Epiphone Binding

[Steve Bee]

This Epi Emperor is from 1952.  Is it better at replace all this binding or just repair it were needed?  Also, because I know the common glue to use for bindings will hurt the finish, can I use ca glue instead?  Also, the hex nut on the truss rod is broken...Should I replace???

[Greg Mirken]

CA is worse to get on the finish than Duco. Looks to me like that binding is toast.

[Steve Bee]

Thanks...I had a good chuckle on the toast comment...

[Steve Bee]

So is Duco cement the same as weld-on or is it different?

[FRANK]

guys i just had a 1956 Greatch a guitar with no finger board binding as far as the finger board goes the frets were previously shortened and so i recommend a re-fret after replacing the binding so the you can cut or nip the tang and have the fret hang over ,in the process i found that it must have been this way for a while . The 1/16 rabbit down the finger board was in some worn areas down to .030 or 1/32from a full .062, only 6 inches away from the end of the finger board .on both sides so i ordered stew mac binding made adjustments for a ruff height and length and knowing that duco cement is a dangerous proposition for nitro i pored it into a cup and brushed it on lightly on to the new binding and then a light brush of duco down the side of the finger board let it set for 1 minute ,then started applying the binding with a tie wrap about 3 frets at a time and watching for squeeze out the use of the tie wrapping this neck with minimal tape to view the squeeze out if any. and i had very minimal squeeze out applying duco with a brush to then watch it set up for a minute and when applying the binding brushing a bit ore to reactivate the previous application the hardest part was to match the rabbit width and height due to players wear with out changing frets, inlay, and top coat, keeping as clean as possible is possible just take your time your first mistake is usually your second mistake rushing something so beautiful I say replace 90 percent look into the lmii binding jig something like this is a possibility for the body as crazy as that sounds it works . If you plan to use plastic binding tight bond and hide glue are a no no.
you need a acetone base.
if your new binding is wood then yes tight bond and hide glue are favorites in my shop good luck this is a tuff job i would love to watch you do it so i can learn more keep an update please .

[Steve Bee]

Thanks Frank, so is Duco the same as Weld-on?

[FRANK]

no

[William F.Eden]

It is different by about $5.00 cheaper .Buy it at Walmarts.Bill.''''''''''''''''''''

[Steve Bee]

Thanks Frank!!!

[Kerry Krishna]

Is it just me, or does this guitar not look like it has been submerged in water for a while? Steve?

[Steve Bee]

I think if you saw it in person you might think different. It looks to me like it was stored in a hot attic for years.  I actually have the spare parts and strung it up and it sounds and plays great even in this state.  You ever know though, maybe it was around Katrina...The label inside looks fine....