Official Luthiers Forum!

I know the answer to my question is probably "just look at it & see what you like"
I am selceting binding for a BR MJ and will probably use BR along with a satinwood line along the sides instead of holly but am looking for any other recomendations.
I am also considering Snake W or curly koa for some other insturments & my question is
Does the figure look stronger on the QS face or could it be on any face? As I look at the snake & koa they don't look much different. Does QS bend any easier? What are recomended thicknesses for these woods?
MM

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Mike McNerney

If you really want to make the curl "jump", sand your back and sides without sealing or taping off your binding.

DAMHIKT

Steve

Mike, any of those species will look nice against BR.
However, you will need to put the samples up against your back and sides to actually see which works best.
Sometimes the colors can be off just enough in this or that piece so that they really clash when put together.
Spend some time with this and don't begrudge the effort.
Now, usually those pieces show the figure to best advantage on the quartered frace.
And, usually they will bend more easily as well.
Runout willing, of course.
What you want, since there is only c. 1/4" of wood showing in your bindings, is something with strong figure and small/tight as well. You don't have much room to make a statement, so be sure your bindings are speaking up.

Steve

P.S.-- it will probably help to rub some shellac on those pieces to get the full finished appearance.

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From Nacogdoches...the oldest town in Texas.

http://www.stephenkinnaird.com

Figure is a little unpredictable in snakewood but if you want the spots, it's usually best on the quartered face.

Flame is best on the quartered face but sometimes rift sawn will give you good figure on the face and edge.

BTW, snakewood against BRW is one of my favorites. Usually the colors really compliment each other but of course, that's all subjective.

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http://www.chassonguitars.com