG Special. Initially, I opted for split-diamond inlays, aiming for a Les Paul Custom vibe. While the size and spacing were accurate when compared to a Gibson Les Paul Custom Silverburst, the split-diamond design didn’t quite resonate with the SG’s aesthetic in person. However, this experiment highlighted the potential of inlay stickers to quickly change the look of my guitar. Since the SG is truly deserving of a more distinguished look, I decided to make a change, showcasing the beauty and versatility of these stickers.
What immediately impressed me was how smooth and flat the fret stickers are. Once applied, they feel virtually indistinguishable from real inlays under your fingers. The only minor giveaway, in my case, was the size of the 12th fret marker. Due to Gibson’s wider dot spacing at the 12th fret, I had to use the larger sticker provided in the set. However, sets typically include both regular and wider sizes, and if your guitar has closer dot spacing, the regular size would be incredibly convincing, making it nearly impossible to tell they aren’t genuine inlays.
I sourced my stickers from Inlay Stickers Decals For Guitar and Bass, Ukulele… Removable Type. They offer a variety of styles and colors, including White Pearloid and an “aged” pearloid for a vintage touch. For a classic “Custom” look, the square options are particularly effective.
Here’s a look at the “Custom” square inlay styles they offer:
White Pearl Inlay Stickers
Aged White Pearl Inlay Stickers
Shipping from Japan was surprisingly quick, arriving in under two weeks. The application process, however, required a bit of precision. To ensure perfect alignment, I used wet-erase markers to mark the exact centers of the frets and the stickers. This allowed me to line everything up accurately before applying pressure. Any residual marker was easily cleaned off with a damp cloth afterwards, leaving a clean and professional-looking finish. The result was very satisfying, and the transformation was remarkable.
In terms of aesthetics, I believe the Aged White Pearl option complements rosewood fretboards beautifully, lending a warm, vintage vibe. Conversely, the White Pearl stickers would likely shine on darker fretboards like ebony or blackwood, providing a striking contrast. For my SG and its baked maple fretboard (which I oil-treated), the Aged White Pearl stickers were an excellent choice, enhancing the wood’s natural warmth and character.
If you’re considering a quick, affordable, and reversible way to elevate the look of your guitar, guitar inlay stickers are definitely worth exploring. They offer a fantastic visual upgrade with minimal effort.
