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 ARCHIVED TOPIC: Inlay Pictures


Please note this is an archived topic, so it is locked and unable to be replied to. You may, however, start a new topic and refer to this topic with a link: http://www.banjohangout.org/archive/409263

Lemon Banjos - Posted - 06/30/2026:  14:44:15

Hello all!



I recently got a CNC machine and will soon be cutting my own pearl inlays. Unfortunately, I don't currently have any original Gibson necks on hand to accurately recreate the classic patterns.



I'm hoping some of you might be willing to help by taking high-resolution, straight-on close-up photos of your fingerboard and peghead inlays with a ruler or tape measure visible in the same photo. The ruler will allow me to accurately scale the inlays when tracing them into CAD.



I'm currently looking for the following 5-string patterns:




  • 1950s Bowtie

  • Leaves & Bows

  • Flying Eagle

  • Style 3 Wreath

  • Hearts & Flowers

  • Seagulls

  • RB-12 / RB-18



If possible, it would help if:




  • The camera is positioned directly above the inlay to minimize perspective distortion.

  • Photos are taken at the highest resolution your phone or camera allows.

  • The inlays are photographed in good, even lighting (indirect sunlight works great) to reduce glare and make the edges easier to see.

  • A ruler or tape measure is included in each photo for accurate scaling.



Thanks in advance! I really appreciate anyone willing to help with this project.

Edited by - Lemon Banjos on 06/30/2026 20:26:40

banjonz - Posted - 07/01/2026:  15:00:41

Why this insistence on copying everything Gibson? Why not design and make your own like Deering has? Come up with something completely unique!

localhost - Posted - 07/01/2026:  15:38:54

They have most of them available here:

luthiersupply.com/Banjo-inlays.html

lightgauge - Posted - 07/01/2026:  17:04:32

I would suggest contacting Tim Davis of Davis banjos to see if he would be willing to help. He went through this a few years ago as he started CNC in his neck and fingerboard building.

banjoy - Posted - 07/02/2026:  04:45:09

Somewhere buried in my stuff are two volumes of inlays put together decades ago by Bob Flesher of Liberty Banjos. Each volume is about 20 to 40 xeroxed stapled pages of actual size drawings of tons of inlays, and includes all Gibsons as far as I recall, and plenty of cool stuff.

If I can locate these I can sell 'em cheap.

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