Binding on a 360

[david/wales/u.k]

On the 330 the neck width at nut is 41.4mm and the same goes for the 360. On the 360 however, is the binding included in that measurement?? Am I correct in assuming that whereas on the 330 the fret goes right up to the edge of the neck/fretboard ( I know that as I got a 330)...... on the 360 the fret stops at the beginning of the binding? It certainly looks like that in pics and even though I have played a couple of 360's in the shop, I've never really noticed. Also, why is binding used and is it actually possible to have the fret go over the binding? Is binding merely cosmetic or does it serve another purpose. I will be ordering another Ric soon and I don't know whether to go for another 330 or pay a bit more and go for the 360. The fact that there isn't as much fret is sort of starting to put me off the 360 even though I love the rounded edges and the LOOK of the binding.

[Kingbreaker]

I am by no means an expert,. . .

- I have owned a 330 and currently own a 360. The necks feel pretty much identical in terms of playing. The binding on the 360 is not a problem whatsoever. Then again, I can't think of a practical benefit. It does look cool though.

- The 360 is a bit more comfy on the picking arm because of the rounded body shape.

[teb]

Yes, the frets are slightly shorter on a 360 due to the binding. You can bind over the frets, all the way out to the edges of the fingerboard and when done along with a carefully made nut, people with big hands who have trouble playing a stock 360 (or a 360/12 in particular) can get a fairly surprising amount of extra room. It's still a narrow neck, but it's without a doubt better for those folks. The factory does not offer this service, you have to have the guitar refretted by a luthier.

[johnhall]

The factory does not offer this service . . .

. . . yet.

[teb]

Hmmmmmmm.............. The plot thickens.........

[Rickissippi]

Wow, that is an interesting and cryptic post. I'll keep an eye on the boutique!