Best Guitar Wood & Inlay Material of 2025

Joseph Hubbard Avatar
Joseph Hubbard
Last Updated: Jan 10, 2025

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Guitar Wood & Inlay Material are essential components in crafting a beautiful and high-quality guitar. The type of wood used in the guitar's construction can greatly affect its tone, resonance, and overall sound quality. Popular woods for guitar making include mahogany, maple, rosewood, and ebony. Inlay materials, such as mother-of-pearl or abalone, are used to adorn the guitar's fretboard, adding an extra touch of elegance and beauty. These materials are carefully selected and crafted by skilled artisans to ensure that each guitar is unique and of the highest quality.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Inlay Sticker Fret Markers for Guitars & Bass Cover #TOP 1
Inlay Sticker Fret Markers for Guitars & Bass
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Inlaystickers Abalone Blue Fret Markers Cover #TOP 2
Inlaystickers Abalone Blue Fret Markers
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Abalone Shell Inlay Veneer by Ocean Shell Studios Cover #TOP 3
Abalone Shell Inlay Veneer by Ocean Shell Studios
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Guitar Wood & Inlay Material

#TOP 1

Inlay Sticker Fret Markers for Guitars & Bass

F-099DV-WT
White Pearl
Inlay Sticker Fret Markers for Guitars & Bass Cover
Inlay Sticker Fret Markers for Guitars & Bass - Doves - White Pearl

These fret markers are made of PET and can be easily applied and removed from your guitar or bass. They won't interfere with your playing and won't leave any residue behind. Additionally, they can cover up existing dot-markers.

What We Like
Easy to apply and remove
Won't interfere with playing
No residue left behind
Can cover existing dot-markers
#TOP 2

Inlaystickers Abalone Blue Fret Markers

F-005BL-BL
Blue
Inlaystickers Abalone Blue Fret Markers Cover
Inlay Sticker Fret Markers for Guitars & Bass - LP/SG Blocks - Abalone Blue, F-005BL-BL

The Inlaystickers Fret Markers are designed to enhance your guitar or bass playing experience. Made from durable PET material, these markers are simple to apply and remove, allowing you to customize your instrument easily. You won’t have to worry about them interfering with your playing, as they are designed to stay out of your way. Plus, when it’s time to change or remove them, there’s no sticky residue left behind, keeping your instrument clean. These stickers can even cover existing dot markers, giving you a fresh look without the hassle.

What We Like
Easy application and removal
No residue after removal
Non-intrusive while playing
Can cover existing markers
#TOP 3

Abalone Shell Inlay Veneer by Ocean Shell Studios

Paua Natural
Abalone Shell Inlay Veneer by Ocean Shell Studios Cover
Abalone Shell Inlay Veneer for DIY or Professional Inlay Embellishments - Sustainable New Zealand Paua Natural- With 3M Double Sided Tape Backing - 9.45"X2.75"

The Ocean Shell Inlay Veneer is a versatile product ideal for both DIY enthusiasts and professionals. Measuring 240mm x 70mm and crafted from real abalone shell, it offers a unique decorative touch without the use of plastic. The veneer is easy to apply thanks to the included double-sided tape, making your inlay projects simpler and more enjoyable. Additionally, its glossy finish enhances the shell's natural beauty, allowing you to create stunning furniture, artwork, or musical instrument inlays that stand out. With sustainable sourcing from New Zealand, you can feel good about your purchase.

What We Like
Real abalone shell material
Easy application with tape
Glossy finish enhances appearance
Sustainably sourced from New Zealand
#TOP 4

Musiclily Pro Man-Made Guitar Inlay Blank, Turquoise

MX2052B
Turquoise
Musiclily Pro Man-Made Guitar Inlay Blank, Turquoise Cover
Musiclily Pro Man-Made Guitar Inlay Material Blank Sheet 95x35x2mm, Turquoise

Musiclily Guitar Inlay Blank, Turquoise, is perfect for guitar or bass inlay jobs. With a size of 95x35mm and a thickness of 2mm, this man-made material ensures correct color and thickness consistency, making it easy to work with. The package includes one piece of inlay blank, providing convenience for your projects. This product is ideal for customizing your instrument with precision and ease.

What We Like
Precision inlay work
Consistent color and thickness
Easy to work with
#TOP 5

Etfbuy Rosewood Soundhole Replacement

Etfbuy
Etfbuy Rosewood Soundhole Replacement Cover
Etfbuy Acoustic Guitar Rosewood Rosette Soundhole Replacement for B-23 Classical Parts Wood Color 110x12x0.8mm

The Etfbuy Soundhole Inlay is designed to enhance your guitar’s appearance. With an inner diameter of 110mm and a thickness of 0.8mm, it fits most folk guitars perfectly. Made from beautiful rosewood, it features elegant shell sound points that not only look stunning but also integrate seamlessly with your instrument. Installation is a breeze; simply use glue or viscose for a quick setup. Before purchasing, make sure to check that the dimensions meet your needs to ensure a great fit for your guitar.

What We Like
Beautiful rosewood design
Easy installation process
Perfect for folk guitars
Enhances guitar aesthetics
#TOP 6

Inlaystickers Jamow B-300RC-WT Cat Sticker

B-300RC-WT
White
Inlaystickers Jamow B-300RC-WT Cat Sticker Cover
Jamow B-300RC-WT Ripping Slipping Cat - Inlay Sticker for Cats, Guitars and Bass Musical Instruments (WT)

The Inlaystickers Cat Sticker is a practical addition for any musician looking to personalize their instrument. Made from PET material, it is simple to apply and remove without leaving any residue behind. You can confidently use this sticker on your guitar or bass, as it won't damage the surface or interfere with sound quality. Its super-thin design, measuring just 0.07mm thick, ensures that it blends seamlessly with your instrument, making it a stylish yet functional choice for your musical needs.

What We Like
Easy application and removal
No damage to instruments
Leaves no residue
Super-thin design
#TOP 7

Inlaystickers F-307DD-AWP Guitar Inlay

F-307DD-AWP
White
Inlaystickers F-307DD-AWP Guitar Inlay Cover
Traditional Diamond (Aged White Pearl) Guitar Bass Ukulele Inlay Sticker F-307DD-AWP

The Inlaystickers Guitar Inlay offers a simple way to enhance your instrument. Made from PET, these stickers are easy to apply and remove, making customization a breeze. You won’t have to worry about them interfering with your playing, as they are designed not to snag on your fingers. These stickers fit guitars, basses, and ukuleles of any size, providing versatility for all musicians. Additionally, they can cover existing dot markers, allowing you to update the look of your instrument effortlessly.

What We Like
Easy application and removal
Non-interfering design
Fits various instruments
Can cover existing markers
#TOP 8

Gold Mother of Pearl Blanks by Generic

Generic
MOP 0012 60
Gold Mother of Pearl Blanks by Generic Cover
World of Shell Inlay Supplies 1/2 oz Gold Mother of Pearl Blanks .060" Thickness Perfect for Guitars, Banjos, Mandolins, Jewelry, Woodworkers, Luthiers, DIY, Professionals and Hobbyists

The Gold Mother of Pearl Blanks by Generic are perfect for your creative inlay projects. These ready-to-cut shells make it easy for you to design unique patterns, whether you're restoring antiques or working on instruments like guitars and mandolins. The premium quality of the hand-selected mother of pearl ensures that your inlays will stand out beautifully, far surpassing cheap synthetic options. With a generous amount of material provided, you’ll have enough to tackle multiple projects, all while enjoying the versatility of assorted sizes and shapes included in each package.

What We Like
Easy to cut and use
High-quality, premium material
Generous quantity for projects
Variety of sizes and shapes
#TOP 9

Ogdni Mother of Pearl Inlay Blanks

Ogdni
GF122
Ogdni Mother of Pearl Inlay Blanks Cover
Ogdni Guitar Inlay Material,10Pcs Flat Rectangle White Mother of Pearl Shell Blank Material for Guitar Banjo Mandolin Parts (GF122)

The Ogdni Inlay Blanks are crafted from high-quality shell material, ensuring durability for long-lasting use. These flat rectangle pieces are perfect for adding a personal touch to your guitar, banjo, or mandolin. You can easily create custom fretboard inlays to enhance the aesthetic of your instrument. Additionally, these blanks are simple to cut and install, making your DIY projects hassle-free. With dimensions of approximately 36 x 12 x 1.0 mm, they offer versatility for various inlay designs.

What We Like
Durable shell material
Customizable for DIY projects
Easy to cut and install
Versatile for different instruments
#TOP 10

Ogdni Rosewood Guitar Veneer

Ogdni
USHAO88
Rosewood
Ogdni Rosewood Guitar Veneer Cover
Guitar Veneer,3Pcs Wood Guitar Headplate Head Veneer for Guitar Luthiers Replacement Tool (Rosewood)

Ogdni Guitar Head Veneer in Rosewood is a set of 3 sturdy and stable head veneers suitable for acoustic classic guitars. Perfect for DIY projects, these veneers allow you to decorate your guitar head uniquely. The compact size makes them easy to carry and store. With anti-rot properties, these veneers are practical replacement parts for luthiers, enhancing the look and durability of your guitar.

What We Like
Sturdy Rosewood Material
DIY Decorative Option
Compact and Easy to Carry
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What material is used for guitar inlays?

Guitar inlays can be made from nacre (mother of pearl), plastic, and wood. Limited edition high-end or custom-made guitars may feature artistic inlay designs that cover the entire front or back of the guitar.

2. What is the best wood to use for guitars?

The best woods commonly used for guitars include poplar, mahogany, ash, American basswood, maple, rosewood, Indian rosewood, agathis, walnut, meranti, New Zealand pine, sapelli, and laurel. The choice of wood depends on the type of guitar and desired sound.

3. How thick should guitar inlay be?

Guitar inlay blanks are typically around 0.050 inches thick, but 0.040 inches should also work well with careful cavity depth considerations during installation.

4. What is the most durable wood for a guitar?

Sitka spruce is a highly durable wood commonly used for acoustic guitar tops. Its excellent strength-to-weight ratio contributes to its longevity and ability to store carbon for many years.

5. What are the best materials for inlay?

For natural-looking aesthetics, porcelain and zirconia are the best materials for inlay. Composite inlays and onlays also offer a natural appearance. Gold is the most superior in terms of strength and durability, followed by zirconia, porcelain, and composite.

6. What wood do cheap guitars use?

Most inexpensive guitars use Alder, Agathis, or Basswood for their bodies.

7. What is the cheapest wood to make a guitar out of?

In terms of inexpensive choices for electric guitars, Alder, Basswood, Poplar, or Ash planks that are 7 or 8 inches wide are excellent options. It is recommended to visit a lumberyard that carries hardwood to find suitable wood.

8. How thick is too thick for a guitar pick?

Guitar picks can vary in thickness. 'Thin' picks range from 0.45 mm to 0.70 mm, 'Medium' picks vary between 0.60 mm and 0.80 mm, 'Heavy' picks are usually between 0.80 mm and 1.2 mm, and 'Extra heavy' picks are thicker than 1.2 mm.

9. What is better for a guitar rosewood or mahogany?

Both rosewood and mahogany can be used for guitars. Mahogany guitars excel in rhythm playing with fuller, subtle tones, while rosewood guitars work well for fingerstyle playing with their bright and rich sound.

Editor's Notes

During our guitar wood & inlay material research, we found 24 guitar wood & inlay material products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 4,689 customer reviews through our big data system to write the guitar wood & inlay material list. We found that most customers choose guitar wood & inlay material with an average price of $17.83.

The guitar wood & inlay material are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of guitar wood & inlay material, including Inlaystickers, Ocean Shell Studios., Musiclily, Etfbuy, Ogdni. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 188 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

Written by
Joseph Hubbard Avatar

Joseph Hubbard is a music producer and runs a musical instrument store in Chicago. Joseph is happy to help others choose the instrument that best suits their needs. He loves everything related to music and often publishes articles related to music on key websites.