Binding Already Finished Guitar Body

powerhand

Is this even possible, let alone advisable?  I wouldn't want to do it myself, so do you think this is something a refinisher/luthier would be happy to do?  It would be on a poly finish tele.

Funkfingers

Possible? Yes. Economically viable? Only if you have deep pockets.

A regular Telecaster body has a small radius cut around its edges. Unless your chosen binding is exceedingly thick, it will not blend neatly into the existing edges of the body.

MattNovak

I did it on a rounded edge set neck body with ok results. I needed to get the chisel out in places, but if its a Tele body you might be ok. Cut the binding channels, install said binding and get the sander out to smooth it all in*. 




*disclaimer: I may be a cowboy

Andyjr1515

It's the sort of thing that a DIYer might do on their own guitar, but I suspect most professional builders would be reluctant unless there was an understanding that some level of chargeable refinish might be necessary.

powerhand

That all makes sense - thanks for the replies.