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Hello all,
I am putting together my materials list for a new classical build with a spruce top, cocobolo B&S, Spanish Cedar Neck, EIR Bridge and headplate, and ebony fingerboard. I was thinking about EIR for the binding. The guitar will be french polished. Anyone have any alternate binding suggestions? Thanks!
John

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John Nowicki

Hmm, I'd say something with a color between the spruce and coco for the main binding. Maybe non-curly koa with maple strip side purfling and back purfling, and some kind of marquetry purfling for the top.

Purpleheart might look pretty nice too.

I would use the EIR myself.

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http://www.booneguitars.com
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Stephen-Boone-guitar-builder/488208541257210

EIR could be good. Wenge would be good, also Goncalo Alves. I'm planning to use Australian Lacewood on the Coco guitar I'm building right now. Curley Maple could look good on a Coco guitar.

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Waddy

Photobucket Build Album Library

Sound Clips of most of my guitars

Ebony, cocobolo, or curly maple/koa/cherry/boxwood would be my first choices. Very dark EIR, a distant 4th.

Why EIR headplate and bridge? Use cocobolo as well, or ebony headplate and very dark Brazilian/Bois de rose/African blackwood bridge.

There is smth about EIR that doesn't mix that well with coco or Madrose in my head. I also don't like cedar tops with maple B&S, or bloodwood binding on EIR B&S!

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Build log

Here's an example of spruce and dark cocobolo with EIR bindings.

Well this one matches perfectly!

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Build log

Thanks Gary, great picture. The EIR binding has alot of red tone in it . Did you pore fill with Z-poxy?

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John Nowicki

Hello Alexandru,
I recently finished a flamenco with Bloodwood binding, and EIR B&S. I agree with you. I was less than thrilled with the end result but the owner really likes it so in the end it worked out. The cocobolo classical will be for me so I really want something that looks classy. If I had access to some BRW I would go that route with the binding,bridge&headplate. I am sticking with the EIR bridge because of sound quality. I have never made a guitar with anything but a EIR bridge, and have been very happy with the sounds.
John

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John Nowicki

Yes, filled with Z-poxy, but sanded all the way back so that only the pores are filled.

My problem is that I have this notion "Indian RW = purple" stuck in my head and it triggers an alarm when it comes close to anything reddish warm. In reality that purple is often tamed by the finish, and not all Indian is purple. It really depends on the actual pieces, as shown by Gary's guitar which is a great match. I guess I should have said pick coco or ebony just because it gives a greater chance for a good match when buying unseen.

I have seen several coco guitar bound in ebony and I liked it, as a result first time I used a reddish Madagascar i used ebony and I was pleased. Gives good contrast without being in your face.

I used some very dark Indian for this Indian guitar and now that i think again I'm sure it would work OK a coco body too. It also happens to have a ton of bloodwood in the rosette and purfling, just that it is turned into near brown by the dark finish:

http://chitareconcert.wordpress.com/201 ... h-session/

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Build log

Here's one in spruce and cocobolo with ebony bindings.

Very nice indeed Gary........... looking forward to seeing you in Austin for the June GFA.

My feeling about bindings in general is that they should either contrast sharply with the back and side wood or match closely wherein what you see prominently are the purfling lines which then pick up the form of the guitar.
If the bindings are different by only a small degree in color or contrast, the overall effect I think is lessened,
especially if both are made from figured woods.
I think the form of the guitar is what should always be highlighted.
Brazilian Rosewood against Spanish Cypress

Soft Flame Maple against Brazilian Rosewood

E.I. Rosewood against E.I. Rosewood Maple purflings

WoW Gary,
Great looking piece of work!!!!!!!!!!!

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John Nowicki

Thanks David,
I am overwhelmed by the variety and craftsmanship shown here. I guess that I really need to wait until I get the cocobol, if it has orange tones, I might go eith EIR, if a dark piece I think EBony with some contrasting purfling to highlight the difference. I usually use a BW or BWB purfling. This time maybe some color will be in order, Red/Maple/Red. Thanks for everyones thoughtful responses.
JN

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John Nowicki