New OM2HG: Fretboard Inlay Question

[SWRM4]

Hi all, I just brought home a new OM2H German Spruce and loving it! I did notice that one of the fretboard abalone inlays looks different than the others. One abalone inlay doesn't completely fill in the "square pattern" shape. There is no missing material and the inlay is flush with fretboard though. Is this normal to have asymmetrical looking fretboard inlays?

[Eric Jones]

I’m not exactly sure what you’re describing. But if the inlay material is natural shell, maybe there’s a color variation in that particular piece that blends in with the fretboard.

Congrats on the OM2H!

[SWRM4]

Thanks, that very well could be the answer. I took a picture of it, and when enlarged it does show the inlay shape is the same, but there is dark coloring in the inlay on the right side of picture that to the naked eye looks like the inlay pattern is not fully filled in. Attempting to attach the picture in this reply. It won't let me attach original resolution so had to decrease it to post it.

[Haasome]

That’s simply the natural variation and is expected IMO. Here’s one on my Collings OM

[SWRM4]

Very happy to hear thanks! They are beautiful inlays, and the variation makes it more special. Taking the picture allowed me to view it enlarged which confirms the responses here. Glad to be a part of the Collings family!

[JohnB]

The variation for me adds to the beauty of the instrument. Congratulations by the way! The OM2G is I think one of Collings' finest guitars, beautifully balanced and expressive.

[SWRM4]

Thanks JohnB! I agree about the OM2 G. The German top sounds great. I tried OM1s, O1, OM2 Adi top, as well as similar SCGC, Bourgeois, and Martins, and this OM2 G was the best for me.

[Buck]

Most manufacturers, Collings too I believe, are using Abalam for these inlays. They tend to show more dark streaks and more varied color than solid shell due to the way the layers are structures and the bonding material. If the dark layer happens to hit close to the edge, it can look like a piece of the inlay is missing on a dark fretboard.