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Has anyone used holly for binding a fret board? I just finished a Size 2 with holly binding and I am not happy with how easily the unfinished side of the fretboard binding collects dirt. I am thinking about sealing it, but not sure what to use that wouldn't create a "step" from the finish to the unfinished ebony fretboard? Any suggestions?

Thanks, Chuck

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That's just the nature of the beast... every guitar with an ebony fingerboard and light wooden binding has dirt on it. Plastic won't collect the dirt obviously...

I am not sure why use Holly when maple is cheaper and just as white in some cases.

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Cat-gut strings are made from kitten guts, stretched out to near breaking point and then hardened with grue saliva. As a result these give a feeling of Pain and anguish whenever played, and often end up playing themselves backwards as part of satanic rituals.

Typhoon Guitars
http://www.typhoon-guitars.com

I wipe shellac on light wood bindings, which is pretty much undetectable thickness. Doesn't keep it looking like new, but does help.

Thanks for the responses. I forgot to mention that the guitar is already finished with nitro. Not sure if the CA is still an option, but the shellac might be an option. Still needs a final buff and strings but here's a pic of the guitar;

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Thanks Todd, never thought of using thinned lacquer. Should work, and easy to fix any that runs.

Chuck

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Nice looking Size-2 guitar.
I'm just finishing up mine, an 18-style.
Now I'm looking for a small lady or girl to buy it.

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https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008907949110

Here is one I used Holly on, it was beautiful in person.

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Gwaltney Guitars

Thanks Dave!
Great looking guitar Greg, did you seal the binding on the playing surface of the fingerboard?

Chuck

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Thin CA will wick-in further and provide protection for longer than lacquer or shellac will.

Thanks Chuck, yes I did seal it, can't remember what I used though as this guitar was built a few years ago. I do remember it being a real pain to keep the holly clean.

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Gwaltney Guitars

Here are a few more pictures in better light. I decided to seal with thinned lacquer. Still need to learn how to get the lighting better.

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Holly is the whitest wood. It also is much easier to bend than maple. When I used 1/16" thick holly body binding, I did not have to pre-bend it. I just installed it like plastic binding.

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John