What is the binding for?

[knjhubbard]

Go check out a new 514ce.

Mine has wood binding, I am not sure exactly what type of wood it is off the top of my head, but it is nice looking!

[ncas410]

I would vote for maple binding on the ovangkol. It gives the dark vs light contrast that really frames out the guitar, but also has the natural wood look.... and the awesome flame.

Nathan

[Stringdancer]

I think it's cool that this thread has morphed from "What's it for?" to "What kind do you want?"!!

[Butrosgali]

I'll take platinum!

[Pipsqueak]

maple binding and koa binding both look incredible IMO

[koaguitarman]

For me the binding is mainly there to look pretty, if it is made from Koa or even Rosewood. Makes a nice touch of class to any guitar.
Russ

[Taylorplayer]

I have a 2002 814ceLTD with flamed maple wood binding. It looks very nice -- truly makes for a custom touch!

Just my 2 cents worth

[phuufme]

Maybe its weird but I like the white plastic binding on the 814 I have. I really like the way it sets off the dark rosewood back and sides. I had a 514ce and it had koa binding, I think, and I did not like the look of that as much.

[Gutch]

Originally posted by Alex 314CELTD
From what I understand, it's mainly physical, but can change your tone depending on the material. I know that Taylors that were designated WBM (With More Bass) had wood binding that added bass...

Actually, the binding on the 810WMB had nothing to do with the tone - Strictly decorative. The bracing on the WMB was changed to enhance the low end. Consider it a predecessor to the revoiced dreds that came out four years later...

[muzz76]

Originally posted by Alex 314CELTD
From what I understand, it's mainly physical, but can change your tone depending on the material. I know that Taylors that were designated WBM (With More Bass) had wood binding that added bass...

You gotta be kidding right?

[muzz76]

As for my vote on the binding, i'd go Ebony with Maple or Pearwood purfling lines to create the contrast. Very elegant and understated.

[Jim]

The main purpose for binding is to protect the edges from being damaged by bumps. If you bump a piece of wood on its edge, you are more likely to start a crack than if you bump it in its middle. The secondary purpose of binding is to make it look more finished. It costs extra to put on binding and so you won't find it on very low cost guitars.

Wood binding is not a very choice for a binding on a guitar that you plan on playing much since when you bump it, it will protect the corners but it does not rebound to its original shape like celluloid binding does. Unlike celluloid bindings, bumps on wood bindings are permanent.

Celluloid bindings are actually a bit more costly for the binding material than wood bindings.

The abalone you see on some guitars is not binding. That is purfling. Purfling is purely decorative and you can purfle with most anything to make your guitar look nicer. Abalone purfling will add a great deal of cost to a guitar.

[James Willer]

I just love Ivoroid binding!