Why doesn't the fretboard binding match on guitars with "aged" binding?

[Bardagh]

This has always bothered me, especially on ESP Eclipses with that look which will even have the side of the neck binding yellowed but the top that you see when looking at the guitar straight on pure and bright white. I can think of guitar models from other makers that are similar, but at least use a cream binding so it blends in a little better - but still that top of the neck binding is not made to look aged.

 

[shar-vell Dan]

Because its not aged naturally.

 

[NowYou'rePlayingWithPower]

Maybe it's the final coat on the guitar to add the effect? Wouldn't be sprayed on the fingerboard, usually.

 

[GreatRedDragon]

Because the coloration of the binding comes from the lacquer topcoat yellowing, and theres no lacquer on the surface of the fretboard.

Look at 50s Gibsons amd you'll see the same thing.

 

[TheGreatGreen]

Because the coloration of the binding comes from the lacquer topcoat yellowing, and theres no lacquer on the surface of the fretboard.

Look at 50s Gibsons amd you'll see the same thing.

This is it. The binding itself may or may not change color over time but the nitro lacquer painted over the body binding will eventually start to yellow.

 

[glpg80]

Proper fret jobs require a re-radius of the fretboard to allow the frets to sit flush. In the sanding process the nitrocellulose coating is sanded off of the neck binding leaving a pure white result since the yellowing comes from UV light fading the nitrocellulose clear. It’s actually a sign a refret is done properly - caution should exist if a refret has been done without a proper re-radius for older guitars having a nitro clear finish.