abalone shell

[astrid]

Does anyone know where i can get a slice of white abalone shell.
I removed the escuchion from a rosewood box( not an original thank god)
and I cant find the piece.
I'm not charging the cliet much for the jod so I dont want to have to go to the trouble of preparing my own.
its not a thing ive done before
help!!

[MacS]

Have you thought about making your own piece of faux abalone shell ?

You could use a piece of wood, or you could use epoxy putty to make a mold of the piece, you can add dry powders or bronzing colors to the epoxy, or you can hand color it out.

If you need to, do a search, and use the photos to help you color it out.

[Sebastiaan56]

Astrid,

Try E-Bay, there is a lot on there, also the Luthiers suppliers like Australian Luther Supplies or Gilet Guitars, often used for instrument inlay

[astrid]

I will try to make up afaux piece but as i havent done this before time is a factor.
Ill try the luthier supplyers first.
thanks guys.
astrid

[Salty]

Hi Astrid I have used a company in NZ called Paua World and ordered on the internet and had great service. They have laminated Paua sheet which you can cut into any shape and inlay. Just a thought - see all at http://www.pauashell.co.nz/

Cheers Bruce

[MacS]

You could use these colors or pattern, or create your own pattern.

If you tell me what colorants you use, i'll try to tell you how to "float" the colors.

Good Luck

[astrid]

thanks for all your advice and help.
unfortunatly there is a piece cut into the top of the box i have to match and as i said its white.
paua shell is too colourful
I will have to try and make somthing up
I have rung about 3 guitar places and they have pieces pre cut and curved or strips for guitar necks but cant help with a 1" piece.
I tried white china epoxy but this didnt set.
I am experimenting with pva and plaster.
if it wasnt a worry (re client) it would be fun.



any other advise without me having to spend up big on materials i dont have would be great.
I have grey bog, afor mentioned china epoxy, plaster and most colours,
thanks,
astrid

[MacS]

Read my post about "epoxy putty sticks." These sticks are great fillers, they are opaque, so, you can color over them to create the abalone.

These sticks do not shrink, as they contain no solvent, you cut off a piece, knead it until you have only one color, and then you fill the damage, or make a casting, they can be sanded, carved, nailed, screwed, colored and coated, and they cured in one hour or less.

They may have another name over there, so, I attached a photo.