The Gretsch Pages: Discussions: Vintage Gretsch Guitars: Question about keeping binding in good shape

Question about keeping binding in good shape

- Rated: 0 ↑
Jul 12, 2008 6:32 a.m. devinb:

Hello all.

I purchased a 1964 Double Anniversary from Mass Street Music, it should be here on Tuesday at the latest.

I went with a known and reputable dealer because of the age of the guitar, didn't want to try to save a few dollars on eBay.

The binding is in fine condition at the moment, and I'm curious if there is anything I can do to keep it that way?

My guitar tech is in favor of humidifying even electrics in the winter here (Cleveland, Ohio -cold cold winters), but the way binding rot looks, I kind of assume that that may not be the best of ideas. Anything I should know?

Thanks, Devin
- Rated: 32 ↑
Jul 12, 2008 7:38 a.m. cyclopssam:

in general binding will last forever.inless of course it's defective.....
- Rated: 5 ↑
Jul 12, 2008 8:12 a.m. Paddywagon:

Seems like the late 60's was the worst era for bindings...A 1964 binding should be in better shape than a 1968 binding...go figure!

I've wondered if doing a general wipe down with a soft rag after playing and keeping it in the case when not in use is enough to preserve the binding...or maybe it's one of those things that's going to do what it's going to do no matter what you do.
- Rated: 34 ↑
Jul 12, 2008 8:27 a.m. Bryan K.:

Hey PW, it's been suggested that keeping a 60s Gretsch in the case may actually speed up the rot process. Off gassing etc.
- Rated: 19 ↑
Jul 12, 2008 11:39 a.m. Vinkie:

I second that, keep it out of the case as much as possible.

Maybe a more urgent reason to do this is to prevent gasses that evaporate in the rotting process from attacking metal parts like pickups and tuners. I've seen archtops from the early '50s with deteriorating cellulose pickguards with all the hardware corroded and covered with green muck. So, even while you might not be able to stop the binding rot it is still a good idea to keep your guitar well ventilated.

BTW congrats with your new old guitar!
- Rated: 5 ↑
Jul 12, 2008 6:05 p.m. Paddywagon:

Bryan,

Yes...I'm aware if the "gas" factor...

I guess we all get a bit "gassy" with age!
- Rated: 67 ↑
Jul 12, 2008 6:23 p.m. antik:

For the most part 64s seem to be pretty immune to bad binding rot. Once in a while you see one with a pretty mild case, usually in the neck heel area for some reason.

What seems to be more common (at least from what I have seen) is splitting or cracking of the binding. This is different than rot. Rot involves discoloration. I suspect split binding is caused by the same thing that causes cracking in the finish - fast/extreme changes in temperature.
- Rated: 0 ↑
Jul 12, 2008 11:48 p.m. devinb:

Thank you all. Sounds like maybe something changed with the sale of the company to Baldwin?

This is going to be my first Gretsch, though I've been thinking about one for a long time. I couldn't be more excited, and I certainly expect to be a more frequent visitor here now.
- Rated: 32 ↑
Jul 13, 2008 1:45 a.m. cyclopssam:

no,that wasn't just a balwin thing a lot of guitar makers of that era suffered that same faith,(bad batch from a sub contractor))most notably,D'Agelico,electic martins& of course gretsch "dems'da brakes".....it's just unsightly.never heard of a guitar becoming completly un done or any thing,ha,dosn't efect the playing or tone,so......i still wouldn't trade my 69 jet for anything!(it's pretty beat!)
- Rated: 31 ↑
Jul 13, 2008 6:47 a.m. Danman:

antik said: For the most part 64s seem to be pretty immune to bad binding rot.
My 64 Annie has completely brittle binding at the neck heel and the neck binding isn't really good either. It's my only old guitar with bad binding.
- Rated: 5 ↑
Jul 13, 2008 9:02 a.m. Skinny Jim:

I remember hearing that late 60/early 70s Gretsch had a different type of glue used for binding. Supposedly it was crap, hence the more Gretsch guitars from that time with bad binding rot. Ive got a 71 tennessean with the same problem, its really bad. I need to replace it, its almost unplayable with the neck binding flaking off.
- Rated: 0 ↑
Jul 24, 2008 12:17 p.m. AlienRendel:

I guess it is just luck of the draw. I have a 68 Tennessean that has no binding problems at all, despite having a slightly twisted neck.
- Rated: 10 ↑
Jul 24, 2008 1:33 p.m. 10ahcn:

I've heard there's a tiny bug called plastimiticus that eats the binding. They are a distant cousin to wood-eating termiticus.

OK, would you believe...

Of all the Gretschs (Gretschii?) I've ever seen, it's just the white binding that deteriorates. The inner black binding always holds up. That's why I'm not sure the problem is case related. Probably just some bad glue or inferior binding. Or...it could just be those plastimiticus bugs.

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Question about keeping binding in good shape

Jul 12, 2008 6:32 a.m. devinb:

Jul 12, 2008 7:38 a.m. cyclopssam:

Jul 12, 2008 8:12 a.m. Paddywagon:

Jul 12, 2008 8:27 a.m. Bryan K.:

Jul 12, 2008 11:39 a.m. Vinkie:

Jul 12, 2008 6:05 p.m. Paddywagon:

Jul 12, 2008 6:23 p.m. antik:

Jul 12, 2008 11:48 p.m. devinb:

Jul 13, 2008 1:45 a.m. cyclopssam:

Jul 13, 2008 6:47 a.m. Danman:

Jul 13, 2008 9:02 a.m. Skinny Jim:

Jul 24, 2008 12:17 p.m. AlienRendel:

Jul 24, 2008 1:33 p.m. 10ahcn:

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