My cheapo octave is getting some updates...

[vwfye]

My Surf City octave have a great sound, but it looks sooooooo blah. So, my buddy is adding some flair to it. He started out just adding MOP dots on the fret board and black dots on the top edge of the fret board binding. Then, he decided that it needs more.... he will not let me see what else he is adding to the fret board, but he does know what I like. I can't wait to see it again!

Here is the before:

[vwfye]

Here is a 'during' pic... he won't show me much

[Bernie Daniel]

Here is a 'during' pic... he won't show me much

Looking good! Another little bit you could add is some "fancy" to the headstock -- maybe "Surf City" in script or block across the top and a surfboard in the center? Inlay would be expensive but perhaps a water decal or some nice hand painting would really look cool (IMO). The mando already looks pretty nice with that sunburst I think.

You could also add a 19th and 20th fret -- but I don't know why you would really. They are not used too much! LOL.

The pic is not too big but those look like gold Fender tuners -- they are really pretty good tuners for the money -- I've used them before.

[PJ Doland]

You must trust your friend.

If it was one of my buddies, it would probably come back to me with a giant abalone wang inlaid across the fretboard.

[vwfye]

It is going to be somewhere very opposite of that PJ! We are on the same worship team together at our church

[allenhopkins]

When you reach the point where the inlays are more valuable than the instrument itself, then what?

[MikeEdgerton]

When you reach the point where the inlays are more valuable than the instrument itself, then what?

You go for Waverly tuners and a James tailpiece of course!

[vwfye]

Dunno. I like the sound of this low buck octave, so I don't see it as wasted $...

[Bernie Daniel]

When you reach the point where the inlays are more valuable than the instrument itself, then what?

Agreed -- that's why I suggested water decals...

I agree with the OP if it is a good sounding instrument and you like it fixing it up is for fun not for profit.

I know what I'd do now. I'd put "Surf City" in a gold water decal (or paint it with a stencil and decorator gold leaf) across the top of the headstock with a big gold eighth note in the middle between the tuner rows. Awesome!

[Tobin]

What it needs is a scroll! Have your friend make up a detachable scroll that sticks to the side with velcro.

[vwfye]

What it needs is a scroll! Have your friend make up a detachable scroll that sticks to the side with velcro.

Ouch! I would never stoop to velcro... silly puddy; maybe. But velcro? Never!

[vwfye]

He is going to add John 3:17 and Philippians 2:3 to the fret board somehow. I'll looking forward to seeing it.

[vwfye]

I am supposed to get my OM back tomorrow night!

[allenhopkins]

I am supposed to get my OM back tomorrow night!

We definitely want to see pics.

[vwfye]

It still hasn't returned to me He was gone for an extended period on a mission trip to the Philippines, but I believe he said I will see it this Sunday.

[vwfye]

My Surf City "Stella" is finally back to me! I forgot how much I like the sound of this 'cheap' octave. I flattened the finish on the sides and back... to shiny for me.

Happy, happy joy, joy!

[dang]

Is the inlay finished? Pictures?

[vwfye]

Because of many things, it ended up not getting the inlay. just some MoP dots. At this point, I'm just glad to have it back.

[vwfye]

I forgot how much I love the sound of this thing! It may be a 100 buck instrument, but I love it. What ever the wood is for the body, it resonates forever.