How to build an LED dotted fretboard (tutorial).

[@narrvick]

I will prob never build a guitar but I still love these tech tutorials. Thanks for sharing.

[@LRBerry]

Same here.

[@terrywin2661]

Thanks for taking the time to post this!! Yours is the best and most informative video on this process I've found so far, and I've been looking for a while! Can hardly wait to try this on my next project!

[@johnbotica7136]

Use a hair dryer for the shrink tube. A flame sometimes goes beyond the heat rating for the shrink tube.

[@downtownbillyandthenewjivefive]

I guess I now have to do one for people who don't want to take their guitars apart. Thanks for the idea!

[@johnbotica7136]

Have you thought of using fiber optics as the light source and epoxy for the dots? You would need to do less routing and the light source could be in the body of the guitar and more accessible.

[@NorthstarGuitars]

I have not had any hands on with fiber optics yet. Definitely something I'd like to look into. Thanks for the suggestion!

[@danriggs4242]

@@NorthstarGuitars you have a single light source but a ton of fiber optic cable to be routed under the fretboard .

[@angeldelvax7219]

You're SOOO lucky that this works with just one resistor!!! Keep in mind that you will burn the resistor out real quick if you do it this way. If you want to do it properly, you check the LED voltage and current, and calculate the right resistor for each LED!!! There's no such thing as a 6-12V resistor. ALL resistors work with 6-12V. You want about 10mA through each LED, so roughly 100mA total. Blue LED's have a forward voltage of about 2,5V at 10mA. You use a 9V battery, so a single resistor will dissipate 0,35W. The one you used is rated for 0,25W. You'd need to use a resistor in series with EVERY LED! For 9V operation you need 650 Ohm resistors. If you do it any other way, the LED's or resistor(s) won't live long, and you can't replace them... A shorted out LED or burnt resistor will cause all the LED's to fail.

[@keithalexander6154]

This is absolutely right. You've been lucky that all the LEDs are closely matched for forward voltage otherwise you get current hogging and one of the LEDs will pull more current than all the others so getting equal brightness is down to luck and will be even worse as it warms up. You definitely need one resistor per LED to do this correctly and calculate the value as described above.

[@mycroftholmes7003]

Hey Ronald can you email me a basic formula for this so I can calculate this or maybe I can describe the leds I'm using and you can help me. I wanted to add a switch that allows two functions: lighting individual frets and all at once. Id also like to wire in some kind of pot or rheostat? To make the lights brighter. I'd put like a phone battery pack on the guitar strap.

[@angeldelvax7219]

@@mycroftholmes7003 When you say phone battery pack, you mean a power bank with USB output?

[@angeldelvax7219]

@@mycroftholmes7003 For calculating resistors: Most LED's these days use 10mA of current. The voltage differs per color. (you can find that voltage on internet) So if you use 5V for power, and you use a red LED (about 1,2V) the resistor has to be for 3,8V 10mA. 3,8 / 0,01 = 380 ohm (roughly). Closest resistors in the series are 330 and 470. For maximum brightness I'd go with 330, for maximum longevity 470. Try it out before you mount it in the fretboard ;) If you want to use a pot as dimmer, make sure it can handle the combined current. You don't want smoke coming out of your guitar ;) Connect the outer two pins to + and - of the power supply and the middle pin to the + of the LED's. - of the LED's to - of the power supply. 1K should work, any lower and you're using it as a heater, too high and your LED's won't light. If you want to switch all the LED's individually, you'll need to route wires for all LED's separately through your neck to the switch!!! Unless you use digitally programmable LED's (like WS2812). In the last case you need a controller (arduino/wemos/PIC, something like that), you need to know some programming and the LED's are connected directly to 5V (yes, exactly 5V) and a data line to the controller.

[@1dimtim]

@@angeldelvax7219 are you saying you cant use one resistor for all the LEDS because that would be wrong!

[@douglasslayden7973]

A while back I saw a good video where this guy ,had the leds follow his hand one at a time up and down the neck

[@tedrowland7800]

It might be awhile before I can build a guitar and do the LED'S in the fretboard, but those parts have inspired me to other projects. I am looking at a kit guitar that this may work very well in.

[@tonypistilli7111]

Nice. this is something I've been thinking of doing to my cigar box guitar.

[@Bassguitarist1985]

Beautiful job! I just finished rebuilding ny very first bass guitar. Neck got destroyed, fixed it and put a new fingerboard on it. Thought of LEDs but wasn't ready for the challenge yet. Now i got more tools like the dremel router and seeing how the channel routes for the wires go, it all makes sense. I have a bit more confidence after watching your video to tackle this mod on a future guitar build!

[@NorthstarGuitars]

Thank you! Glad to hear the video helped. Best way to learn is to jump right in. Good luck and happy building!

[@calmrooms614]

⁠@@NorthstarGuitarsWhat’s the pricing on this? Like if I’d send my guitar over to you. I have a Fender FA Series Sunburst Acoustic. I’d like to have like theme matching diodes in the fretboard, and also have the chase-mode.

[@basilreardon5783]

Led lights on the fret board look great

[@hakimdurand8427]

Just started learning my bass. Boy how id love this on it but in green..

[@fablepunk]

Don't you put any transparent dots inlays on the fret boards?

[@slapitman]

I would worry about the neck radius shaping and hitting the LED's but like the general idea. Maybe I'll do this on the next one.

[@brocktechnology]

I still remember when I learned the hard way that aluminum can't be soldered by any reasonable means. The tape however is a really good idea, copper and gold adhesive backed foil tapes are widely used in electronics and not hard to find.

[@jrbass62]

Building a p bass, going to do this. Thanks

[@leepek3575]

We all know that guitars with LED lights are crap, but it's still nice to watch that stuff ;D

[@ccneck]

Love the idea! Maybe one day my guitar can join the family? :)

[@gwordscience9465]

Why would there be interference? Firstly, it's DC current, so more or less constant and thus not inducing. Secondly, while it might itself pick up environmental noise, it is not connected to the audio circuit (might be different for active pickups) and also, there is both a plus and a minus wire, parallel to each other. Thus, noise would cancel out.

[@joeanderson3423]

Extreme coolness. Suppose you wanted to control the LED brightness. Could that be done with a small pot ? In fact a push/pulls pot, such as to turn on/off and control the brightness?

[@Duder-1]

Beautiful work - Looks great!

[@scottcook740]

Curious if you seal the rosewood fretboard after drilling the holes with urethane or anything, just skimmed thru, at work, will watch in detail afterwards.

[@Landeros2286]

Excellent tutorial, thanks for sharing. Greetings from Yucatan Mexico.

[@NorthstarGuitars]

Thanks for watching!

[@charlesxcalibur]

Can you make a video on how to install LEDs on the side fret markers

[@NorthstarGuitars]

Never tried it before but if I do I will definitely make a video on it. Thanks!

[@ScottHz]

That would definitely be a great project for the fiber optic idea mentioned in these comments.

[@in3432]

Brilliant project, good video.

[@oncameramastery]

Great tutorial, really clear, cheers!

[@kalvinhill5308]

what were you using for inlay filler? glitter? any epoxy? or is it slightly recessed as a scallop would be?

[@NorthstarGuitars]

CA glue and then sanded flush to the fretboard.

[@editorrbr2107]

This was awesome. And very brave 😂

[@seangardner4968]

Do you sell any of these? I would love to buy a translucent blue LED Northstar 7-string guitar.

[@NorthstarGuitars]

Hey Sean. I am always taking special orders. Send me a message through Facebook messenger facebook.com/NorthstarGuitars or email [e-mail] and I can get you a quote.

[@JasonBlack66]

consider using Manual focus on your camera (unless your using a mobile phone's camera)

[@dylansalcedo2797]

Pretty cool.

[@dpeterson157]

I'm amazed that you can do all the routing freehand without having the dremel wander. Where do you get the material (it looks like ebony?) for the finger boards and how do you radius is after doing all the carving?

[@NorthstarGuitars]

I got the ebony fretboard blank from eBay and I use a radius jig that I built for my router.

[@aidenmeyerbasschannel]

Does it have to be with an active bass, using its battery? Or can you just separately add a battery just for the lights

[@ZorroCosmico]

What is that translucid dust you poured to fill the dots with?

[@NorthstarGuitars]

Thin or medium CA glue.

[@johndoe-br9kv]

what size were the drill bits used to drill the fret board? does it matter the direction of the capacitor when soldering?

[@NorthstarGuitars]

Hi John. The drill bit size is determined by the size of the LED. There is no capacitor in this circuit unless you are refering to the resistor, in which case is not directional.

[@johncarter1852]

Could you do this to a fretlight guitar? I would like to run the lights with a 9v instead of having to use an ac adapter.

[@fabianocreation]

Thank u sir, great content

[@jamjam7561]

What is the name of the powder u use in your inlay and where can i find it? Thanks in advance for answering

[@NorthstarGuitars]

I experimented with white glitter for this guitar. It turned more blue when I filled it which was unexpected but it went with the color of the guitar so I left it. I also use Mother of Pearl powder, saw dust of any type and pretty much anything else that's in a small enough form to fill. You can find a lot of that stuff on eBay or at a local craft store. Just got to be creative.

[@jamjam7561]

@@NorthstarGuitars thanks man🤘

[@gibson2546]

Great 👍👍👍

[@douglasslayden7973]

I want to do it but can not find the video.

[@ellosvlog8024]

What did you use for dot inlay..tranparent?

[@NorthstarGuitars]

CA glue over the top to make it flush.

[@ellosvlog8024]

Thank you...last question..what is the ohms value of the single resistor you use?

[@travisallard3509]

That's super cool! Nice job dude! That looks a lot easier than I expected it to be. If you bend a string on top of the led is it still smooth like a factory fretboard? Or does it change the playing abilities at all?

[@NorthstarGuitars]

Thanks! All of the LED's are flush with the fretboard. They do not interfere or affect they playability at all. Just for looks.

[@MrBlade74]

Hi. Nice work! 👍👍

[@sonalsahai9627]

how to add lighting in the guitar for a particular pattern to be illuminated?

[@nhuy-helen4005]

Ok yuo guita and led thank yuo !!! Hapy you múic guita numbone!!!!

[@brohends]

so..how you fix if Any problem on LED? examp... 1 led not works

[@raymondjallen]

How do you install these on the side of the neck where the dot markers are

[@NorthstarGuitars]

I'm not sure. I've never installed led side dots. I've seen people do it with fiber optics, but that is beyond me on how it's done.

[@ProwlerProwler]

I'm trying to do that thing on my guitar. Maybe with optic fiber. With leds looks better and easier to do the job but I'm scared... What happens if one led burn out? Can't decide

[@NorthstarGuitars]

Unfortunately, there is always a chance that an LED can burn out. If that happens, you have to make a new neck. It's fun to do at least once, but it does involve more labor. I can't really comment on fiber optic since I've never used it.

[@ProwlerProwler]

I'm doing a lot of research about optic fiber and its light conductivity along time. It starts already weak, and if it lose intensity it will be a lost if time and money. If not, well that a lot of possibilities. I only will need 2 light sources, one for the neck dots fiber, and one for the body silhouette. Yes! Like a tuning car 😁

[@master00booya]

Great video, thanks

[@FallenDemon07]

Hi, how much does it lasts the battery in this LEDS?

[@NorthstarGuitars]

Depends on how much it's used. Left on, the battery would last a couple hours. I used mine sparingly and it lasted over a year.

[@danielsong6335]

Where are 2 positive and 2negative wires from?

[@johndoe-br9kv]

where did you purchase the nn/off switch at? can you provide the location?

[@naveen_Nimesh]

Need to see pink light

[@leonelmolinajr2]

What size bit did you use for cutting of the inlay? Also what powder did you use?

[@Peter_Peter_Curry_Eater]

Looks great! Only one thing puzzles me, an Americans ability to pronounce solder (should rhyme with shoulder and Boulder)

[@NorthstarGuitars]

Thanks my friend! According to google we are pronouncing it correctly for our corner of the globe. As long as the message is understood I consider it a win. Even if I do butcher the word. =)

[@ef7480]

similar to 'Worcestershire sauce'

[@luthierclaytonoliveira3796]

One resistor 12v?

[@Secondwind2010]

Killer ❤

[@terribleligadelmal4541]

how long does this last ? is there no easy way to replace a bad led after gluing the fretboard? I have read ideas with optic fiber, but almost all use 12v instead of 9v so ... its kinda dificult to do a portable version uh...

[@NorthstarGuitars]

Longevity will vary based on use. I'm currently going on about a year and a half with mine. They still function great but I don't leave them on for long periods. Mainly used for dramatic effect during live performances or as a show piece. It is a permanent install. No changing lights without some serious neck and fretboard work.

[@MrPhorick]

did you radius the lights to match the fretboard? If not, are you able to feel the lights while you play?

[@NorthstarGuitars]

Yes. The lights are very lightly sanded flush with the final radius.

[@LeGrillQC]

What is the name of the powder u use in your inlay ?? Is it just glue and glitters ?

[@NorthstarGuitars]

It was an experiment using white glitter which turned mostly blue. Not exactly what I was hoping for but the blue tied in with the rest of the guitar so I left it.

[@mycroftholmes7003]

How did you know what resistors you'd need or where to put them?

[@NorthstarGuitars]

They came with the LED's so they were already matched. You will always need at least 1 resistor between the power source and the first LED.

[@jasonhancharyk9838]

how long does the it last till you have to replace the lights

[@NorthstarGuitars]

jason hancharyk unfortunately I do not know. This is all a closed system as well so there is no replacing lights without un-gluing the fretboard. I’m just going to enjoy them while they last.

[@ScottHz]

@@NorthstarGuitars if the LEDs are powered at lower than max rated voltage, they last much longer. Phillips lighting made a special version of LED light bulbs for the Prince of Dubai like this that are expected to last decades. Most LED lighting these days is pushing the voltage to get the brightest light possible, while expecting the LEDs to last less than a decade, presumably because by then, there will be new technology that is even more efficient.

[@1dimtim]

You wont get even a tiny bit of interference because its a dc circuit and there is no AC making noise!

[@hamidahmed8076]

Hi, was there a reason why you did not make two LEDs for the 12th fret?

[@V9TEK1]

2:27

[@NorthstarGuitars]

My compass inlay is on the 12th fret and I only wanted a single light in the center of it.

[@ha5mth]

Do you sand the top of the led’s when you radius the fretboard?

[@V9TEK1]

Looks that way. You can sand off a lot of an LED before you reach the diode part and break it

[@NorthstarGuitars]

A little. I use my calipers to measure everything out and get as close as possible first.

[@birendrakumar-gl5gq]

Why not use pcb??

[@timdone1902]

Good idea but surely you would have to make that yourself?

[@juliekane3446]

how much can i pay you to do that to mine

[@NorthstarGuitars]

Hi Julie! Please contact me via messanger facebook.com/NorthstarGuitars/ or email me at [e-mail]. Thanks!

[@pedro_8240]

You really don't want to wire LEDs in parallel willy nilly, if they arent matched, which the kind you used rarely are, some will draw more current than the others, and that can be dangerous when you calculated the resistor value to drive them closer to their current limit, that can make some LEDs draw much more current and then burn out. The best option is to use individual current limiting resistors for each LED, and if you really want to use a single resistor, string them in series and use a much higher voltage source. You are also wasting a bunch of the energy of that battery this way, blue LEDs usually have a forward voltage of around 3V, with 2.5V being very common, you could have used strings of 2, or even maybe 3, if you have LEDs with a low forward voltage, in series using that 9V battery, or simply used a rechargeable Li-ion battery, like a 16850, and simply used a 100R resistor per LED (assuming they have a 2.5V forward voltage), that way you can limit the current to each LED to just a bit under 20mA with the battery fully charged. Or if you reeeeeealy wanna get fancy, use addressable LEDs (those use 5V and need proper regulation) and an Arduino do control them, you'll probably want to shield all the wires as much as possible, though, to limit any cross-talk that might happen with the strings when you have data being transferred.

[@MehhWDY]

Hey , what resistor did you use ?

[@NorthstarGuitars]

GoProBro UK 430ohm (For DC 6-12V) 1/4 Watt Metal Film Resistor.

[@MehhWDY]

@@NorthstarGuitars thanks alot !

[@nathang1184]

Mind if i ask But how much is the total cost ?

[@Chris-jd9wg]

I personally don't mind that you ask, but he might. The total cost for materials is $49.00 American Dollars. If you need to buy yourself a guitar and tools (router, chisels, drill press/drill, soldering equipment, etc.) then you're looking at about $1,300.00 American Dollars if you buy the right stuff. Guitars can cost anywhere from between $100.00 American Dollars to tens of thousands (believe it or not). So you can spend $1,300.00 or $72,000 depending on your budget.

[@demonprincess5634]

wish i had some power tools

[@thedanksavatron7782]

Nisssssssssce 🏆

[@adrianreyes4702]

Darn. No wonder they charge 780 Euros to do this on SIMS. Hard work, but worth it.

[@andrewgrindstaff1529]

me when autofocus

[@fablepunk]

What du you put on the top of the leds? Fretboard side?