Binding; Koa and what?

[Wspur]

Working on #2 (F5) and trying to decide on a binding/purfling scheme. I have koa for the main stuff, and wondering what in the world to put in for purf on a blond/natural finish mando. I am hoping to get a little color fade off of the binding onto the otherwise natural body. Did that with a dulcimer and it worked out ok. Not a fan of BWB and such. Maybe just a thin black. Maple or other natural stuff sounds good, but I think I'll have a hard time keeping the koa darkness off of it. Maybe someone knows of something I don't. Pearl and such just doesn't seem right to me with this scheme. Maybe just koa binding alone. Oh, I dunno...

Wyatt

[billhay4]

What about ebony?
Bill

[Marty Jacobson]

If you look at veneersupplies.com you will find a plethora of veneers. I cut them up with an x-acto knife to make layers for contrasting stripes for my instruments, it would work for a contrast layer with your binding as well. Ebony veneer would be nice, but it's quite brittle. Because of that, I like to use fumed etimoe or fumed eucalyptus, which are not quite as dark as ebony, quite inexpensive, and don't break across the grain easily. Here's a koa and redwood mandolin with a fumed veneer and a curly maple veneer layer.

[billhay4]

I agree with Marty. Ebony would be a bear to bend for an F-5. But I do think black would look nice with the koa.
Bill

[fscotte]

Marty's mandos are a great resource for ideas. Beautiful works of art.

[Wspur]

Oh sweet! Yeah, thanks Marty!