DIY -- 50s White Falcon Binding

[Highnumbers]

Several years back, I was close to "taking the dive" on a Custom Shop WF.

They wouldn't do the correct vintage binding. Not a problem, and not a sale.

That vintage correct WF binding is what makes a Falcon what it is. It's the icing on the cake.

Guess I'm anal on this. Hang around a vintage Falcon, and one will see why. It's mesmerizing. It really is.

I agree wholeheartedly (obvious that I would, haha!)

But I'll add that it's more likely a case of the Custom Shop not being able to offer this sort of binding, versus refusing to do so. I don't believe any vendor will produce this binding to spec, and if CS took the path of insanity that I have and made their own, a Falcon reissue would be $20K and turn basically everyone away.

 

[loudnlousy]

That`s what I would call "walking the extra-mile".

 

[Henry]

I am impressed. Love that you are repurposing old material.

 

[Highnumbers]

@gasmoney I noticed your ‘62 Falcon has red fretboard side markers, do you (or @Wayne Gretschzky ) know if those continued on through 1963?

I’m wondering if somebody changed the markers on my Falcon to black (and they look a little larger).

Wouldn’t be the worst thing because I’m considering changing out the neck binding now. It used to look good compared to the body binding but it’s not exactly perfect and has faded a bit, especially noticeable compared to the fresh binding. My aim was preservation as much as possible, but the overall restoration job would be lacking if the neck binding didn’t have the same hue as the body, plus I’d need to sort out the fretboard markers back to red if they shouldn’t be black. Plus it would make the refret easier and look more accurate (fret end nibs).

 

[gasmoney]

Those black dots look like they were done in Mikey and tommys basement in 1977.
the factory dots on these falcons are best described as indiscernible.

 

[Highnumbers]

Those black dots look like they were done in Mikey and tommys basement in 1977.
the factory dots on these falcons are best described as indiscernible.

Ha! Well that confirms my suspicions, maybe somebody had a hard time seeing them.

So that settles it, I’ll replace the fretboard and headstock binding as well. Just need to determine if a ‘63 would have had red or black markers (I might be able to see once I get the binding off).

 

[gasmoney]

I bet it would be red dots.

 

[Highnumbers]

I got the binding off today (photos later) the side markers just pulled right out of their holes. Sadly they are so large that it left no trace of the original markers.

The original markers might have actually been white, which is a surprise. Here is a link to the next sequential serial number from my guitar, which looks generally intact and original and the side markers are white?

https://reverb.com/item/1702400-gre...hare&utm_campaign=listing&utm_content=1702400

 

[Falconetti]

Amazing work. Those white markers look surprisingly ok against the gold binding but I bet they would be ineffective for their intended purpose in any kind of low light. Poses a bit of a dilemma whether to go totally period correct to satisfy the purist or practical to assist the player. Great thread. I admire your skill and patience.

 

[Highnumbers]

Poses a bit of a dilemma whether to go totally period correct to satisfy the purist or practical to assist the player.

Make no mistake - this is a restoration. What I would want as a player is out the window, the goal is replicating exactly how it left the factory.

The only improvements will be things like a better fitting mortise and tenon on the neck, to maintain structural integrity.

And thank you!

 

[Yr23]

Pretty sure Falcons had red dot markers from '66 to '73, although you don't see many clear photos of dot markers around.