Inlay (guitar)

Some popular fretboard inlays include rhombuses, parallelograms, isosceles trapezoids, shark fins and rectangles.

Many manufacturers use a distinct shape for their fret markers to create a brand identity to set themselves apart from competitors.

Gibson uses isosceles trapezoids while Fender uses dots, but others include lightning bolts, letters and numbers.

Smaller dots are also usually inlaid into the upper edge of the fretboard or the neck to be more visible to the player who views the instrument from the side.

The sound hole designs found on acoustic guitars vary from simple concentric circles to delicate fretwork.

Binding on acoustic guitars serve to protect the edges of the wood from impact and, particularly where end grain would be exposed, moisture damage.

After the back, front and sides are joined a small ledge is cut out on the edge which is then inlaid before finishing the guitar.