Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I realize that most if not all guitar bindings are sealed with whatever a guitar is finished with but was curious is there would be any ill effects if a binding was not sealed.

Clearcoat goes on after binding. It coats and protects the binding as well as providing a backup seal in areas where there might be a hairline gap between the binding and the guitar body.

So, not providing this protection might cause problems later mostly in the area of dirt penetration.

This wasn't so true in the old nitro days, but these days, with clearcoats running .010" or more, the binding can be also be considered to be structurally reinforced somewhat by the properly-cured and applied clearcoat.

Paul, is refinishing a guitar with binding much more difficult than without? Does the binding have to be replaced?

It involves more work in the stripping process; it must be taped off if chemical stripper is used, then the finish must be carefully sanded off the binding, as the components in strippers will attack the plastic that the binding is made of.

Rickenbacker binding does not deteriorate like Gretsch binding did. So, unless it has cracks or is missing a chunk, replacement is not common.

Your Mudgeliness, what's the best RX for the binding on my 250 body. It's pulling away a bit in the deepest part of the cutaways as if it shrank a bit? I can probably work a little C.A. in there and force it back in place, but it may not be easy because it really does seem a bit shortened in the curves. I'd love to send this one out some time and have you do the whole refin number on it. It's a gorgeous black slab of Jetglo, even with some old dings and buckle rash. It would be magnificent after the treatment. The only thing is that they seem to have such mediocre resale value that I might never get my money back out of it.

http://webpages.charter.net/tbradshaw/250%20003.jpg

Don't use CA on this--there's a chance it will make the binding crack. A heat gun and some plastic solvent is my way of dealing with it, and it does take a deft touch. Doesn't look like too bad of a separation.

Dale may have another suggestion.

Refinishing is seldom an economically-feasible proposition. Most people do it because they love the guitar or bass and want something different, or are planning on keeping it forever.

However, I can't imagine a unique instrument like Melissa's Purpleburst not bringing a pretty penny from a buyer who is as crazy about it as she is! (Were it to be sold, and she will not ever part with it.)

Did you receive Melissa's guitar and fix it yet Paul?

I got it in early this week and it's in process. It will probably be completed by this weekend.

Anybody want to see pics?

Yea I'd love to see a before an after pic. I would think doing a touch up and making it match would be a tough assignment.

Along the same topic what is the deal with using a blacklight to see if something has been touched up?

Paul, you're capitalized?????? (sorry for an offtopic...)

about time too. do you know how annoying it is to have to read posts without correct capitalisation??

ABSOLUTELY, ROB!! Yes, Paul, I'd like to see some shots, please.......

Pics please. Perhaps in new topic area though.

I'll vote for pics, too, Big Guy!
(i've seen many people here already sent you compliments on a New Look...)
Back to binding, BTW... a stupid question, i know, but... if the guitar originally had binding and then it was removed and not put back, will it affect playability or something else?..

Generally, no. Binding is not structural, although it does protect the edges of the guitar. And if the binding's already missing and there are no plans to replace it, the guitar is probably on its last legs appearance-wise and an edge nick would make little difference at this juncture.