Binding Repair Cont.

Continued from page 1......

Replacing cracked, decaying or missing binding If the instrument is in need of new binding and is not going to be refinished, this is a delicate and time consuming task indeed. After removing the original binding and cleaning the channel we're ready to glue our new binding in place.

Two Step Channel Used For Multiple Bindings

Once the binding has been glued in place and given time to cure it must be scraped level with the body.

While scraping the binding to the correct thickness we do our best to avoid scraping thru the clear coat finish and disturbing any color coat. Many have asked why I don't simply use binding that matches the depth of the channel exactly and avoid scraping altogether. The problem is that many instruments have a somewhat inconsistent channel depth that will vary around tight corners etc. It is far better to fill the channel with something too large than something to short or narrow and be left with binding that is too thin in areas to lay flush with the top or sides.
Rebinding certain instruments can be a huge job, especially on something like a Gretsch Country Gentleman which can suffer from an enormous amount celluloid deterioration. I've done enough of those for one lifetime and will likely pass on any future inquires due to the amount of finish work normally required. :)

Once the new binding has been scraped flush with the sides and top it must then be oversprayed (painted) in many cases. Most of the time it will require some tinting or aging techniques to assure it looks appropriate, the thinner the instruments finish, the easier the process tends to be. After achieving the appropriate hue we must then apply a clear finish in order to level, wet sand and polish.

 
The decaying binding on this Gretsch Tennessean was replaced and aged.