Need suggestions and pics of wood binding for new build

Bill R · #1 02-10-2013, 03:14 PM

Hi Folks,

I am fortunate to be having John Greven built me a OOO this year. The back and sides will be Brazilian RW and the top Lutz spruce. What I'm asking input from forum members about is the binding. While I don't know what the Brazilian will look like until April when I visit John in Portland and select from his stash, I do like Brazilian that has a reddish color with spider webbing (as opposed to the darker brown color some BRW has).

I definitely want wood binding and would prefer something similar in color to the back and sides. By that I mean I don't want something too light (such as maple) or too dark (such as ebony). Something with flame or figure could be cool too. I'd particularly appreciate any pics you may have showing wood binding on BRW.

Thanks folks,

Bill

SteveS · #2 02-10-2013, 03:21 PM

I recommend that you completely trust John. When you pick out the wood at his shop, he can show you bindings with the top. back and sides.
John has a great eye for beauty in a guitar. You could not be in better hands.

gitnoob · #3 02-10-2013, 04:12 PM

When I built my rosewood/spruce, I went with curly Koa bindings. Great contrast. Adds a lot of interest.

dekutree64 · #4 02-10-2013, 04:13 PM

Curly koa is my favorite for dark rosewood back/sides.

But if you want darker and curly, walnut would be something to look at. Make sure you check with both woods wetted... walnut darkens a lot under finish.

Saguache · #5 02-10-2013, 04:39 PM

Snakewood is expensive, but it sure looks nice with that combo.

Google Snakewood binding for some pics. Also, this:

http://www.lmii.com/CartTwo/BindingPurflingTips.asp

BBWW · #6 02-10-2013, 06:39 PM

what about some nice figured Bubinga or Pomelle African Mahogany Bindings to add some redness...

http://rctonewoods.com/RCT_Store/ind...hm5n63h9ffp815

Pat Foster · #7 02-10-2013, 08:22 PM

I just saw a BRW guitar with bondings cut from the sides, set off with thin maple purfling alone the sides. It was very low key but stunning, and didn't detract from the back and sides wood.

Pat

Bill R · #8 02-12-2013, 08:47 AM

Thanks everyone for your replies. I think I'll go with SteveS's thoughts and see what John suggests when I meet with him in April.

Bill

Rod True · #9 02-12-2013, 03:13 PM

I also suggest seeing what John has in mind.

Having said that, I really like the look of matched binding to side/back with a single contrasting strip. To me, this is a very classy look.

Here's one I recently finished from Indian Rosewood, matching bindings.

BBWW · #10 02-12-2013, 03:17 PM

Very nice.

JohnM · #11 02-12-2013, 05:37 PM

I know you said nothing dark like ebony, but imo African blackwood looks great. Here is a Brazilian guitar I build with AFBW binding:

Buzz1234 · #12 02-12-2013, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rod True

I also suggest seeing what John has in mind.

Having said that, I really like the look of matched binding to side/back with a single contrasting strip. To me, this is a very classy look.

Here's one I recently finished from Indian Rosewood, matching bindings.

I like that look too; that's very elegant.

Neil K Walk · #13 02-12-2013, 06:11 PM

I forget which maker it was but I recently saw an ad in Acoustic Guitar magazine the showed an EIR/sitka guitar with blackwood binding/bevel. the BW was not figured at all but the color was very flattering IMO.

Bogie54 · #14 02-12-2013, 06:53 PM

Bloodwood binding

cokezero · #15 02-12-2013, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnM

I know you said nothing dark like ebony, but imo African blackwood looks great. Here is a Brazilian guitar I build with AFBW binding:

speechless....