The quality of the binding and purfling work is one of the factors that makes a guitar a true work of art. Some builders install bindings and purflings in one step, and this can lead to less-than-perfect results. Dogwood guitars are bound using a multi-step process that ensures a tight, no-gap installation of the purflings and bindings, especially in the waist and shoulder areas where the curvature of the body can make installation challenging. The selection of purflings and bindings are a big part of the artistic design process and many colors and combinations can be used. Abalone shell has been used to dress the finest guitars for decades and is one of most visually stunning ways to add flair to a guitar. The images below show the process of installing purflings and solid wood bindings on a Monarch body.
