lefrash Posted May 22, 2016 Share Posted May 22, 2016 I have a bass that has a white binding round it. The body is full of chips and scrapes but not in a cool roadwork kinda way so I'm thinking about stripping it right back to the wood. I've done it before on other bodies with careful use of a heat gun and scraper but never with a binding. Anyone done this?reckon this could cause complications? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grangur Posted May 22, 2016 Share Posted May 22, 2016 I can't help, but is this a solid body or a semi-hollow? Pics would be nice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lefrash Posted May 22, 2016 Author Share Posted May 22, 2016 Solid body... fender aerodyne jazz. It was a looker when I got it... but due to the scuffs the resale value wouldn't be worth moving it on! Plays really nice!y though so I fancy bringing some new life to it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Manton Customs Posted May 22, 2016 Share Posted May 22, 2016 Binding will melt if you get it hot enough. It would also be possible to melt the glue and it delaminate from the body. So I'd do the sides and around the edges of the body by just sanding and scraping. You can also use one of the attachments on the end of the heat gun to focus the heat, so you don't end up accidentally heating up the binding. Regarding resale, you might be surprised what people will buy. I'd look into moving it on as is before attempting a refin. The refin could actually devalue the bass more than the damage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Truckstop Posted May 22, 2016 Share Posted May 22, 2016 Would it not be possible to remove the binding and reapply it afterwards? It'd be a nightmare to refinish around the binding too, wouldn't it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Manton Customs Posted May 22, 2016 Share Posted May 22, 2016 Nope it's a pretty big job replacing binding. It's standard practice to mask off binding from colour coats...and yes it's a pain! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Norris Posted May 23, 2016 Share Posted May 23, 2016 You can buy very narrow masking tape that makes masking binding a lot easier. As said earlier, removing and refitting isn't an option. You could however remove it and fit new binding, although that might be a little fiddly (depending on your DIY skills) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lefrash Posted May 23, 2016 Author Share Posted May 23, 2016 Cheers guys for the hints and tips. I never even thought about it possible falling off... so as suggested i will use heat for the majority of it but then maybe a mix of sanding and delicate heat round the edges. I'm also contemplating leaving the wood 'au naturel' or perhaps a clear laquer so refinishing 'shouldnt' be an issue I hope... In my head its going to look very cool!! . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PlungerModerno Posted May 23, 2016 Share Posted May 23, 2016 +1 to binding being a lot of work. Real wood binding is even more work (but it looks x10 times nicer than faux binding or plastic when done well). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigRedX Posted May 23, 2016 Share Posted May 23, 2016 Be very careful even if sanding, as this can IME generate enough heat to cause the binding to delaminate from the body. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grangur Posted May 23, 2016 Share Posted May 23, 2016 Sounds to me like there's too much chance of it going wrong to my liking. I'd be inclined to taking Manton's advice and live with it or sell it. Let someone else have the problem. I generally tackle most things, but on this maybe I'm just chicken. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PlungerModerno Posted May 24, 2016 Share Posted May 24, 2016 [quote name='Grangur' timestamp='1464024456' post='3055859'] Sounds to me like there's too much chance of it going wrong to my liking. I'd be inclined to taking Manton's advice and live with it or sell it. Let someone else have the problem. I generally tackle most things, but on this maybe I'm just chicken. [/quote] There's being chicken - and then there's being aware of when you're out of your depth. I wouldn't try doing anything with binding on a MIJ/CIJ Fender - especially one like an Aerodyne which is a popular choice for those looking for a lighter Fender. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grangur Posted May 24, 2016 Share Posted May 24, 2016 [quote name='PlungerModerno' timestamp='1464110510' post='3056645'] There's being chicken - and then there's being aware of when you're out of your depth. I wouldn't try doing anything with binding on a MIJ/CIJ Fender - especially one like an Aerodyne which is a popular choice for those looking for a lighter Fender. [/quote] I would be out of my depth. recognise it, move on. To the OP: Good luck brother. I look forward to seeing the build diary, should you accept the challenge. I won't blame you if you don't Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Manton Customs Posted May 24, 2016 Share Posted May 24, 2016 [quote name='lefrash' timestamp='1464015711' post='3055761'] Cheers guys for the hints and tips. I never even thought about it possible falling off... so as suggested i will use heat for the majority of it but then maybe a mix of sanding and delicate heat round the edges. I'm also contemplating leaving the wood 'au naturel' or perhaps a clear laquer so refinishing 'shouldnt' be an issue I hope... In my head its going to look very cool!! . [/quote] Good luck if you decide to go ahead. One thing to keep in mind is that the paint could well be hiding some pretty unattractive wood, which might make a natural finish be a bad choice. I believe the aerodynes are basswood, which is a particularly boring wood to look at, it'll also likely be 3 or more pieces joined...not to mention its paint grade wood so could also have natural defects. It's a bit of a gamble what you're going to find under the paint! So have a backup colour in mind. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grangur Posted May 24, 2016 Share Posted May 24, 2016 [quote name='Manton Customs' timestamp='1464117236' post='3056723'] Good luck if you decide to go ahead. One thing to keep in mind is that the paint could well be hiding some pretty unattractive wood, which might make a natural finish be a bad choice. I believe the aerodynes are basswood, which is a particularly boring wood to look at, it'll also likely be 3 or more pieces joined...not to mention its paint grade wood so could also have natural defects. It's a bit of a gamble what you're going to find under the paint! So have a backup colour in mind. [/quote] I do recall someone stripped his Ibanez GW fretless and the wood underneath had an interesting, large knot. Trying to sell it later it took a while. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lefrash Posted May 25, 2016 Author Share Posted May 25, 2016 This is valuable advice. Especially about it being basswood.... never even contemplated it being a bit sh*t underneath! It may have put me off completely! I can't find anyone in the world having done it (Or atleast discuss it online) do that could be a telling sign! Great advice as always guys. Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grangur Posted May 25, 2016 Share Posted May 25, 2016 [quote name='lefrash' timestamp='1464164595' post='3057001'] This is valuable advice. Especially about it being basswood.... never even contemplated it being a bit sh*t underneath! It may have put me off completely! I can't find anyone in the world having done it (Or atleast discuss it online) do that could be a telling sign! Great advice as always guys. Cheers [/quote] You're not the first. I remember I was somewhat disappointed the first time I stripped a body. I imagined beautiful wood grain that would be great in a natural finish. What I got was block board. It was a Squier, so I guess it was somewhat expected, but folk talk of Squier/Fender as "they would never use blockboard!" Oh yes they do! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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