Binding over Frets

[AndMetalGuitar]

Hey Guys

Sorry if there's a thread about that already, but I cant find one.

So.. Someone has a pic or a good definition for "binding over frets". A Pic would be better of course.
Just askin because I'm planning a Jackson Custom Shop

Thank Ya

[Axewielder]

They are sometimes referred to as "nibs".

[micha]

Well, actually it is pretty much what the name tells, the binding goes over the fret ends.


that's what a fretboard usually looks like:




this would be an example for binding over frets:



so, it's just the end of the frets which are bound, of course not the top of the frets you play on.

this pic was on page one of my google results btw, so I guess you can easily find some more examples...

I never had a guitar which had binding like that, so I can't say what it feels like, but AFAIK many Gibsons have binding over fret ends, so maybe you try one of these to get an idea.

[jackson1]

Correct me if i'm wrong, but the "binding-over-frets" is actually misleading. By filing the binding, it becomes an extension of the fret ends. It doesn't cover or go over the frets.

edit: ah, i think micha already mentioned this.

[Sharkfin]

That's what I was always confused about. I had always imagined the binding was somehow pressed into the frets from the side.

[ralph]

maybe it should be referred to as "binding over fret ends", but yeah as metnioned above it just covers the ends of the frets

[MakeAJazzNoiseHere]

Yes, binding over fret ends would be a better description I think.

The way the fret ends are dressed on a Jackson the playable surface (your "wiggle room" for vibrato on the E's) includes some of the fret out over the binding so it does make the fret a tad narrower. I personally would rather not have it. :dunno:

[Trussrod]

Binding nibs make re-fretting a guitar more difficult.

[MetalMedal II]

Binding nibs make re-fretting a guitar more difficult.

Yes, most luthiers will just scrape the nibs off when refretting, but some can keep them on....probably for an upcharge though!

[Newc]

And how soon would one expect to need a refret on a brand new guitar?

[ken]

My CS Jackson has binding over the frets. There is a small amount of binding on top of the fret ends, as well as their sides:

[wilkinsi]

GTWGITS!

[micha]

Do you notice any difference worth a mention in terms of playability with the binding?
I've always been curious about this as well...

[MakeAJazzNoiseHere]

And how soon would one expect to need a refret on a brand new guitar?

I guess if you only have one guitar and you play a couple of hours a day... Ten years? :think:

[AndMetalGuitar]

Great Guys.
Thank you very very much now i understood it!


So have some fun.