Official Luthiers Forum!

Just thought I'd throw this question out there. I normally have my builds planned out early and this decision made early on, but this one was kinda impromptu. (Waiting on glue-ups, looking around in my stash, find a set of Koa, start bending.....hmmm....nice cedar top......what the heck?)

Anyway, this is a new combination and for me and actually the first cedar I've used. Any pics or suggestions for binding to compliment this combo?

(PS. This is for an OM. Not crazy high curl Koa, but just a nice set. And I was amazed at how musical this cedar was!)

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Wes McMillian
Santo, TX
http://www.wesmcmillian.com

I'd go with Madagascar rosewood (in fact, that combo is on my building list ) or Brazilian or cocobolo. Probably no side purfling, simple BWB or black/maple/black around the top.

Ebony or curly maple would also look good, for a light or dark theme.

All depends on the balance with neck/headplate/fingerboard/bridge woods, purfling scheme, rosette, etc. etc...

Some kind of rosewood. Depends on your koa. I like EIR and Koa, usually.

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Francis Richer, Montréal
Les Guitares F&M Guitars

I like curly maple and unfigured koa. It adds a little bling to it and is a nice contrast. If you don't like contrast, use some curly koa to set if off a little.

Bubinga or Bloodwood.
mike

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Mike Collins

For some reason I love bloodwood binding with Koa. A single black purfling line on the side, with black/red/black purfling on the top.

IMO Walnut binding looks good with Koa too.

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I didn't mean to say it, but I meant what I said.
http://www.brackettinstruments.com/

I like the classic look of ebony personally. I think it would fit really well with low curl koa and cedar.

Here's a guitar I made with cedar and imbuia with ebony bindings

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I'm with Rod. Ebony goes well with just about everything, and leaves the "bling" to the back and sides. I love that understated look.

I also kinda had a rosewood in mind. Walnut, though? Hadn't thought about it. Got some nice Claro binding in the shop. Gotta dig it out and try it.

Don't know about maple. Got a good pic to convince me? Pics are always good!

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Wes McMillian
Santo, TX
http://www.wesmcmillian.com

Hi Wes

Here's a few pics of one I'm working on. Koa with WRC top.
Binding is Peruvian Walnut (Nogal), similar to N American Walnut in colour.
Rough sanded only.
This client specifically wanted a non curly set.
I like the combo and think the Claro will look good.

Cheers
Bob Hames

Very nice, Bob. And, Rod, that ebony is most definitely classy!

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Wes McMillian
Santo, TX
http://www.wesmcmillian.com