Acoustic Guitar Binding Styles

There are a wide range of different styles of bindings available on my guitars. What is listed below is only a sample of what is available. If there is a particular style you are interested in that is not featured here, feel free to contact me as more often than not it can be achieved.

Model I
Model I features no binding. This style is simple and lets the natural appearance of the tonewoods speak for itself.

Model I binding Model I binding
Model I guitar details

Model II

Model II features an ABS plastic binding similar to that found on many guitars on the market. This binding is available in black, white or cream. To the human eye these bindings have the effect of contrasting with the tonewoods used on the body to make it appear lighter or darker. For a darker looking instrument, black is the ideal look while white binding will tend to lighten its appearance. Cream tends to lighten while bringing out the reds from the body.

Model II binding (black) Model II binding (black) Model II binding (cream) Model II binding (cream)
Model II guitar details

Model III & Model IV

The binding schemes available for Model III and IV are identical and are virtually unlimited -- what is listed below is only a small snapshop of what can be achieved based on some of the designs used on past guitars. Please note some of these options are extra cost. Model III and IV guitars can also be built with any of the binding appointments from the Model I and II -- an ideal option if seeking the higher grade of timber and hardware used for these models.

Maple tends to be the most popular timber binding but there is an almost limitless range of possibilites including Ebony (black), or Blackwood/Koa for a natural look.

All styles can be matched with a corresponding rosette style.

Standard Maple binding
The simplest look to go with, the top and back edges of the guitar feature Maple binding.

Model III binding (maple)

Black/White fibre purfling
To add a bit of definition to the binding, thin strips of black/white, or black/white/black fibre are inlayed on the inside edge of the binding (top only or top and back). These can also be included on the guitar's sides, in conjunction with a top purfling of any description.

Model III binding (maple with black/white purfling) Model III binding (maple with black/white/black purfling)

Herringbone purfling
Featuring a herringbone pattern that is inlayed on the inside edge of the binding on the soundboard of the guitar. The optional addition of an inner maple strip provides an attractive separation between the purfling pattern and the soundboard.

Model III binding (maple with herringbone purfling) Model III binding (maple with herringbone purfling)

Coral Snake purfling
So named for its resemblance to the equally as striking coral snake, this is one of the many styles of marqetry that can be inlayed as a purfling in conjunction with a

Model III binding (maple with coral snake purfling) Model III binding (maple with coral snake purfling)

Abalone purfling
Genuine abalone shell delicately shaped around the top edge of the guitar in conjunction with a solid wood binding.

Rope binding
A traditional appointment on original Weissenborns, this unique style of marquetry combines alternating strips of Maple and Indian Rosewood cut at an angle giving a unique appearance that resembles rope.

Model III binding (rope binding) Model III binding (rope binding)
Model III guitar details
Model IV guitar details