You've most likely noticed how the high-end wood binding guitar just looks different from the sea of plastic-edged instruments in the local music store. There's something inherently warm and advanced about seeing real timber wrapped across the edges of the guitar body rather of a strip of white or even cream-colored ABS plastic material. If you've already been window shopping regarding a new traditional or a boutique electric, you might be wondering when that wooden trim is actually worth the extra money or if it's only a fancy marketing trick.
The truth is, binding serves a quite specific purpose. It's not only there intended for the "wow" element when you open the case. The primary job will be to protect the vulnerable end wheat of the guitar's top and back plates. Without this, the edges of the wood would become susceptible to chipping, breaking, and moisture damage. While plastic will this job completely fine, wood binding takes the entire instrument to a various amount of craftsmanship.
The Aesthetic Attractiveness of Natural Components
Let's end up being honest: we purchase with our eye first. A guitar with maple or even koa binding has a visual depth that plastic simply can't replicate. When a person take a look at a wood binding guitar , you're seeing an extension of the instrument's organic nature. Plastic frequently appears like a hard border—a "frame" that will cuts off the style. Wood, on the particular other hand, seems like a seamless transition.
Depending upon the types of wood used, the appearance may change completely. For those who have a dark rosewood body, a light-colored flamed maple binding creates a spectacular contrast that can make the shape from the guitar pop. More over, if you desire something more understated, you might opt for mahogany or pine binding on a cedar-topped guitar. It creates a delicate, "earthy" vibe that will feels here at home in a folk or roots music setting.
I've always felt that wood binding gives a guitar a "custom shop" feel. It suggests that the one who constructed it took the time to select specific items of lumber that match each other. It's regarding the details—the method the grain of the binding interacts with the wheat of the edges.
Is Right now there a Difference in Sound?
This really is one of individuals topics that guitar nerds will argue about until the sun goes down. Will a wood binding guitar actually sound better than one with plastic material binding? If we're being totally practical, the difference is incredibly tiny. Most players wouldn't be able to tell the difference in a blind collapse test.
Nevertheless, there is the theoretical argument for wood. Plastic is essentially a gerüttel dampener. When a person glue a remove of plastic almost all the way around the edge of a guitar's soundboard, you are technically adding a material that doesn't resonate the same way wood does. Wood binding, being an organic material, is thought to permit the top to vibrate a bit more openly because it's "wood-on-wood" construction.
Does it make your guitar louder? Most likely not. Does this provide more maintain? Perhaps a fraction associated with a percent. But for some purists, knowing that their particular instrument is produced entirely of resonant materials provides a certain peace of mind. It's the idea that the guitar is one cohesive, living thing rather than a wooden box with plastic trim glued onto the corners.
The Craftsmanship Behind the Scenes
One reason a wood binding guitar generally costs more happens because it's significantly more difficult to install. Plastic material is simple. You can heat it up somewhat, and it may bend into simply about any form you want. It's forgiving. If there's a little gap, you can often melt it or sand it down to match.
Wood is stubborn. To obtain an item of maple or even rosewood to bend around the tight curves of a guitar's "waist, " a luthier offers to use high temperature, moisture, and a lot of endurance. If you press it too very difficult, it snaps. In case you don't flex it enough, this won't sit flush in the route.
When you see the guitar with perfectly executed wood binding, you're looking with a higher level of skill. There's furthermore the matter associated with "purfling"—those thin decorative lines that frequently sit just within the binding. Coordinating wood binding along with multi-ply wood purfling is a tedious process that needs a steady hand and a sharp mill. When it's carried out right, it's the work of art.
Common Hardwoods Utilized for Binding
If you're looking for your next device, you'll probably operate into a several usual suspects when it comes to binding materials.
Flamed or Quilted Maple
This particular is one of the most well-known choice for high end acoustics. Maple is definitely dense and sturdy, but it's the "figure" that people like. Under a high shine finish, flamed maple binding looks like it's three-dimensional. It catches the sunshine as you move the particular guitar, giving this reduced, "private stock" look.
Koa
Koa is definitely a Hawaiian build wood reputed for the incredible golden hues and complex wheat patterns. Using koa for binding is usually a total strength move. It's expensive, but it adds a warmth plus "glow" to the edges of the guitar that you just can't get with whatever else. It looks especially good on guitars with spruce or cedar clothes.
Rosewood and Ebony
In the event that you want a dark, sleek look, they are your first choice options. Ebony binding is essentially pitch dark and looks extremely classy, especially whenever paired with a light-colored top. Rosewood offers a bit more visible grain plus a chocolatey brown color functions properly on "vintage-style" increases.
Durability and Maintenance Concerns
It's not every sunshine and rainbows, though. There are a few things you should know before doing to a wood binding guitar . Considering that wood is a natural material, this reacts to the atmosphere.
Plastic material binding is pretty much bulletproof with regards to dampness. It doesn't reduce or expand. Wood, however, does. If you let your guitar get as well dry, the wood binding might reduce at a different rate than the body of the guitar. This can sometimes lead to "binding separation" or little cracks at the joints.
You really possess to become diligent regarding humidifying a guitar with wood binding. If you live in a place with harsh winters and dry indoor surroundings, you'll want to keep that instrument in the case with a humidifier. It's a bit more high-maintenance, but most people who appreciate fine instruments contemplate it a small cost to purchase the attractiveness and feel associated with the wood.
The "Feel" Aspect
Something individuals rarely talk regarding is how the particular binding feels towards your arm. Plastic can sometimes experience a bit "sharp" or "clinical" on the edges, especially if the guitar doesn't have a rounded-over profile. Wood has a tendency to feel a bit more organic against the skin.
Over many years of playing, wood binding will furthermore develop a patina. It ages together with the rest of the guitar. Plastic simply stays plastic—it may yellow a little over decades, however it doesn't "wear in" the same way. A well-loved wood binding guitar seems like it has a history. The edges soften, the color deepens, and it becomes uniquely yours.
Making the Option
So, is a wood binding guitar perfect for you? If you're a newbie just looking intended for something to learn your own first chords on, honestly, it shouldn't be your top priority. You're better away putting that additional money into a solid top or much better tuners.
But if you're at a stage where you want an instrument this is a legacy piece—something you'll keep for the rest of your life—wood binding is a fantastic update. It changes the "soul" of the device. It moves the guitar far from getting a mass-produced item and closer to being a piece associated with functional art.
Whenever We pick up a guitar with wood binding, I discover myself staring at the edges even more than I possibly should. There's simply a richness to it that never gets old. It's one of those "hidden" features which makes you want in order to pick up the particular guitar and play more often, and at the finish of the day, that's the most important thing any function can do.