Abalam Curved Strips: Black MOP Ply

Smoky gray to solid black mother of pearl, often flashing enough color to read as abalone at an angle. Dramatic and modern, it is the go-to dark shell for light-colored grounds and maple work.

Abalam laminated curved strips, cut across the veneer ply sheet for deep, consistent color that will not sand away, with no natural fracture lines. Computer-cut even widths and squared ends keep joints tight. Typically 3 pieces complete one guitar soundhole rosette.

Specifications

• Shell: Pinctada margaritifera; Tahiti
• Size: 4.75" long x .050" thick x 4.921" I.D.
• Widths: .047" – .135"
• Sold: per piece
• SKU: CURVE-BLACK

Working with this shell

Dry-fit the rosette ring first, then glue. The 4.921 inch inside diameter suits standard soundhole rosettes; trim the arc ends for a seamless circle. Sort for color match before gluing — joints nearly disappear when neighboring pieces are matched.

SURFACE INLAY ONLY: these laminated strips are .050″ thick and are made for surface inlay work — purfling, binding, carving and sign making. Not recommended for reverse glass work due to thickness.

SORRY NO INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING due to law, Shell SHIPS WITHIN THE UNITED STATES ONLY