ABOUT THE CRAFT

Typical headstock inlay

Beyond the fretboard inlay, the headstock and sound hole are also commonly inlaid. Sometimes a small design such as a bird or other character or an abstract shape is inlayed into the headstock. The sound hole designs found on acoustic guitars vary from simple concentric circles to delicate fretwork. Many high-end guitars have more elaborate decorative inlay schemes. Often the edges of the guitar around the neck and body and down the middle of the back are inlaid. The fretboard commonly has a large inlay running across several frets or the entire length of the fretboard, such as a long vine creeping across the fretboard. Most acoustic guitars have an inlay that borders the sides of the fretboard.

Body and sound hole inlays

Some very limited edition high-end or custom-made guitars have artistic inlay designs that span the entire front (or even the back) of the guitar. These designs use a variety of different materials the most expensive being abalone and mother-of-pearle, and are created using techniques borrowed from furniture making. While these designs are often just very elaborate decorations, they are sometimes works of art that even depict a particular theme or a scene.

Although these guitars are often constructed from the most exclusive materials, they are generally considered to be collector's items and are intended to be played. Large guitar manufacturers often issue these guitars to celebrate a significant historical milestone.

Solid-body electric guitar's body inlaying is somewhat more common (as there's a plenty of wood to carve them down), but acoustic guitar's bodies and sound holes occasionally also get inlaid. It is generally considered to be much more delicate work, as acoustic guitar's bodies are relatively thin and hard to work with.

When it comes to inlay work with abalone or mother-of-pearl it is a matter of personal taste. A guitarist will want to ensure that the guitar not only looks good and is a collector’s item, but plays well and can enhance the guitar player’s current level of achievement.

A product like Miller Guitar Classics fall into that category. Beautiful inlay work and professional electronics and/or acoustic capability make Miller Guitars Classics a true investment.

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