Guitar binding strips add a decorative edge to guitar bodies, and protect the vulnerable corners from knocks and dings. We stock guitar binding in a variety of materials - celluloid, ABS, CAB, PVC and wood - and a large selection of patterns including pearloid, ivory, multi-ply and plain colours.
Binding, often referred to as edging, is a strip which is recessed into the edge of a guitar giving a 'bound' edge. It is frequently seen on acoustic guitars, premium electric guitar bodies and other stringed instruments such as mandolins.
Our range focuses on plastic bindings. Plastic is a general term and in fact we stock 4 different varieties which are available in their own patterns, colours and sizes. They also differ in how they can be glued or laminated. The following table should help:
| ABS | CAB | Celluloid | PVC | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene | Cellulose acetate butyrate | Cellulose nitrate | Poly vinyl chloride |
| Patterns | Plain colours | Plain colours |
Plain colours |
Multi-ply |
| Recommended glues |
Acetone |
Acetone |
Acetone |
Binding cement (UHU Hart) |
| Dissolves in acetone? | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Can be lacquered over? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Shape with |
Scraper |
Scraper |
Scraper |
Scraper |
| Bending tips | Heat gently for tight radii | Thin pieces are very flexible Thicker pieces can be bent around tighter corners with a little heat |
Brittle when cold - heat very gently for tighter bends | Very flexible, heating not recommended |
To glue guitar binding we recommend UHU Hart, which is a clear cement that is compatible with wood, and all of these plastics. ABS, CAB and celluloid can also be adhered to wood (and to each other, for laminating) using acetone, which dissolves the surface of the plastic which will adhere to a surface when it then dries. Superglue (cyanoacrylate) is not recommended as this can be highly reactive with some plastics.
Whether you use binding cement or acetone, while the binding is drying it needs to be held in place. Due to the contours of a guitar body it requires clamping at many points to ensure a good bond, and therefore we recommend using binding tape, short strips of which can be used to hold down the binding at regular intervals with a focus on tight areas.
