Martin 000M loose binding at the waist

[Steve Hays]

I thought I had this repaired when I warmed the binding enough to stretch it and re-glue into place. Well, the binding has shrunk back and pulled out of the channel again. I went ahead and loosened the binding around the upper bout to the neck joint in hopes I could pull enough from under the joint to get enough slack to make the repair. The binding is not gonna budge from behind the neck joint (should have known).

I really would rather not cut the binding. Any suggestions?

[Frank Ford]

I'd rather not cut the binding either, but often enough time that's what I do. . .

[Greg Mirken]

I would try stretching and regluing it again. Because you have a longer piece to stretch the force is spread out over a greater distance. Start at the neck and stretch the binding as you work around the upper bout so you don't have to stretch as much at the waist.

When I reglue loose binding at the waist I usually loosen 6 or 8 more inches on either side for the same reason.

[Steve Hays]

Thank you Frank and Greg for the tips. I will see if I can get a little more distance from the binding I pulled loose from the upper bout.