Ebony F-hole plugs?

**jzucker** · 09-02-2011, 12:40 PM

Just use clear packing tape. You don't need anything special. Go to your local office supply store and buy a roll of it. I've used it on both lacquer and poly finishes with no issues though I did need to use "gum-off" on the lacquer guitar to get the residue off but that was after it had been on for a year. I don't think I would use tape on an older instrument with a vintage finish though bollenback was using it on a lacquer finish Guild X-700 with no issues.

**jorgemg1984** · 09-02-2011, 12:43 PM

I have a 1965 Guild X-500. My luthier did very good job restoring it and gave it a new finish, it sounds much more alive now! I don't think I will have any issues with the tape / finish because otherwise he wouldn't recommend it...

**GreyJazz90** · 09-02-2011, 01:08 PM

Originally Posted by jzucker

Many times. The difference is easy to hear, plugged and unplugged.

I have tried both, haven't noticed a difference. But I will try the tape idea and compare the two.

**jorgemg1984** · 09-06-2011, 04:55 PM

Well tried the tape, solved 90% of the problem at home. In a gig with good amp placement should solve all problems. Cheap and easy. Problem: IMO looks hideous. Maybe there's some tape less intrusive than this one I found but I still think the plugs would look much nicer. Oh and didn't notice changes in plugged or unplugged sound (still waiting for Dougs reply)

**Jabberwocky** · 09-06-2011, 09:21 PM

How about just using quarter-sawn balsa wood from an aeromodelling supply shop? Easy to work with and light and stiff.

**billkath** · 09-07-2011, 04:53 AM

Originally Posted by Jabberwocky

How about just using quarter-sawn balsa wood from an aeromodelling supply shop? Easy to work with and light and stiff.

That is a GREAT idea!!!!

**Little Jay** · 09-07-2011, 02:03 PM

I made some plugs myself and they work very well.

The wood is called Meranti overhere (cheap kind of mahogany-like wood), cut them out roughly, shaped them with a simple file and I died them black with a permanent marker. I glued some foam under them that keeps 'em in place very well.

**spiral** · 09-07-2011, 05:57 PM

I went to check out a guitar a few years ago and the guy had a clear adhesive film cut in the approximate shape of the holes. I couldn't even see them when I picked up the guitar. They were made from window cling paper for printing window clings on an inkjet printer. He said you can get it at any office supply store. Cheap and invisible. He is still using it so I assume it works. Something to consider. (test on a inconspicuous spot first!)

**river251** · 09-22-2012, 08:10 PM

Jack what did you end up with?

I would be concerned about the foam outgassing and harming the nitro. I had the truss rod cover outgass and bubble the nitro, and also had a snark tuner outgass and soften the nitro whereupon it made a little waffle print in my finish. Should not have left it clipped on.

Little Jay, how much for a pair of those? Nice!

**Spook410** · 09-22-2012, 10:46 PM

Using packing tape and goo-gone feels wrong on a nitro finish. Don't know that it is and it might be just fine, however nitro doesn't get along with a lot of different things.

**river251** · 09-23-2012, 12:33 AM

Originally Posted by Spook410

Using packing tape and goo-gone feels wrong on a nitro finish. Don't know that it is and it might be just fine, however nitro doesn't get along with a lot of different things.

Yeah, I can't bring myself to do that either. If I were a gigging pro I might have a different attitude.

**kris** · 09-23-2012, 02:32 AM

I use Dougs Plugs with my arch-top.
No problem with feedback...:-)
Guitar sound a little different with out amp with these plugs.

**river251** · 09-23-2012, 03:06 AM

Originally Posted by kris

I use Dougs Plugs with my arch-top.
No problem with feedback...:-)
Guitar sound a little different with out amp with these plugs.

Thanks for the info Kris. I usually use the amp (though with the new guitar that may change). Does it sound the same with an amp?

Does the acoustic sound seem muffled with the plugs?

**kris** · 09-23-2012, 03:31 AM

The sound with the amp is very similar.
Acoustic sound is not so loud and some bass is cut.
When you play loud with rythm section is OK...you feel more comfortable with arch-top box.

**river251** · 09-23-2012, 03:39 AM

Thanks Kris. How long have you had them in? Do you have a nitro finish? No problems? I'm worried about the outgassing possbility, but I expect Doug knows what he is saying when he says it won't hurt the finish. If it damaged nitro I am sure he would have heard.

Jack wanted ebony. Do you think an ebony veneer could be glued to Doug's plugs in a durable way?

**kris** · 09-23-2012, 04:27 AM

Originally Posted by river251

Thanks Kris. How long have you had them in? Do you have a nitro finish? No problems? I'm worried about the outgassing possbility, but I expect Doug knows what he is saying when he says it won't hurt the finish. If it damaged nitro I am sure he would have heard.

Jack wanted ebony. Do you think an ebony veneer could be glued to Doug's plugs in a durable way?

I/ve used them about 4 years.
They are very soft..do not worry about guitar finish.
You do not need ebony...ebony is hard wood.
I think Hofner guitars use ebony plugs...different material and a heavier.

some sound with Doug plugs...

**river251** · 09-23-2012, 10:43 AM

That's a great video, thanks a lot. The guitar sounds great, so it doesn't seem to cause any problem. What kind of guitar and amp are you playing?

Jim

**kris** · 09-23-2012, 01:30 PM

Originally Posted by river251

That's a great video, thanks a lot. The guitar sounds great, so it doesn't seem to cause any problem. What kind of guitar and amp are you playing?

Jim

Thanks Jim,
No problem with plugs at all.
This is the best way for feedbacks.

D'Aspiranta New-Yorker/D'Aquisto clone with upgrades/ & Peavey Classic-30/with upgrades-Eminence Tonker speaker/ & Vovox cable.

**Bluesboybob** · 11-02-2017, 05:14 PM

I make f-its feedbackblockers. F Hole Covers | F-its Feedback blockers|Double bass feedback|
They are hardly noticible from more than a few feet away, are very easy to fit and look great.

**abelljo** · 11-03-2017, 07:42 AM

One of these guys might:
---

Solid Knob Gallery Page

pickguards

Guilford Guitars, Wood Parts and Materials are the best! - Store

Anyone with a CNC and a tracing can make it. Maybe glue a thick piece of cork to it and call it done

**Little Jay** · 11-03-2017, 08:59 AM

Very old thread, but I see now that the pictures I once posted are no longer visible because of Photobucket's ridiculous change of policy, so I post my home-made f-hole plugs once more:

But now I can add that since I placed a sound post in that guitar I only need the plugs when things get very very loud.