Today, I’ll show you a little about how I improved my binding and purfling install.

Below you can see that the first half is finished. Before finishing the 2nd half, you need to square up the ends so that you can get a flush joint. In my case, I usually overextend the glue joint for the first half and have to scrape and chisel out material to get it to be a proper fit. I do my best to line the joint up with the center line of the sound board.

Below you can see that I pre-tape the binding and purfling with a strong focus on the proper order of the pieces, matching the first half so that you get a good look.

It’s important to have all the supplies ready for the glue up. In this case, it means lots of pre-cut tape ready to clamp down the glued up purling and binding. I use an acid brush to apply the glue and dixie cups are always my friend.

I can only show the beginning because after that it’s all about moving along and not letting the glue to set up prematurely. I usually apply enough glue for about 6 inches or so. I apply the glue to the guitar body where I’ve routed the groove and to the purfling pieces and binding. I know that I apply too much but my theory is to allow some to seep into the gaps where possible. It’s really important to push the binding tight which in turn pushes the purfling tight before snugging up the glue.

Carefully work around the body and then get the rubber out and start wrapping and stretching it around the guitar body. The stretch is what gives the extra clamping pressure so make sure you get an ample stretch.

Tomorrow I will get to see how it looks. I will sand the top and back but focus on scraping with the sides due the curves. The back seemed nice and tight so I’m hopeful that we’ll get a good looking application.