Official Luthiers Forum!

Hey everyone

I am always looking for new woods to use for bindings, and lately we seem to see more and more golden brown bindings, which makes a pretty nice contrasting effect when used with Rosewood or any dark coloured wood for back and sides.

I was just wondering which essences of woods some of you guys use to achieve this effect. If you have any pictures to share as well, that would be just great too!!!

Cheers

Pat

Koa, Eucalyptus, Narra, Tasmanian Black Acacia.

Add to Michaels list-
Cherry,Mahogany,Olivewood,Goncalo Alves !
There most be more !

Mike
check out www.cookwoods.com

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Mike Collins

Sycamore, English walnut, lacewood can be added to the list.

Go to a REALLY good hardwood supplier and wander the aisles. You may see something that really strikes your fancy.

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Hank Mauel

An amazing wood Ive discovered for this real golden look is laburnum...
Its fantastically bright gold and densely hard!!!!
Although difficult to come by in large size.. I have a gorgeous log ready to slice but no means to do it or acquiantances with a resaw saw in the vacinity - otherwise Id gladly send you a few strips to try - Im working on finding someone to saw it up however - and hopefully will have it to use for binding this fall...
BTW Rod True your first on the list for recieving some friend!
Cheers
Charlie

I forgot all the other Acacias line Honey Masquite

Hey guys

Thanks for the replies. Of all the ones mentionned, Mahogany and Cherry are the easiest one to come by around here. I do have some Santos Mahogany and Sycamore that may do the job, but I'll give Cherry a try (I must admit that most of the Cherry pieces I have seen look a little pale to me, but I guess with a coat of shellac or Z-poxy it may turn darker and more towards what I am looking for).

I'll keep an eye out for the ones mentionned next time I go to the exotic wood store in Montreal. I am sure some of them will turn out.

Cheers

Pat

Cherry is one of those woods that will darken in time. Regardless of the finish I put on it, it always darkens, and I like that about it. I think it's as much due to exposure to light as it is due to oxidation, but that's just a hunch. This effect is probably less likely on an instrument that lives in a case. I only point this out, because cherry is likely to lose its golden hue after a while, and take on more of a warm orange brown.