Uploaded February 2022 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago

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Have you ever wanted to repair or replace a fretboard inlay on your guitar? Dan Erlewine tackles that project in this video. He replaces a dark abalone inlay from a Martin D-45 with a brighter, more colorful piece of shell.

This project is easier than you might think.

0:00 An 'almost perfect' guitar
0:59 Choosing an abalone blank
2:41 Making a template
3:57 Removing the old inlay
8:53 Cutting and shaping a new inlay
14:50 Radiusing the inlay
19:27 Installing the inlay

ITEMS USED IN THIS VIDEO INCLUDE:

Abalone Inlay Blanks
stewmac.com/item/0959

Abalam Inlay Blank
stewmac.com/item/4444

Pearl Cutting Saw
stewmac.com/item/4611

Pearl Cutting Jig
stewmac.com/item/5194

4" Radius Blocks
stewmac.com/item/0413

Two Cherries Wood Chisels
stewmac.com/item/1619

Fret Slot Depth Gauge
stewmac.com/item/5435

3M Stikit Gold Abrasives
stewmac.com/item/5766

StewMac Fish Glue
stewmac.com/item/0702
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