Page "Purfling" Paragraph 3

Eventually, nacre from shell, usually mother of pearl or abalone, and other hard, inlay materials were incorporated to provide highly decorative effects.

Elaborate inlay is found most often on fretted instruments.

Laminates and composites made from nacreous shell and synthetic materials, described as " fake ", " faux ", or " shin paua ", are sometimes used by luthiers.

The channel cut for the inlay of purfling may increase the flexibility of the plates where they join the sides, affecting an instrument's pitch and sustain.

In cases of heavy decorative inlay, the effective vibrational area of the sound board may be reduced.