Martin Sunburst Binding Repair
 

I have Martin D-18 Sunburst that the binding has let loose about 1-1/2" long on the lower waist area. Can anyone tell me the best glue to use to put it back in place. I put a little heat to it with a hair blow dryer and it laid right down into place. I'm just a little scared of gluing it and possibly messing up the sunburst top.

I would advise you not to do it.

Steve

9 out of 10 reglues will go perfectly for me, one occasionally goes bad, I do this weekly.

This is what can happen from the glue used to re-attach the binding, you must be super confident in your finishing skills before attempting IMO.

http://www.mirwa.com.au/images/BLM16.JPG

Localised finish repair, pickguard not removed.

http://www.mirwa.com.au/images/BLM17.JPG

Binding Repair
 

Thank you! That's what I needed to know!

CA is the most reliable glue to use, but it also can damage a lacquer finish. My secret is that I use odorless CA, which does not attack lacquer. In the worst case, I am wet sanding and buffing to remove glue residue.

The LMI binding glue (FCA) is good stuff. You can also just use Titebond for simple repairs like that and it cleans up so well that it's all you need to do. So the 'best' glue might just be the one that's easiest to clean up. If you have no experience with CA then trust me, it can be a disaster.

This. I use "luthier" glue. I drive the guitar to my luthier and have him glue the binding.

That’s funny.

I use duco cement for Martin warranty work, ABS bindings are the worst to attach to wood IMO, the glued area cannot come undone again that’s why I use a volatile glue, it’s kind of embarrassing if it does come loose again.

Steve