Official Luthiers Forum!

Hey everyone, this is my first post here, seems to be a great forum!
I'm getting near the end of my first build, its a super strat style, neck through with a flamed maple top. I want to bind it in ebony, but I'm wondering if I will be able to bend it around the horns? seems like quite a bend to put into a piece of ebony. maybe I'd be better off with ABS? but I'd prefer not to have any plastic on her.
Any advice is greatly appreciated!

Welcome Mark. No doubt ABS would be easier but I can relate to your objection. I have not bent Ebony but do all wood bindings on my guitars. I would not see why it can't be done. My bindings are generally pre-bent to close to the proper shape on a hot pipe. You will need a small hot pipe for those bends, I would also guess that pre soaking the binding strips in hot water for a few minutes prior to bending would also be helpful with Ebony. Good luck and post some pics when you can.

_________________
Brian

You never know what you are capable of until you actually try.

https://www.howardguitarsdelaware.com/

Thanks guys... fox? not familiar with this term...

Todd is referring to the bending jig invented/developed by Charles Fox.

As an alternative to ebony, would a couple of layers of black veneer do the job just as well? Sure would be easier to bend.