Best Guitar Wood & Inlay Material of 2026

Joseph Hubbard Avatar
Joseph Hubbard
Last Updated: Jan 10, 2026

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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

Ocean Shell Studios New Zealand Paua Abalone Inlay Veneer with 3M Tape Cover #TOP 1
Ocean Shell Studios New Zealand Paua Abalone Inlay Veneer with 3M Tape
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Fretboard Markers Inlay Stickers for Guitars & Bass Cover #TOP 2
Fretboard Markers Inlay Stickers for Guitars & Bass
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Musiclily Pro Man-Made Guitar Inlay Blank, Turquoise Cover #TOP 3
Musiclily Pro Man-Made Guitar Inlay Blank, Turquoise
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Guitar Wood & Inlay Material

#TOP 1

Ocean Shell Studios New Zealand Paua Abalone Inlay Veneer with 3M Tape

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

The Ocean Shell Paua Inlay Veneer offers a thin, 240mm by 70mm sheet of natural abalone shell that adds a beautiful, glossy finish to your projects. With a thickness of just 0.4mm, it’s easy to work with for detailed inlay designs. This veneer is made from real shell slices, not plastic, giving your creations an authentic and vibrant look. Plus, the included 3M double-sided tape backing makes application quick and hassle-free, so you can focus more on your craft and less on preparation. Sourced sustainably from New Zealand, it’s a responsible choice for your artistic or professional needs.

What We Like
Natural abalone shell material
Glossy, thin and flexible veneer
Sustainably sourced from New Zealand
Includes easy-to-use double-sided tape
#TOP 2

Fretboard Markers Inlay Stickers for Guitars & Bass

F-005BL-WT
White
Fretboard Markers Inlay Stickers for Guitars & Bass Cover
Inlaystickers Fret Markers for Guitars & Bass - LP/SG Blocks - White Pearl,F-005BL-WT

These Fretboard Markers Inlay Stickers Decals are made of PET material, which is easy to apply and remove. They won't get caught by your fingers while playing and leave no adhesive residue after being peeled off. Additionally, they can cover the existing dot-markers, providing a new look for your guitar or bass.

What We Like
Easy to apply and remove
No adhesive residue left behind
Cover existing dot-markers
#TOP 3

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 4

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 5

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 6

Ocean Shell Studios Mother of Pearl Shell Inlay Veneer with 3M Tape

Aqua Marine
Ocean Shell Studios Mother of Pearl Shell Inlay Veneer with 3M Tape Cover
Mother of Pearl Shell Inlay Veneer for DIY or Professional Inlay Embellishments - Sustainable New Zealand Aqua Marine- with 3M Double Sided Tape Backing - 9.45"X2.75"

The Ocean Shell Studios Pearl Veneer measures 9.45" by 2.75" with a thin thickness of about 0.4mm, making it perfect for detailed inlay work. Made from real abalone shell slices, this veneer offers a natural and glossy finish without any plastic layers, giving your projects an authentic look. Sourced sustainably from New Zealand by a family business, you can trust the ethical origins of your material. Plus, it includes easy-to-use double-sided 3M tape that you apply yourself, ensuring a strong hold and simplifying the inlay process for both DIYers and professionals alike.

What We Like
Sustainable New Zealand sourcing
Real abalone shell, no plastic
Glossy natural finish
Includes easy double-sided tape
Thin, precise 0.4mm thickness
#TOP 7

Alnicov Rosewood Guitar Head Veneer 3-Pack

Alnicov Rosewood Guitar Head Veneer 3-Pack Cover
Alnicov Guitar Veneer, 3Pcs Rosewood Wood Guitar Head Veneer Shell Sheet Headplate Replacement

The Alnicov Rosewood Head Veneer is a great way to refresh your folk or classic guitar’s look. Made from high-quality rosewood, it offers strong durability and resistance to wear, ensuring your guitar stays protected over time. This sturdy material also resists rot, so you can trust it to last even in varying conditions. Designed to fit most guitars, it provides versatility, making it easy for you to upgrade or replace your guitar’s headplate without hassle. Plus, with three pieces included, you have extra parts handy for future use or different guitars.

What We Like
High-quality rosewood material
Durable and strong
Rot-resistant
Fits most guitars
Includes 3 pieces
#TOP 8

Inlaystickers F-006DT-WT White Pearl Fret Markers

F-006DT-WT
White Pearl
Inlaystickers F-006DT-WT White Pearl Fret Markers Cover
Inlaystickers F-006DT-WT Fret Markers for Guitars & Bass - Dish/Trapezoid Les Paul Style Fret Markers - White Pearl

The Inlaystickers White Pearl Markers are made from durable PET material, ensuring they last without easily wearing out. These fret markers are designed for easy application and removal, so you can update your guitar or bass without hassle. They’re smooth and won’t interfere with your playing, letting your fingers glide freely along the fretboard. Plus, when you decide to remove them, they leave no sticky residue behind, keeping your instrument clean and damage-free. These features make the markers a convenient and user-friendly option for customizing your instrument’s look and feel.

What We Like
Durable PET material
Easy to apply and remove
Finger-friendly smooth surface
No adhesive residue
#TOP 9

KAISH New Zealand Abalone Guitar Rosette Inlay

K1319-3mm
Natural Abalone
125mmx3mmx1.5mm
KAISH New Zealand Abalone Guitar Rosette Inlay Cover
KAISH Guitar Rosette New Zealand Abalone Curved Strips Guitar Soundhole Inlay Dimension 125mm*3mm*1.5mm

The KAISH Abalone Rosette offers natural New Zealand Paua shell curved strips designed for guitar sound holes, giving your instrument a unique and vibrant look. Its precise dimensions—125mm inside diameter, 3mm width, and 1.5mm thickness—ensure a good fit for many guitars, so you can enhance your instrument without hassle. The rosette is made of 16 segments sold together, making it easy to complete the inlay around your sound hole. Since it’s laminated, you’ll need minimal sanding and scraping during installation, helping preserve the beautiful colors and saving you time and effort.

What We Like
Natural New Zealand Paua shell
Precise dimensions for fitting
Complete 16-segment set
Minimal sanding needed
#TOP 10

Psyqtsuary Guitar Fretboard Side Dot Inlays 50pcs

680554_1_Bkxgt4Ns
Black/White
Psyqtsuary Guitar Fretboard Side Dot Inlays 50pcs Cover
50pcs Guitar Fretboard Side Dot Music Instrument Inlay Dots for Bass and Guitar, 50x2 mm, Black/White, Performance Accessory for Beginners

The Psyqtsuary Guitar Side Dots are designed to improve both the look and playability of your guitar. These markers fit any guitar type, helping you easily find the right positions on the fretboard while giving your instrument a fresh appearance. Made from durable ABS material, they last long without fading or breaking, so you can rely on them through many practice sessions. Installation is simple and quick—you can trim and polish the dots to fit perfectly, ensuring they stay in place without affecting your guitar’s performance. With 25 black and 25 white dots included, you have plenty to customize your guitar or even multiple instruments.

What We Like
Universal fit for all guitars
Durable ABS material
Easy to trim and install
Includes black and white dots
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 6,631 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 $15.94.

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 Ocean Shell Studios., Inlaystickers, Musiclily, Alnicov, KAISH. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 24 consumers with an average rating of 4.6.

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.