How To Bind A Telecaster

[@josepheucolono]

Really nice cut from that router

[@michafogel]

This is a very good inspiring video lesson. I am just building my first tele and decided to bind it and learn the process along the way. Since I am using a cellulose strip, Your tip about heating it was very helpful. BTW - The body is poplar and I made the pickguard from purple heart. Again, thank you for sharing it with all of us.👍

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Thanks Michael, glad you enjoyed the video

[@terrystewart2034]

Having smarts in its simplest form means the ability to learn. Possession of the knowledge and wisdom to do something like building a fully and correctly functioning guitar is altogether a different reality. Matt, thank you for these videos full of excellent guitar knowledge and wisdom. I hope that by viewing these video productions I will one day possess enough acquired knowledge to feel comfortable in giving it a try. I’ve only been a subscriber for a short period but I’m guessing I’ve viewed about 1/4 to 1/2 of your material. I’ll keep watching and learning. At a few months short of 70 years old, I still enjoy learning new skills. Thank you for making this interesting and fun.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Hey thanks for watching Terry and taking the time to say some nice things as well. The way that we do things isn't always in line with the group think that is prevalent on the various forums but it does work for us. I hope you give building a guitar a try soon and I think you will find that it is rewarding and, depending on the project, pretty straight forward too.

[@andrewgrossman6066]

I use a couple 24" bar clamps clamped to my bench as tape trees, and pre-cut pieces of tape and stick them on the clamps where I can reach them while gluing up bindings

[@gingerjam2192]

I got the acetone trick from the Fletcher video. I tested it a few months ago on a guitar I built and it works perfectly, awesome trick.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

That is where I got it too

[@justaridemotovlogs9282]

This is a really interesting method! I use industrial grade ca glue and about a quarter of the amount of tape. I lay down the glue for one curve at a time then tape, no heat gun even on tight curves. I use an accelerator on the miter joints on corners to keep them nice and tight. After the guitar is bound I use a router to trim the excess then scrape the remainder and sand it. I am binding acoustic guitars with no straight edges, there is radius to all of it, and most have cut aways. It’s really cool to see another way to do it. One thing I love about guitar making is how there are so many ways to do it. Keep the vids coming I love you attitude and learning new skills

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Thanks for watching my friend. I think if we used CA glue we would get stuck to the guitar every time hahaha.

[@justaridemotovlogs9282]

Texas Toast Guitars haha yeah that happens. Finger tape helps a lot

[@drvnlp6269]

Hi, scraping the binding to make it flush works pretty good too as an alternative to sanding.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Great point!

[@headcrabkiller7]

I used the celluloid binding from Axiom Inc on an acoustic build last year, and it works pretty great! Unless you are super experienced in binding, I don't think I would recommend using it with something that has super tight curves, but it looks beautiful. I also recommend Axiom above most celluloid sellers because he puts a micro thin layer of acrylic on each side to prevent the gassing problems of older celluloid. Great video!

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Hi Nate, Thanks for watching amigo. I love the look of that celluloid binding so maybe I should give it a try. that stuff with the acrylic sounds cool. How much of a bend can you put into it?

[@jacobbockover1628]

I'm so glad to see the redwood top and I like binding on body's and necks. I worked on a redwood Burk dealers house and did the whole thing in Burk and purple heart wood. It makes for some gorgeous stuff

[@TexasToastGuitars]

That sounds super cool

[@philhoward8745]

Great share Matt. That was so good. Thanks

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Glad you enjoyed it my friend

[@Caannnnoonn]

Wow. That's way easier than I originally thought it would be. I'm definitely putting some binding on my next guitar build.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Do it man

[@scottman-cl4jm]

Awesome job Matt, Im gonna build my first tele style guitar after watching you Im definitely gonna bind it. Love your vids man Thanks..

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Oh cool man thanks for watching. Give Dan at Guitar Wood Experts a call when you are ready to by lumber. You might be interested to know that I got an E-Ticket from Col. Jeff Cooper back in 1999. Good to see some love for the .45 here Scott

[@scottman-cl4jm]

Texas Toast Guitars Thats Awesome Matt, Yea I have been packing a 1911 for over 20yrs all my buddys say get a 9mm they call me a neanderthal. I always prefered a 45 & Thanks for the tip on the lumber..Scott

[@artofnoly9754]

OhMyGaaad! The Quarter-back is TOAST!!! Good vid. Thanks Man!

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Glad you liked it my friend

[@scottestes7768]

Matt, you're an evil genius! Love the acetone trick. I'm just beginning my second build, a lefty tele for my dad. Binding would look great with the b5

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Oh yeah, binding would really look classy I hope you go for it. BTW I am an evil genius... but I stole that move from someone smarter than myself

[@aevoguitars2576]

We used to use contact adhesive, never tried the acetone trick..one for the future..also the heatgun can melt the plastic and blacken it sometimes.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Got to stay on the ball

[@fenrir7969]

This makes binding look a lot less scary and messy than I thought it would be, cheers!

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Hi Fenir, We used to cut up little bits of binding and mix it with acetone to make a paste... huge mess. This technique works great, so great you might think what is all the fuss about binding? Let me know how it goes brotherman

[@TheDobroslide]

Thanks so much,,,,,, very good job,,,,thanks for show you works,;,, Grettings from Spain

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Thanks for watching my friend

[@bigfootingermany]

I just ordered a tape dispenser from Amazon after watching you do this binding job! What a difference since most of us don't have 3 hands. As for StewMac, you think he's expensive in the US, you should try ordering from him over here. Not only are the prices higher, and the shipping is higher, but then you get the honor of paying Customs and Value Added Tax (VAT) on top of it, which almost equals the cost of the items you ordered. So in other words, just expect to pay double on a already higher cost. :( Bob in Germany

[@TexasToastGuitars]

yikes VAT doesn't sound like much of a value... The tape dispenser makes life easy for sure, I like doing binding these days but it wasn't always the case

[@codyjewell1460]

It would be great to have a consolidated resource of quality lutherie tools that don't cost an arm and a leg like stew mac. For instance stew mac's fret roller is $136, while philidelphia luthier tools has one for $60. Where's the difference? It would be awesome to have a list created by luthiers who have first hand experience.

[@eddioritz2580]

Hi Matt, thank you so much for all your videos and all your hard work in teaching us all of this skills !!!!!! Thank you !!!!! Now let me ask you a question….. what size of binding should I get to bind s telecaster body and what router bit should I get . Thank you matt.

[@MrArtist1971]

Great job! Do you have a video of using the rounder on the back like you mentioned at the end of the video? Thanks Matt!

[@qrowok1104]

Making a flat top semi hollow body lespaul style guitar. HSH pickup setup. Definitely binding after seeing how easy this actually is.

[@donvanco3078]

I put off getting the Stew-Mac binding bit because I didn't want to drop the coin, but man, it's so worth it. You'll lose a month of Sunday's trying to fiddle with a rabbet bit designed for cabinet making. IIRC the Stew-Mac bit is like 5/8ths, so you can get 1/2" rabbet and "do the math" for the right bearings, but even then some of them won't give the correct depth. I like to put my binding in place all the way around before I do any of the adhesive parts - because I suck at bending. I think I'm just a little too stingy with the heat gun for fear of melting, and I ruin at least one set of binding every 3 or 4 attempts - I manage to snap it in a bend :( I've had issues with good old dime-store acetone getting the binding to stick to some tight-grained woods. I now use "Plastruct Bondene Cement" - it costs a lot more but it's worth it IMO. Definitely want to use it in a ventilated area tho. I had that Stew-Mac adhesive, but holy hell that shit goes EVERYWHERE.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Don speaks the truth. I hear lots of people complain about the prices for StewMac tools and I just don't get it. At some point the hassle of making other stuff work is enough to just get the thing that works. Having said that I still use acetone to stick everything down hahaha

[@markhoffman3100]

Ok Matt....I did a fabric top guitar with sides and back. Sealed twice with simtec then routed the binding channel. I installed the binding on the top but I have two small gaps between binding and body. I know you said no gaps in this video. Soooo.... how do I fix them? Black binding and black printed cloth on back and sides...I could send you a picture but I have no idea where to send it. Thanks

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Well, that's a bummer. I have to say that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure... Having said that, you can mash in some black binding mixed with acetone into the cracks

[@m7alan7johnson7]

Hey Matt, please explain how 15,000 people watch this and as of now, you get 382 likes ??? Crazy shit going on. I love the channel and I always give you a thumbs up. Now a question. Can binding break and if so, can that be mended or do you have to strip the stuff off and start anew? Thanks for your response.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Hi Alan, Binding certainly can break. When you are building it is easier to just re-do the binding. You can melt in a new piece and, in some cases, you won't even be able to tell. Maybe that would be a good video

[@miltonfriedman9673]

Once you scrap/sand the binding flush to the body and edges what grit do you go to? 320? Do you leave the binding unfinished on guitars that have oiled finishes?

[@nm725]

Love this..so dont want to sound like a dope...but will this trick maintain adhesion as long as using glue...no risk of letting loose ?

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Hi Jason, We have been using this technique for many years with ZERO issues. However, I do not want to say that there is "no risk". There is always a risk of something going wrong... even if you do everything right

[@paulbush8881]

great video tutorial what size binding did you use in millimeters?

[@ramirogonzalez1048]

Great and clear explanation Matt!, thanks! I have just a question: i f the telecaster that you made the binding will be pained with a solid color, whee should I paint? after or before the binding? the last finish will be some polyurethane clear coats. Thanks!

[@TexasToastGuitars]

bind first then paint my friend

[@ramirogonzalez1048]

@@TexasToastGuitars Thanks Bro!

[@rumbachumba330]

I know what smart man in Australia you're talking about, love watching him work. I really like the look of binding but building a contraption for an arm countour seems a bit over the top for my first built so I'll skip that for now.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Yeah, you can do a lot without the contraption. Of course, I love contraptions and gizmos

[@BoudreauGuitars]

It looks like you install the binding before you drilled the jack hole, smart move

[@danpowell1776]

Great video Matt I see you're making the slot height a little shy of the binding height. Are you making the depth of the slot a hair shy of the binding thickness as well or are you selecting your bearings to the exact specs of the binding thickness ?

[@markgrimm3564]

hey matt thanks so much for your time what black binding are you using when doing binding

[@TexasToastGuitars]

The binding is from StewMac

[@BillyBN]

How do you level out the binding that is proud of the body, and if there are gaps and WTF(s) can they be fixed, I.e binding and acetone slurry, heat gun and clamp, and best way to clean the binding afterward, thanks see ya Sunday

[@TexasToastGuitars]

We use a card scraper or razor blade to even out the top edge. You can... kinda use slurry of binding paste stuff to fill gaps but the hot set up is to spend more time fitting the binding rather than filling. I guess what I mean is if it takes you X amount of time to mash stuff into the gaps you would be better served to use X amount of time adjusting the fit. We can talk about it more in the live class too

[@michaelinsley1059]

Execelent thanks.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Thanks for watching my friend

[@samauthers2899]

How about painting a bound guitar in solid colour? How do you scrape the binding consistently and not go too far?

[@TexasToastGuitars]

We mask binding for paint. I know that Gibson says you can't but on solid colors they do it too.

[@samauthers2899]

@@TexasToastGuitars how about for the thin part around the top? I've just built a double bound t-type and that was my biggest issue.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

@@samauthers2899 we mask that part too. Now... if you really want to scrape you will be doing yourself a favor by using the least amount of paint possible. If you look at those Gibson videos where they are scraping binding the transparent paint is very thin and sprays super dry.

[@samauthers2899]

@@TexasToastGuitars how do you go about masking that top part? If you were scraping a solid colour where you couldn't see the binding, how would you go about that?

[@garagemasterguitars]

Thanks for this. I had already stained and waxed my 'test piece' and it doesn't like acetone. Be warned. However if you bind first and then sand down and finish you will stain the binding although it is easy to scrape. Perhaps CA Glue would be better way? My fault for pre-staining my guitar i suppose.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Lots of ways to do this, just showing you how we do it

[@garagemasterguitars]

@@TexasToastGuitars Many thanks. Yes I guess. Love the way you do it. I can easily sand back, bind and re-stain In think it would be the best way forward. Thanks guys. Good luck in the great guitar build off. Watch that Brad.

[@jmar2229]

if you wanted to paint the guitar ,would you add the binding after you paint?

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Absolutely not

[@trishelliott2539]

I find it better to seal the guitar body before I router for binding and when you glue the binding in it doesn't stain the wood

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Rock on

[@Leemask1]

what size is the binding

[@guitarprepnplus1]

You can use a hair dryer on acetate binding.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Maybe, but I wouldn't use my heat gun on your hair :)

[@samatlanta]

I've watched this video about a dozen times! (Yeah, I'm a little slow sometimes...) What size is that binding? .090" x .250"?

[@TexasToastGuitars]

That's the stuff man

[@nicholas9900]

Wouldn't the aceone react with the wood glue you used to glue the veneer to the body?

[@TexasToastGuitars]

On a long enough time line... sure. However the acetone evaporates pretty fast. I make videos of me actually using these techniques so you can see it with your own eyes... You got to use what works for you.

[@BoudreauGuitars]

Hey, Matt how about putting links to your reverb page and web site in the discretion?

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Hey Ken, I have been putting the website in the description... for some reason it isn't a link anymore?

[@MHaydenGuitarCo]

Love your videos. How do you like to clean up the binding on the side of the body? Thank you!

[@TexasToastGuitars]

I guess just sanding and scraping Thanks for watching my friend

[@juanokita4401]

Acetone it's good ???

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Not to mix into a cocktail. But it is pretty good at melting some plastics

[@nicholas9900]

Is that veneer 1 piece or glued together?

[@TexasToastGuitars]

I don't remember

[@buzzcrushtrendkill]

Ever routed A guitar that is already painted?

[@jeffreymuckey2205]

Is that the ABS binding from Stew Mac, I like the acetone, all I knew of till this video was that expensive as glue that Stew Mac sells. Great video

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Yep the stew mac binding is good to go.

[@mstaley0226]

How hard would that be to do with a hand router?

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Same bit, you would just carefully run the router around the edge

[@mstaley0226]

Texas Toast Guitars thank you, what size is the bit

[@spinav]

Can I use nail polish remove since it's acetone?

[@TexasToastGuitars]

I would not recommend that but you need to live how you want to live

[@spinav]

@@TexasToastGuitars hahaha well is it acetone solvent or an acetone glue that binds it? I keep reading different things. And thanks for the reply!!

[@bobbybob3679]

Hi Matt show me some of your finished guitars please with sound tests 👍

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Ugh, this again? I'm actually working on this right now. We are going to start including them on our Reverb page as well. Until then you will have to be disappointed with videos of me building stuff or maybe tool reviews. How about you show me some of your finished guitars as well?

[@bobbybob3679]

Ouch, that cut me deep! Unfortunately I'm in early stages, I've built a couple of necks and do other woodwork too. Im only just putting a decent router table together as we speak. Sorry I over indulged with interest for your product. Just figured that I see alot of bare wood and pin routers but nothing has strings on it. All the best.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

I understand what you want to see and like I was saying, I'm actually working on it right now. This is based, in no small part, on your previous requests for videos of complete guitars. Let me level with you... no one wants to see ME play the guitar. I hope that you stick around to see what we come up with in a few weeks. Until then I have a real website with lots of guitars (I don't think there are any gratuitous wood shots). Stay cool man and keep working in the wood shop.

[@martylathrop5549]

Matt where would I find a mahogany tele body with only a bridge humbucker route

[@TexasToastGuitars]

There are lots of guys who can do that for you Marty. If you want I can even do it... though it wouldn't be a licensed example

[@Trauzzinator]

Did you use a beveled edge bit?

[@TexasToastGuitars]

I don't think so

[@jamesazotea9458]

How do you cut and finish the end of the bindings? Nice work!

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Which part?

[@murpsman]

@@TexasToastGuitars At the neck pocket! My question too.

[@joshuac6657]

Awesome job as always, Matt. :) After being inspired by your videos, I'm doing my first build with a fabric top (inspired by a '51 P). When doing these kind of builds, do you pop the fabric finish on and then bind the body or do you go about it the opposite way? Thanks for reading and keep on making the great stuff.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Hi Joshua, thanks for watching, glad to hear you are enjoying the videos. We do the fabric parts first and then binding. If you get the fabric a few rounds of sealer then you can cut it with a router and it is a breeze

[@joshuac6657]

Thanks for responding so quick. I'll post some results once it's done. :)

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Cool man send it my way [e-mail]

[@josephcalvey4546]

Hey matt, I know this is a bit of an old video now but what size router bit and bearings do you use? I’m living in the UK and stew mac shipping cost for their custom bearing is just crazy. Thanks! Joe

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Hi Joseph, you can substitute a rabbiting bit and switch out the bearings until you match the binding thickness.

[@moraisscuba]

Hi Matt, which glue was used?

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Hi Morais, no glue was used. The acetone melts the plastic and it sticks to the wood that way.

[@lazarjeremias1421]

Hi. In i want to bind my telecaster, first to put color on body or after binding?

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Well, we do color after

[@aaronblack425]

Thoughts on binding with a forearm contout?

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Do it, it's cool

[@bradrichardson3539]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/pH7JdZV9j9Snhsk

[@guitarmogul762]

Does the Acetone trick work on all binding plastics, or just this ABS stuff? Cheers.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

I know that it will not work with some of the binding from AllParts. best to do some testing

[@Philxxxxxx]

Hi Matt great video! Please tell us where the syringe is from ?

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Hi Phil, thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed the video. I got that syringe from a local hardware store. I can't remember what the brand is. I think if you did a search for a unit that would be for oiling small parts. Something like this... www.starmarinedepot.com/west-system-syringes-2-pack.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_qz3xNK81wIVSoGzCh2IRAQYEAQYAyABEgJbevD_BwE

[@Philxxxxxx]

Texas Toast Guitars thank you !

[@Philxxxxxx]

Texas Toast Guitars got a syringe and worked perfectly as you said thank you very much! Now a new thing i would like to know, how would Texas toast glue on a drop top for a strat to get a good joint on the contour ?? Would love to know thank you 😊

[@TexasToastGuitars]

I'm assuming you are talking about a figured wood top glued to a less cool back... I would recommend contacting my friends at B&B Rarewoods in Golden about veneer if you want something wild that is easy to bend around contours. We have only done a few of those and have not invested in the hot set-up which would, of course, be a vacuum. You can also do a thicker top if you cut some slots to help it bend. Either way I would bind it because I think that looks cool. Maybe I'll gear up to do a video about these soon?

[@Philxxxxxx]

Texas Toast Guitars thanks Matt I will check that company out, would love to see a video on you doing a top at some point cheers again

[@retornaz]

May be you said that in the video but i have difficulties to understand english speech language. What kinf of glue did you use, acetone based or cyano ?

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Hi Retor, I didn't use glue at all... only acetone

[@retornaz]

OK. You are a master builder ! With the acetone, not enough = no sticking, too much = you burn the binding... I prefer cyano.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

@@retornaz You got to use what works best for you my friend. As far as me being a master... I am certainly still a student

[@luketucker8631]

What size routing bit are you using?

[@TexasToastGuitars]

We use the binding router bit from StewMac

[@juanroche8051]

Hey Matt how much to bind my peanut butter tele in black. I know you’ll do a better job then me.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Please send me an email

[@danwhistler1186]

What width binding did you use? Can’t find the dimensions of what is typical anywhere and I want to order from stewmac

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Hi Dan, we use the .60 for necks and occasionally bodies and .90 bindings for bodies.

[@danwhistler1186]

Thanks so much! .90 x .25 or x .565 I really like the look of the one in your video for a jazz master in building

[@briannewman687]

was it fletcher guitars ?

[@TexasToastGuitars]

I don't remember... maybe?

[@nicktubby3768]

He’s awesome too

[@donvanco3078]

Rabbet season!

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Duck season?

[@thespanielinquisition7167]

Excellent but be careful with the heat gun around acetone - they make bombs from it for a reason

[@TexasToastGuitars]

I have started to put a disclaimer before every video

[@brankojer4850]

Hi. How much would cost to binging my Telecaster body? Thank you

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Hi Branko, send me an email through the website and lets come up with a plan

[@getredytagetredy]

Lips are on your mouth...what you are referring to is a Flange.

[@JohnJones22856]

How funny would it have been if the binding snapped during your pirate joke? Not every video requires a comedy routine.

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Beats me?

[@yamakiharu4809]

how thick/

[@TexasToastGuitars]

What

[@ccoker95]

You look like Russel Crowe and Jason Momoa had a baby

[@TexasToastGuitars]

Only fatter HAHAHA, thanks for watching my friend