Who Makes the Best Double-Bound Bodies Now?

[markesquire]

I'd like to order a double-bound body in black paint (probably poly) with binding that is off-white (not bright white but not yellow cream), but it's important to me that (1) the binding color is not blinding bright white or cheddar-yellow, which would look out of place with a mint or parchment pickguard; and (2) the binding size/application is like the vintage guitars -- not significantly wider and not showing from the front (I think vintage Tele binding was only scraped and visible on the sides.

Who is making the best double-bound bodies these days?

I've had a good experience with Warmoth, but sometimes I see photos of their bound Teles, and the binding looks a bit wider than vintage Fenders, and the white looks pretty bright (while the cream looks too yellow).

 

[Fluddman]

MJT?

 

[Hodgo88]

Here is a closet clean MJT with double white binding. It’s bright white.

They may be able to age it, but the material itself is very white.

Warmoths ivoroid is a nice split between cream and white, but has a texture to it you may find undesirable.

 

[markesquire]

Does anyone have photos of their Warmoth, USACG, or other double bounds in white, ivoroid, or cream? The MJT was helpful!

 

[loudboy]

I got a Tele Custom Partscaster a few weeks ago, and the Chinese-made 3-piece alder body is very well done. Binding is creamier than in the photo. You need to go pre-2019 to find the alder ones.

 

[Buckocaster51]

Not this wide, eh?

 

[fenderchamp]

fender?

 

[Johnny Dubs]

I got a Tele Custom Partscaster a few weeks ago, and the Chinese-made 3-piece alder body is very well done. Binding is creamier than in the photo. You need to go pre-2019 to find the alder ones.

View attachment 1213552

Sunburst and tort guard.

*chef’s kiss*

 

[BobbyMac]

Here are some examples of double bound bodies I used to make some partscasters. All made in China and all to genuine Fender USA spec:

 

[GGardner]

I never had one so I can't say anything about the quality of a Guitar Fetish body. But the color of the binding appeals to me more than bright white. And the $100 price tag is hard to beat (when they're in stock).

 

[bullfrogblues]

AE Guitars® T-Style Alder Replacement Guitar Body Metallic Red with Bi

Our premier series replacement bodies are constructed from high quality alder. These replacement bodies are a great option for seasoned builders looking for a higher grade body. Specifications: Body Wood: Alder Weight: Approx. 5.5 lbs Finish: Polyurethane Scale Length: 25-1/2" Body Thickness...

aeguitars.com

 

[Missing Link]

I know its not a Telecaster body but I'm about to dive into a GF Stratocaster DB (alder body they say) body to replace a strat that I bought from a pawn shop years ago that its black paint is flaking off in chunks and revealing its a glued up plywood strat body.
So want to install all the parts from that to a new body and I like the one I found that is double bound with a sunset finish, but will see what I get for $118 from china. I asked them to inspect before shipping to a void having to return it id defected as I suggest we all should do, will they do it ??
Good luck

 

[Grandfunkfan]

View attachment 1213569

Not this wide,

 

[Missing Link]

Update the Strat from Guitar Fetish was a success and am very happy with it. Now I will be buying the DB telecaster that looks the same.
Cheers

 

[BobbyMac]

That turned out GREAT. Nice job!!!

 

[Deeve]

Yeah

 

[Alaska Mike]

My experience with a double bound Guitar Fetish body was not good. At all. It’s still sitting in the box in my living room until I just throw it away. It simply is garbage.
My Guitar Fetish thread

I built a bound chambered (Thinline without the f-hole and standard routing) Warmoth body, which was 8X more expensive and required four months wait, but completely was worth it in the end.

I am not saying that all inexpensive guitars/components are like this, because I know that there are some great ones out there. There’s also a lot of unplayable junk. Sometimes it’s a roll of the dice. I just happened to lose.

 

[Missing Link]

I think that any pre-made guitar body is a crap shoot. too have had a few in my past that I had to do a lot of fixing or just pain sent back and I am talking some of the bigger names also. G Fetish has had some bad reports over the years and I may of just got luck with this strat body but I am willing to take a chance on the telecaster body they sell in DB sunset.
Of course the parts used must be of quality parts to make a near perfect guitar and the strat shown is as good as any brand name -its a keeper.
I will post later the out come of the telecaster body as soon as I receive it.

Cheers

 

[CUINOZINKS]

Update the Strat from Guitar Fetish was a success and am very happy with it. Now I will be buying the DB telecaster that looks the same.
Cheers

Looks stunning. I may have to check those out…

 

[BobbyMac]

There are some really nice bodies from China available on eBay. This guitar is a scratch build of mine and everything fit perfectly, using genuine Fender parts: