Bound Neck and Headstock

[Andromeda]

I have found that I gravitate toward a guitar with a bound neck and headstock, especially on a 12-String. However, they seem to be the exception rather than the rule.

Anyone prefer a guitar with a bound neck and headstock? If so, what type of material do you like your guitar bound in? Personally I like ivoroid the most but can argue with a guitar bound in Koa or flamed Maple.

[Scotso]

love it but do not own a single one

[Wellington]

I love it, my fancy guild doesn't have it, and the binding on the body is dark, but aestetically i prefer white binding, including on the neck, headstock isn't a big deal. My Yamaha LL16 is bound up the neck, so that scratch is itched for me lol

[Rmccamey]

I like ivoroid or a light maple binding on the headstock and fingerboard. To me, it just makes the instrument look more finished.

[EZYPIKINS]

My only one is my Gibson J-185. My main player, but not necessarily because of binding. More playability, scale, and most of all tone. Hard to beat that maple.

[Andromeda]

Originally Posted by Rmccamey

I like ivoroid or a light maple binding on the headstock and fingerboard. To me, it just makes the instrument look more finished.

It does make the guitar look more finished. I have three guitars with bound neck and headstock and hope to add one more soon.

[silvereagle48]

I really like bound necks and heads.

[jaymarsch]

I love the look if it is wood binding. Not so crazy about it if it is white plastic as was the case with my Martin M-38. None of the guitars that I currently own have either a bound headstock or fingerboard and I really do not think about it very much but I appreciate the craftsmanship and aesthetics of it.

Best,
Jayne

[Fresh1985]

To be honest Ive always like the simplicity of unbound headstocks and fingerboards as per the 18 and 28 series martin aesthetic. But that being said I would'nt down a furch vintage 3.

[JayBee1404]

White/ivoroid FB/headstock binding is definitely not my cup of tea. I only have one guitar with a bound FB, my Lowden with Ebony binding on an Ebony fingerboard - classy, I love it.

My D-18 has the pocketed fret-slots, so it has the appearance of an Ebony-bound Ebony fingerboard, and I like that very much too. I’d also be happy to go with other wood bindings, but I’m not inclined to look for it in a guitar, and definitely not white or Ivoroid plastic.

[Br1ck]

A Guild D 55 would do nicely.

[Silly Moustache]

Originally Posted by silvereagle48

I really like bound necks and heads.

Me too, but few of mine actually have them. It isn't a deal breaker.

[Birchtop]

I do like neck binding, but I can go either way.

I’d say half my gear has neck binding and the other half doesn’t.

[rwmct]

As a general rule, I don't like the look at all.

The exception, though, is with iconic guitars that you just expect to have binding on the neck and headstock. The Guild D-55, mentioned above, is a classic example. I don't mind it on those, just like I don't mind the decorated pick guards on certain Gibsons, because that is just how one expects them to look.

I kind of don't even see that kind of "bling" on those models, because it is just what I expect to see, if that makes any sense.

[justonwo]

I wouldn’t say I prefer it, but I do love it. Ivoroid is probably my favorite.