Binding - Functional Or Appearance?

[mpeg2]

Is there any functional purpose for body binding - rather than looks? I'm starting to think about trying my hand at an acoustic build from a Stew-Mac kit (done more than enough solid body electrics) - the only step that looks awkward to me is the binding...

Rich

[mammoth guitars]

Binding on an acoustic hides the braces that can show along the edge of the top.

[GoodWood]

Binding on an acoustic hides the braces that can show along the edge of the top.

It also bind top to guitar grasshopper... make guitar stronger.

There is a guy selling german binding tool on ebay, you can get it for like $22.00 plus shipping.

[Hector]

Is there any functional purpose for body binding - rather than looks? I'm starting to think about trying my hand at an acoustic build from a Stew-Mac kit (done more than enough solid body electrics) - the only step that looks awkward to me is the binding...

Rich

binding have other purposes besides the looks,

- it protects the edge of the guitar from bumps,

- it seals the end grain of the wood from the top and the back.

- bindings DO change the sound of a guitar. (acoustic)

[Southpa]

covers all the seams on those "veneer over plywood" knockoffs.

[fryovanni]

Binding does a little of all the above mentioned things. Very functional as well as nice looking.

[scab]

Binding obviously has 2 benifits..

1) it reenforces the joint between your back sides and kerfing

2) it looks sweet

good luck, and take care!!

Edit: pics added for the full effect )

Edited January 7, 2008 by scab