Is the neck binding removed during a re-fret?

[Redeemed]

Hi Y'all..

Both my guitars are many years away from a re-fret, but I was just curious.... do the ivoroid bindings on the neck come off during a refret?  I'd assume that they do come off.. and then get glued back on after the new frets are seated.  Am I wrong in assuming this? 

I know this may sound like a random question... but here's the reason I ask:  If the binding does indeed get removed, then when I get my OM-03 re-fretted sometime in the future, I'd like to replace the ivoroid binding with some ebony bindings.  Would something like that even be possible? 

Thanks,


-dan

[sixpickn]

I've been told that yes, bindings are removed, and in many cases splinter during the removal process, thus requiring new bindings anyway.  Perhaps UncleRob et al can weigh in.

[pigtown]

I've been told that yes, bindings are removed, and in many cases splinter during the removal process, thus requiring new bindings anyway.  Perhaps UncleRob et al can weigh in.

I've was told the same thing by a luthier.  Wood binding even worse.

[saffron_boots]

I don't see why the binding would be removed. The tangs on the fretwire are trimmed to fit the slot provided. i.e. the binding is put on the neck before the frets are hammered in when the guitar is made.

I see only two conditions requiring the removal of the binding:
1. the technician is yanking the frets out by one end causing the tang to chip the binding
2. the frets are glued in due to poor seating in the slots

[unclrob]

In the case of Larrivee's I would leave the binding and cut the bottom of the fret to fit.

[Ratishna]

Rob is correct, and to clarify binding need not be removed from any guitar for a refret.

E. Shoaf

[solarbean]

Yep. There's even a special tool available from luthier supply houses for trimming the tang so that it will fit in the slot between the bindings. It is more work, though, to refret a bound fretboard, so it costs a bit more. (Not to mention tooling cost.)

[Redeemed]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

unclrob: In your best guestimation, how much would a fretboard re-binding job cost with a different material?  Have you even done anything like that before?  I know it sounds bizarre to "fix something that ain't broke"... but I think ebony binding on the neck on my faux-vintage OM would complete this whole faux-vintage look.  (although deep down inside, I'd love to have tortoise bindings on the body... but THAT would be pushin' it)


-dan

[unclrob]

Everyone charges a different price.It would be best to have the guitar rebound at the same time as the refret.Talk to the tech who is doing your refret.I've always felt that a refret should be done local as there is a period of settling in and you don't want to be shipping the guitar all over the place.

[Redeemed]

Gotcha.  Thanks unclrob!!

Let us know when you open up shop... Maybe I can be your first re-fret client.


-dan