need help with binding choice for BTO

[terrypl]

I am ALMOST ready to place an order for a rosewood/spruce Taylor GA BTO, but am stuck on the question of binding. I keep looking at photos online of various options, but can't seem to settle on what I want. I know you can't decide for me, but maybe you can provide some guidance.

I have a rosewood GS BTO with tortoiseshell binding, and I like it, but don't want the same. I thought about ebony, but think it's too dark, maybe looks like black plastic.

I have been pondering figured maple or figured koa, and have seen photos online, but can't decide for sure. Is maple too light, too stark a contrast? Is koa an off-color or odd color against rosewood? I've seen rosewood binding on rosewood bodies, and it looks better than I would think. I've seen a little cocobolo on rosewood, but not sure about that.

Taylor ought to provide an online simulator for acoustic BTOs, so you can visualize the various options together! Can you point me to any photos, or provide any photos that would help me decide? Can you offer any thoughts on this befuddling question?

[Tammany Tiger]

Either one would be great. I have owned both combinations.

Most Taylor dealers will have an 800 or 900 series guitar in stock. Both of those series have maple binding on rosewood. Good luck!

[ataylor]

Rosewood binding on rosewood looks stellar in my opinion.

http://www.unofficialtaylorguitarforum.com/index.php?topic=3.165 (scroll down and have a look at S MS Picker's beautiful 710-L9!)

[DennisG]

I think the maple binding on the 800 series looks just beautiful, but as to whether it's too much of a contrast, that's best left up to your personal taste.  Koa also looks great, but tends to get lost against the mahogany of the neck as a fretboard binding.

[roadbiker]

My 814 has maple binding. It was one of the reasons why I chose it over some other models that I played, inlcuding 414 Fall Ltd. I think that the maple/rosewood looks great.

Jim

[Strumming Fool]

Koa can look great against rosewood as long as you keep the other appointments simple. Otherwise, it can get too busy for my taste. I agree with an earlier poster that rosewood binding on rosewood looks stunning. It's why the 900 series features it once again (back by popular demand). Pinstriping against that binding will also make a difference. The 900 seies uses red. In the picture below, my rosewood-bound GA-KS features a blue pinstriping that really makes the abalone pop:



(You'll note thatn the sound hole is also bound in rosewood.)

Have fun with your BTO process!

[terrypl]

Thanks for all the helpful suggestions and photos! Keep 'em coming!

[michaelw]

koa can have a good bit of variegation & contrast (a bit 'darker') & it goes well with maple purfling, imho

even on the fretboard binding, the edges can stand out a good bit

[wooglins]

Figured Koa and Maple can look very similar, with Koa being slightly darker, which looks better against rosewood in my opinion.

Here is a closeup of Koa against a rosewood of he cocobolo variety.

[Herb Hunter]

Bloodwood makes an interesting binding for a spruce/rosewood guitar.





I once had an Engelmann/Brazilian rosewood Breedlove guitar with bloodwood binding that I found very appealing.

[bigb]

Here's a link to shots of my BTO with the Koa binding. I had an edgeburst on the entire guitar which unfortunately seemed to include the binding, so it's more muted than what I've seen on others. You'll see what I mean compared to the mini-wedge - still looks good to me though. Happy building - fun stuff!

http://s1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff463/bmeader2/

[wooglins]

Here's a link to shots of my BTO with the Koa binding. I had an edgeburst on the entire guitar which unfortunately seemed to include the binding, so it's more muted than what I've seen on others. You'll see what I mean compared to the mini-wedge - still looks good to me though. Happy building - fun stuff!

http://s1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff463/bmeader2/

I like it, the edgeburst does not take away from the binding.  Looks great!

[Cindy]

This is Koa binding against Madagascar Rosewood...not exactly what you're looking for but it might give you an idea. The MR color is slightly orangey on its back due to the late afternoon sunlight.

[Ted @ LA Guitar Sales]

Is maple too light, too stark a contrast? Is koa an off-color or odd color against rosewood? I've seen rosewood binding on rosewood bodies, and it looks better than I would think. I've seen a little cocobolo on rosewood, but not sure about that.

Personally I would go with Koa, and I can assure you that it will not look off next to the Rosewood and Spruce. I've built more BTO's with that combo than I can remember and they all looked great.

[Jack Gretz]

I love the Curly maple binding, It gives a great contrast and usually "pops" the most in my opinion.