Vintage Correct Clay Dots -- NOS White

As you might already know: Vintage Fender clay dots were not actually made from clay.

They were stamped-out of a hardened cellulose material called Vulcanized Fiber.

For sale are sets of one dozen 1/4" (6.35mm) and 3/32" (2.5mm) vulcanized fiber dot inlays, 1/16" (1.6mm) thick. 

Exactly like the real vintage thing, these dots are naturally a little off-white in color, will become streaked and dirty-looking if sanded and oiled while in rosewood, and will age with playwear and through exposure to light and air over time. 

They also can be stained with leather dyes or tinted with products made for darkening fretboards.

Please be aware that many but not all modern Fender and Fender replacement necks have pilot holes deeper than 1/16" (1.6mm).  Replacing with these dots in deeper pilot holes is not impossible, as they are sized to fit snugly using only finger pressure-- but it might make it just a little more challenging.  

It is also worth noting that vintage-styled Allparts necks with 1/4" top dots have side dots that are only 2mm (not 2.5mm-3/32") in diameter.

Installation: 

For both these top and side dots, one face is flat while the other is slightly smaller and a little rounded. The flat faces should be left showing.

A thin, hard, flat surface between thumb and dot can be useful to help seat them flush.

It is recommended that any finish sanding be done at 220-320 grit for the most vintage-appearing results. Very high grits can polish the dots to resemble smooth, modern plastics and will tighten the dot surface, making it more difficult for them to trap rosewood dust or to collect anything that might darken them.

These dots will become whiter in appearance the more vigorously they are sanded, as it will knock back some of the natural surface oxidation and yellowing already present.

Because they are cellulose, contact with acetone or other organic solvents should be avoided. 

CA adhesive (super glue), naphtha (lighter fluid) and fretboard oils are all safe to use.

Please feel free to DM me with inquires into bulk discounts or with whatever dot inlay-related questions you might have.