Best Electric Guitar Wood & Inlay Material Under $200 (2026)
We selected items under $200 and scored them by material quality, accurate dimensions/specs, build-ready features, and overall value for luthiers and hobbyists
The Verdict
- Best Overall: SBM & SGM series – black pipe 60mm glow blue, inner 4mm outer 6mm — Best for visibility: glowing black-pipe inlay with inner 4mm and outer 6mm rings for low-light fretboard reference
- Best Value: StewMac Slotted Fingerboard for Fender, Indian Rosewood — Best for quick installs: pre-slotted Indian rosewood fingerboard built to Fender dimensions to simplify fretwork
This roundup helps builders and players compare electric guitar woods and inlay materials under $200, focusing on tonewoods, fingerboard blanks, body blanks and luminous inlay options. Selections were ranked by a value score that balances material quality, dimensions/sizes, and user-focused features like pre-slotted fingerboards and glow-inlay construction
Top Picks
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1
Best Overall SBM & SGM series – black pipe 60mm glow blue, inner 4mm outer 6mm
Best for visibility: glowing black-pipe inlay with inner 4mm and outer 6mm rings for low-light fretboard reference
Luminlay SBM/SGM black pipe inlay with selectable inner and outer diameters and two glow colors. Made in JAPAN with duties, taxes, and fees prepaid for recipient. Customer note: None
- selectable diameters for precise fit
- dual glow color options
- originated in JAPAN
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2
3-Piece Electric Guitar Body Blanks (21"x14"x1-3/4") Padauk & Sapele
wood blank: three-piece Padauk and Sapele body blanks sized for standard electric builds and rich tonal character
Wood blanks for luthier guitar building and DIY projects. Includes African Padauk and Sapele; designed to remodel or replace existing guitar wood with tailored dimensions. Customer insight note: mixed keywords none
- two hardwood species
- specific dimensions 21"x14"x1-3/4"
- luthier-focused design
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3
Best Value StewMac Slotted Fingerboard for Fender, Indian Rosewood
Best for quick installs: pre-slotted Indian rosewood fingerboard built to Fender dimensions to simplify fretwork
Radiused, extended fingerboard with a 1/8" flat-bottomed nut slot. Fender-style, kiln-dried and ready for trimming to fit neck widths
- 1/8" flat-bottomed nut slot
- Fender-style fingerboard
- flat undersides for stability
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4
Ambrosia Maple bass guitar body blank | 21x14x2" 3-piece glued
Best for bass builds: three-piece Ambrosia Maple blank sized and glued for stable bass-body construction
Ambrosia Maple bass guitar body blank, 21" x 14" x 2", 3-piece glued. Precision-cut and sanded for seamless bonding and playability. Grain patterns offer visual appeal alongside resonant tonewood properties
- 3-piece glued construction
- matched grain aesthetics
- precision-cut and sanded
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5
Paua Abalone Sheets Inlay - Easy Inlay (Fireball)
Best decorative inlay: Paua abalone sheets offering colorful, reflective veneers for custom dot and motif work
Paua abalone sheets for inlay projects, PSA-backed for easy placement and gluing. Cuts easily with scissors or utility knife for precise work. Use with caution when sanding due to natural material
- PSA-backed for easy placement
- 2.75" x 9-1/4" sheet size
- vibrant abalone color
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6
Exotic Wood Zone guitar body blank 21 x 14 x 2
Best high-grade blank: exotic multi-piece body blank designed for luthiers seeking unique figure and build flexibility
Electric guitar body blanks by Exotic Wood Zone. Single piece 21 x 14 x 2 with kiln-dried moisture around 7-8%. Variety of over 20 domestic and exotic woods. Customer insight: none provided
- kiln-dried wood
- multiple wood varieties
- single piece body blank
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7
Exotic Wood Zone Guitar Body Blank 21" x 14" x 2" (2 Piece) Unplaned
Best unplaned option: two-piece unplaned tonewood blank for builders who prefer full control over final thickness and finish
Two-piece guitar body blank with precise cuts and sanded finish. Enhances tonewood aesthetics and bonding accuracy for electric and acoustic guitar bodies. Customer notes a neutral impression of the product
- precision-cut, sanded finish
- matched grain patterns
- two-piece blank for bonding ease
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8
Pack of 8 East Indian Rosewood fingerboards 21in x 2.75in x 0.375in
Best bulk fingerboards: pack of eight East Indian Rosewood boards for repeat projects or small-batch builders
A pack of 8 East Indian Rosewood fingerboards/fretboards sized 21" x 2 3/4" x 3/8". Air dried over a year with ~9% moisture. 100% satisfaction guarantee or free returns in 30 days
- eight-piece combo pack
- east indian rosewood material
- dimension specifics provided
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9
African padauk electric guitar body blanks, 21x14x2 inches
Best padauk option: African Padauk body blanks offering bright, resonant tonewood with strong visual color and grain
African padauk tonewood blanks for electric guitar bodies. Single piece glued, unplaned thickness 2 inches; planed option ~1-3/4 inches. Premium luthier-grade material for custom builds
- premium tonewood for guitar bodies
- single piece glued blank
- dimensions 21" x 14" x 2"