How To Build An Acoustic Guitar Episode 20 (Gluing The Binding On The Back)

[@DriftwoodGuitars]

We now sell hand selected and resawn Tonewoods on our website! Each piece was found by Chris Alvarado, and almost always has a story to go along with it. Go check out the selection at www.driftwoodguitars.com/tonewood

[@tombrain3122]

I can't tell you how much you have inspired and educated me! I started my first build in January of 2020, taking a course at our local community college…then covid hit. Although I have been building my inventory of tools and creating my home shop, my fear of making mistakes has held me back. Your video on your first guitar helped me to realize my first guitar won’t be my best and it’s ok to make mistakes and learn from them. Thank you!

[@DriftwoodGuitars]

That’s great to hear! You’ll be happy with it no matter how it comes out. And I promise it won’t be your last.

[@hartleyshandcrafted]

im starting a building apprenticeship myself in august. i feel exactly the same way. ive had it in my head for almost a year that. my first guitar is going to be this masterpiece that is marveled over. im really glad chris brought me down to earth on that one. build on, build strong gents.

[@bryan3485]

I'm not a luthier, nor an aspiring luthier. But I am a guitar player and I find the craftsman ship that goes into guitars to be so fascinating. ty for this.

[@xandertures]

It was the coolest feeling to see my name (#22) on the whiteboard near the edge sander. Had to pause the video and show my wife. Had the biggest smile on my face. I can’t wait!

[@DriftwoodGuitars]

Happy to have you aboard! I actually decided today to close my wait list to new orders, so you got in at the right time!

[@WS-bk7uu]

The colour of the body wood with the maple binding is stunning!

[@aesoundforge]

I really cant think of a better way to use such ancient and rare wood. Its put the wood on display and use for an untold amount of generations.👍

[@bluepvp900]

Well, can you let us know of the better way you can think of?

[@aesoundforge]

@@bluepvp900 Sorry i just fixed my post. I meant CANT not can... I think using rare wood for musical instruments is among the best uses. Sorry for typo.

[@bluepvp900]

@@aesoundforge I knew what you meant, sorry I had a bad day and took it out on your post for no reason.

[@jordanseward5104]

I have binged every one of your videos in a week. 100% convinced this is something I want to do myself next year when I get a house/ workspace. Thank you for being open about your process and doing these videos.

[@DriftwoodGuitars]

Do it! You’ll never regret it.

[@jordanseward5104]

@@DriftwoodGuitars literally just broke the news to my wife. She is supportive... for now lol Can't wait for more videos. BTW don't listen to people in the comments your intro music is awesome.

[@DriftwoodGuitars]

Just tell her all the tools are “an investment” and you should be fine. That, and every tool is “Cheaper than just buying a guitar”.

[@ghosthawk65]

This is a fascinating series, keep it up. I love your work. Whilst looking into guitar building myself I came across a piece of MIT research from 2015 into the shape and size of violin sound holes that I thought might pique your interest or inspire you. The researchers found that a key feature affecting a violin’s sound is the shape and length of its “f-holes,” the f-shaped openings through which air escapes: The more elongated these are, the more sound a violin can produce. What’s more, an elongated sound hole takes up little space on the violin, while still producing a full sound - a design that the researchers found to be more power-efficient than the rounder sound holes of the violin’s ancestors, such as medieval fiddles, lyres, and rebecs. The thickness of a violin’s back plate also contributes to its acoustic power. Violins carved from wood are relatively elastic: As the instrument produces sound, the violin’s body may respond to the air vibrations, contracting and expanding minutely. A thicker back plate, they found, would boost a violin’s sound.

[@micdunsmore3553]

Anxiously awaiting more episodes of this build!

[@dennissiler6672]

I have been building guitars for over 40 years, and I used Titebond for most of that time. I only used hide glue when repairing violin family instruments or vintage instruments originally constructed with hide glue. A few years ago I learned of fish glue, and tried it, first on repairs and later on new instruments I built. I have switched almost entirely to fish glue now, both because it is a hard-drying organic like hide glue and because of the long working time. For me, it is perfect for wood bindings and purfling. It becomes tacky almost immediately, but has a long open time and a longer working time. It does need a bit more time to fully cure, but never longer than overnight. That harder set-up also seems less likely to absorb vibration energy. Just another take on glue.

[@DriftwoodGuitars]

Great insight. Thanks

[@hartleyshandcrafted]

good take

[@crispytech9182]

Luvin' the 3000yr old guitar, and Woodstock series. Really shows how much work goes into building truly unique guitars. Thanks as always.

[@dunhamchris]

As an emergency physician and father of 4 I can tell you that your light hearted and info filled content is a much needed reprieve from the harsh reality of the other side of life. Thanks for all you do.

[@DriftwoodGuitars]

Thank you for what you do! And thanks for watching.

[@gdavisafrica2001]

Great video as usual. My quick binding tape tip. Fold the tape onto it self on the top making a small tab, making removal much easier. It always comes off in one piece and quickly.

[@DriftwoodGuitars]

Duuude! Solid tip!

[@MarkRawling]

Thanks for all the great videos! Two questions: 1. Why not use one long piece of binding and purfling and skip the front joint altogether? 2. How well is the purfling glued to the binding? It looks like the only glue there would be from squeeze out.

[@paulcrowder]

I have the same question regarding gluing the binding to the purfling. I would have expected the purfling to be glued on first, then the binding separately.

[@alextuozzo7138]

There's multiple reasons for using smaller pieces, less waste using smaller pieces, if one part breaks off or something you don't have to replace the whole thing, and having a longer piece is a lot harder to get right, you can't just tape it to the side and correct as you go you'd have to fit it onto the back which means if one parts to thick or thin and you sand it down it'll affect the other sides fit. There's even more reasons then that but I just know it's not a good idea

[@kwaktak]

@@alextuozzo7138 great points. Curly woods in particular seem to want to break into smaller pieces.

[@halvach1998]

Love this series: Well thought out procedures; Great explanations, & good humour. Thanks

[@guitlee]

If I may, coming into the waist where there is a chance of the tape breaking, you can dispense 2 segments of tape, put one on top of the other and then apply to the binding. Holds really well and doubles the strength of the tape.

[@truenorthpedals4528]

I am really enjoying this series! Keep up the great work.

[@dalgguitars]

Thank you so much for these videos! I'll wait as long as it takes for each one. Do what you guys have to do to build the channel. I always love the content. "Tiny desk" performances are nice too. But I especially love the build videos. Again, thank you.

[@Aurelian76]

Another great one...looking forward to EP.21

[@redwoodsmusic3443]

Man, I’m hanging out for the update on the guitar cos I REALLY want to see the inlay approach as well as the finishing process. Fascinated to see how the finished product comes out… and sounds.

[@fongy200]

Binding rubber bands suggestion. I use Bike tire inner tubing which is cut into strips, washed and then volcanize (glue) each strip end to end. It may be time consuming but over time it saves money and if you do it right they will last as long as the Stew Mac ones.

[@danstiverson]

Ready for the next episode. It's been awhile.

[@rogersorensen5225]

Long time ago, I wanted a rubber band like that, but couldn't find one, so I bought a bicycle inner tube for a couple of dollars and cut this endless rubber band from it. Its pretty good. Seems like it was about 25 feet long and filled up a drawer in my cabinet. You just have to be a straight scissor operator. The rubber is pretty strong so I think I settled on 1/2" wide strip.

[@markgrimm3564]

nice tip with the edge sander with binding.do you have a tip jar for gleaners top tip for paying it forward so you can buy more glue

[@metalmig]

Finally !! Love this series!!

[@difalkner]

Great series on this build and excellent video work! I've built all of one acoustic guitar but plan on more so this has been a good refresher course for me. One question, though - why not put glue between the binding and the purfling? I realize both are glued to the body but no glue between each piece of binding/purfling seems like a missed opportunity for additional strength in that area.

[@scaira60]

Thanks Chris & Matt, I’m looking forward to the top binding as I’m doing an abalone purfling for the first time so I want too see how you do it.🙏🙏🇺🇸🇺🇸🎸🎸🎹🎼👨🏻‍🦯👨🏻‍🦯

[@monday6524]

Thanks friends! Lesson learned - measure twice and cut once! Or was is there times…? Another great video.

[@lucacarena9908]

Hello. Love this series!! I was wondering what was the thinking behind the choice of not including the center backstrip inlay? Does it make it a better quality guitar? Or it's just purely a matter of personal taste?

[@hobonickel840]

Nice work!! My Martin 00L-17 binding has pulled away from waist and made just small gap and it does want to press back by hand almost like it was too small or either shrank ... does it need to have new binding or will the binding stretch a little to get it glued and pressed back to the waist?

[@guismth]

One question I have. No glue between the maple binding and perfling? Is there squeese out that comes up between the two?

[@AMCKINGDOM]

Why not have a continuous binding all the way around n meet at the base for the back of guitar? Same question for the front but have it meet at the top where neck covers it?

[@just_a_guy_and_his_tacos]

DO you use the LMI glue because it has the black light reactive additive? so when you finish your guitars you can clean up easier? I thought it was titebond 1

[@SkyscraperGuitars]

Another great episode!

[@brucewinshell8181]

Been binge watching the channel and I love it! Huge fan! Have you built any dreadnought shaped guitars? And will there be more series where u build a guitar and show the whole process!! Please!!

[@scottkidwellmusic9175]

Thanks, fellas! Enjoyed this latest edition of the 3K year old guitar. Got my piece of wood from it in the mail the other day 😁

[@DriftwoodMatt]

Excellent!! Thanks for watching and supporting!

[@DriftwoodGuitars]

Glad to hear that! Now you can build a teee tiny little guitar out of it!

[@scottkidwellmusic9175]

@@DriftwoodGuitars - I just showed it to my acoustic guitars, to let them know there's better guitars out there 🤣🤣🤣

[@DriftwoodGuitars]

That’ll show Em!

[@ErnieB]

Maybe shape part of it into a pick. Just a thought.

[@thatdiyguyraymondmonk1225]

Question: Why not put the guitar back into the body form clamp with plastic wrap low in the form for stronger even clamping force?

[@roosky203]

looking good, cant wait until the spraying video

[@dejadejayoutube]

wrapper's delight👌

[@kimballowen-brown4771]

Excellent Thank you for the video. Kimball

[@olfl4160]

I see what you’re saying about plastic binding, but man it’s just something with that D28 look

[@SukalyanDas]

Amazing videos. Quick question- i have faced a lot of issue bending figured maple binding, as it breaks easily. Did u face the same issue?

[@ardumus]

Chris, on some of your videos you use a hand-held "spindle"? on your hand drill for some of the sanding. What is it called and where can I purchase one? Haven't been able to find it on Stewmac or LMI...maybe I just don't know how to search for it? Thanks!

[@DriftwoodGuitars]

There’s a link in my “leveling the sides” video from this series.

[@ardumus]

@@DriftwoodGuitars Thanks, I knew I had seen it somewhere in your videos! I've watched so many, couldn't remember where I had seen it. My wood shop is mainly only hand-tools (apart from my bandsaw and drill press), but things like that look like they would be super helpful. When I finish my current deployment I'll begin my first guitar build.

[@DriftwoodGuitars]

It’s a game changer! Buy it and don’t think twice

[@azuwer]

Any update for this guitar?

[@Skrelnick222]

I've been following this since the beginning and I can't wait to hear what it sounds like! You don't see many ebony bodied guitars. What are the sonic properties of ebony compared to more traditional tone woods like mahogany or rosewood? Just curious.

[@przybyla420]

The trees don’t get very big

[@mgdesigns1952]

Did Matt finish the amp?

[@shaybag]

what holds the binding to the perfling

[@REALponzinomics]

as you said it, i look over at my 0-18 martin thats plastic binding is coming off at the back haha

[@tranquilitybase6417]

Hey you made an opening segment!

[@ernestpinder7557]

How did I miss the episodes 21 etc attaching the neck and hearing how this guitar sounds??? p

[@marekbage]

So, apparently liking and subscribing is great. However, I've also heard that commenting helps the channel. ...That's it. Nothing more to add. 😉

[@myoldmate]

The algorithm is hungry.

[@andsoistopped]

No one is going to fight me on that.......looking forward to the next mean comments video!

[@eduardoramirez6877]

When the Orangewood?

[@erichharrington1213]

So how much does a 3000 year old guitar run? I am intrigued.

[@TheHandyHam73]

When do we get to see the finish?

[@mikenelson405]

It's an ancient wood guitar. In this episode (#20) he said he was slowing down because the customer became impatient. So don't get pushy Les! Or we'll never see the finished product!

[@atakdragonfly1675]

Godamn.... The wood on the back gives me wood.

[@danstiverson]

Very enjoyable production. I anxiously await your next videos on this build. Someday I will build a great guitar thanks to you teaching me how to do it.

[@kwaktak]

Let’s just operate under the assumption that I don’t have the money to buy the rubber bands from Stew Mac. Can you use something else like medical grade rubber bands or old bicycle tire tubes?

[@kwaktak]

PS: thank you for making me look at my first two builds as ugly ducklings because the binding is shite even after redoing it. That just means I need to build more! 😉

[@nadolly7508]

I love your what you doing a lot..plss give some of your masterpiece.. 😂

[@thatdiyguyraymondmonk1225]

The wooden binding does not melt if you are sanding either…

[@SilasHumphreys]

I can certainly understand why a factory built guitar, or an amateur builder, would go for plastic binding, but yeah. Wood looks classier and ages better.

[@dariovalsagna4356]

What happened to this series?

[@virtualDon]

It looks like your drill press has a mullet. I can't unsee it. I will call him Drilly Ray Cyrus

[@DriftwoodGuitars]

This is amazing!

[@russellscott1151]

You didn’t glue between perfling and binding, isn’t that a risk?

[@DriftwoodGuitars]

Yes I did

[@russellscott1151]

@@DriftwoodGuitars I must have missed it. I only saw you apply it to the guitar binding and perfling grooves not the perfling. Great vids, thanks.

[@arkadyromanov7803]

In defense of plastic binding: "RRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!" *hooting and mouth farting noises*

[@mattfleming2287]

You should totally do that end graft wrap onto the front. Subtle art deco. In abalone? fahgedabowdit....

[@kiarashalimi937]

I wish my name was Stewart McDonald lol

[@FSO_PT]

In the close ups the sound is much better. The voice, seems the uggly same... 😅

[@brutalbrutusTV]

I like to have flexible joints too...🚬

[@chrislee6914]

2000 years of this 3000 yaers took the building process 😂.. Just a joke bro

[@monday6524]

It’s too bad you guys don’t have any fun…

[@conorgorman8664]

Im sure you make a great guitar, but to be completely honest, I can’t finish a video due to the long winded speech. I REALLY tried to stay focused with no avail. Just a lot of “I” and “Me.” I gave it a honest effort, and tried to watch 7-8 videos. I never comment, but I was compelled to say why I just can’t anymore. Bashing high end guitar companies by a “Professional Luthier” can be hard to watch. Your guitars must be above and beyond anything that Martin or Taylor could ever make. It’s more like a podcast than a video. I personally watch videos to learn, not to hear people talk about hypotheticals. Showing is better than explaining several different scenarios, and taking a whole video to bind one side of a guitar. I know I’m bashing but hey, just trying to give a little constructive criticism. If you can’t take it, then don’t dish it. I wanted to get into your stuff very badly. Again, I’ve watched 7 or more videos, so I made sure I gave it a good chance. Sincerely, much respect. I’m just a spectator that plays guitar and builds furniture and Bows on the side.

[@DriftwoodGuitars]

Cool man. See ya!

[@hartleyshandcrafted]

make your own lining you say? make your own binding you say? ok. i'll allow this brainwashing to occur.

[@josephpangelinan5357]

Finish this please ! Enough of the goofy content …

[@DriftwoodGuitars]

If you don’t like it, don’t watch it.

[@kanker5256]

the wood matches your hair color. 😐 old indeed...