Although guitar binding can be generally considered necessary for protecting a guitar from chipping, nicks, moisture and splitting as it gets older. Even though binding is great for protection and cosmetics, it’s not required to achieve a great sound for a guitar like the Les Paul.
There are Les Paul’s that come with binding and no binding. In this article, we’ll go through the details about guitar binding and whether or not it’s beneficial for a Les Paul to have it.
After going through this article, you should be more aware of Les paul’s that have binding and without.
5 Benefits That Binding Can Have For Les Paul Guitars
Below are 5 benefits binding can have for Les Paul Guitars. Although guitar binding is known for being useful for providing extra protection, what are the other benefits that binding provides?
1. Cosmetic purposes
Most people prefer Bounded Les Paul’s, as they typically look better than non-bounded Les Paul’s. It helps to give a Les Paul shape, giving the guitar an additional accent for contrast.
Les Paul binding can come in different colors and materials. The most obvious reason for a Les Paul to be bound is to make the guitar look better and stand out – especially if it’s made of thicker wood.
It’s best to purchase a Les Paul that comes already bound as binding your Les Paul yourself is difficult and it could be expensive to hire someone to do it.
2. Acts as a cushion
Binding also protects the edges of the Les Paul from nicks and scratches. A Les Paul that’s been bound is great for cushioning, as it’s usually made from a stronger material than the guitar body.
With having binding on a Les Paul, you can get away with being less careful with the guitar and concentrate on your playing – rather than babying the guitar.
As the edges of a Les Paul are usually the most vulnerable when it comes to scratches and dings. A Les Paul that’s been bound, the edges of the guitar will be better protected.
3. Seals the guitar to last longer
Binding on Les Paul guitars is also used to help seal the top and back side of the guitar. As it helps to seal the guitar, helping to keep out moisture from getting in and is also great for preventing the Les Paul from splitting as it gets older.
4. Smoother neck
A guitar that’s bound on the neck area feels much smoother than without. This can give a ‘premium’ feeling to a Les Paul.
Not only does the neck feel smoother, it feels better for your fretting hand to touch and slide around.
No matter how hard a guitar neck’s polished, it won’t be as smooth as a neck without guitar binding.
5. Helps To Keep The resale value
A Les Paul with a bound body typically has a higher resale value, as it’s commonly understood that more expensive guitars come with binding.
As binding, a Les Paul is a delicate process and takes some time. It’s great for protection and for these reasons can be used to drive up the value of the Les Paul during reselling.
Though, it’s also possible for a Les Paul to be bound with fake, cheaper materials. As a buyer, you need to be careful about this.
Does Les Paul Binding Impact Tone?
A Les Paul that’s been bound doesn’t affect the tone of the guitar in any significant way. The tone should be the same regardless if the guitar has been bound or unbonded.
Do You Need To Bind Your Les Paul?
In short, you don’t need to bind a Les Paul to achieve anything extra. The binding is just another layer of protection and cosmetic improvements.
If you have an unbounded Les Paul, then you don’t need to get it bound. Although you may need to be more careful with the Les Paul to keep it from getting marks or chips.
When you’re done playing, keep your Les Paul either in a guitar case or on a guitar stand. As long as you’re careful, an unbounded Les Paul can sound just as great and last as long as a bounded Les Paul.
Though, if you have the budget and want to buy a Les Paul, then you should consider going for a Les Paul or another brand that has neck and body binding. Not only will the guitar look much better, but it will also last longer without scratches and feel smoother on the hand.