DIY Dobro fretboard extension?

[Mike Harris]

I've been playing an 8-string dobro for a few weeks now and I basically treat it as an acoustic version of an 8-string lap steel--meaning I occasionally take it beyond the allotted 19 frets given on the fretboard. I was wondering if anyone had practical suggestions for extending the markers to the 24th fret (at least).

[David Knutson]

Mike, this may be a long shot, but if your reso has an appropriate scale length, then you could get a matching peel and stick fretboard from Georgeboards and just cut out the bit that you need. They go to 24 frets. Here's a link to Mr. Boards' parts page.

https://www.georgeboards.com/parts.html

[Glenn Wilde]

The Dobro has a 25" scale just like a PRS guitar. Stew Mac sells replacement fingerboard's pretty cheap, maybe you could rig something up.

[Mike Harris]

I haven't checked out the StewMac site yet, but that GeorgeBoards link is nothing short of amazing--so many useful accessories listed there. Thanks, guys.

[L. Bogue Sandberg]

I've played 8 string dobro with a 24 fret board as my main gigging instrument for about 12 years now. Rarely do I go above fret 21, except for clowning around.

On other guitars, ear and eyeball get me to fret 21 using the fret 19 spacing as a rough guide. Even though I don't take out those guitars as often, it doesn't take long to adjust.

Regarding George Piburn's stick-on fretboards: I have one on a lapsteel. The adhesive is REAL strong. So I would consider attaching the piece of fretboard to a thin rigid backing and attaching that to the guitar with a Post-It type adhesive. Hopefully that would avoid damaging the finish.

Bogue

[George Piburn]

Photographs will make it a lot easier to help you.

Glad to help you.

GeorgeBoards