Purfling is an important yet often overlooked detail in the construction of many stringed instruments, including guitars. This delicate and decorative feature not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of a guitar but also serves a functional purpose in its construction. In this article, we will delve deep into what purfling is on the guitar, its significance in guitar building, how it’s made, and its impact on the overall design and tone of a guitar.
Understanding Purfling
Purfling refers to the fine, inlaid strip of material that is typically placed along the edges of a guitar’s body. It is not just for visual appeal; it plays a key role in reinforcing the body of the instrument and protecting the edges from damage. The term “purfling” is often associated with a set of materials, such as wood, plastic, or abalone, which are arranged in a narrow band along the perimeter of the guitar’s body, particularly around the top, back, and sides. The purfling strip may consist of different layers of contrasting materials to create a striking visual effect.
Unlike binding, which is thicker and sits on the outermost edge of the body, purfling is generally a finer inlay, sometimes just a few millimeters wide, and typically positioned slightly beneath the binding. This subtle difference gives purfling its unique decorative quality, which can range from a simple, single line of contrasting wood to a multi-layered, intricate design.
The Functionality of Purfling
While purfling serves an aesthetic purpose, it is also functional in the guitar’s construction. Historically, purfling was introduced for practical reasons, primarily to strengthen the delicate edges of the guitar’s body. The edges of a guitar are vulnerable to wear and tear, and the addition of purfling helps to protect the body from bumps, dings, and scratches that may occur during regular use or transport.
The material used in purfling also contributes to the overall sound of the guitar. While it may seem like a minor feature, it can subtly influence the tonal quality by affecting how vibrations travel through the body. The combination of purfling material and design can add a layer of complexity to the tonal properties of the guitar, although this effect is generally quite subtle when compared to other factors, such as wood type or bracing.
Purfling also provides a structural benefit, particularly in the construction of acoustic guitars. In traditional guitar-making, the purfling helps to secure the top and back plates to the sides of the guitar, ensuring they are held firmly in place. This contributes to the overall durability and stability of the instrument.
Purfling Materials
Purfling can be crafted from a variety of materials, depending on the desired aesthetic and functional outcomes. Some of the most common materials used for guitar purfling include:
Wood: Traditional purfling is often made from thin strips of wood, such as maple, rosewood, or ebony. These woods are typically chosen for their durability and visual contrast against the body of the guitar. Wooden purfling can be quite simple, with thin lines of contrasting woods, or it can be intricate with multiple layers of different wood types.
Plastic: Plastic is a popular choice for modern guitar purfling due to its versatility, affordability, and ease of use. Plastic purfling is available in a wide range of colors, textures, and patterns, making it a practical choice for mass-produced guitars. While it may not offer the same natural aesthetic as wood, it is a durable option that helps protect the guitar’s edges.
Abalone and Mother of Pearl: For high-end guitars, purfling may incorporate luxurious materials like abalone or mother of pearl. These materials not only look beautiful but also add a distinctive, high-quality touch to the instrument. Abalone purfling, in particular, is highly prized for its iridescent qualities, which create a unique visual effect that changes depending on the angle of the light.
Shell and Bone: Other natural materials, such as shell and bone, are sometimes used in the crafting of purfling, particularly in custom or boutique guitars. These materials add an extra layer of uniqueness and often increase the overall value of the instrument.
Metal: Although less common, some guitars feature metal purfling, typically made from thin strips of brass, silver, or gold. This material can add a sleek, modern look to the instrument and is often found in premium or custom-built guitars.
Synthetic Materials: In addition to plastic, other synthetic materials, like acrylic, may be used for purfling. These materials are less prone to wear and tear, making them ideal for guitars designed for heavy use. Synthetic purfling is also more consistent in appearance, making it a preferred choice for some manufacturers.
Types of Purfling Designs
Purfling comes in a variety of designs, each contributing a different aesthetic appeal to the guitar. Some of the most common types of purfling designs include:
Single Line Purfling: The simplest form of purfling, consisting of a single line of contrasting material. This design is subtle yet effective in enhancing the overall appearance of the guitar.
Multi-Layered Purfling: This type of purfling involves multiple layers of different materials, creating a more intricate and detailed pattern. Multi-layer purfling often combines wood, plastic, and sometimes shell or abalone, offering a visually striking effect.
Rosette Purfling: The rosette is a special form of purfling found around the soundhole of an acoustic guitar. This is usually more intricate and decorative than the standard body purfling, often incorporating circular or radial designs. Rosettes can be made from wood, abalone, or a combination of both.
Curved or Geometric Patterns: Some guitars feature purfling with more complex patterns, such as curves or geometric designs. These patterns are often custom-made and can significantly enhance the visual appeal of the guitar.
Contrasting Purfling: In certain cases, purfling is made from materials that contrast sharply with the main body of the guitar. For instance, a guitar with a light-colored top might have dark purfling, or vice versa, to create a striking visual contrast.
Purfling in Different Types of Guitars
Purfling is present in various types of guitars, each with different purposes and designs. Let’s take a closer look at how purfling is used in some of the most common types of guitars:
Acoustic Guitars
In acoustic guitars, purfling plays a vital role not just in decoration, but also in reinforcing the structure of the guitar. Acoustic guitars are more prone to wear and tear because they are often used in a variety of environments, from casual jam sessions to professional performances. The purfling helps to protect the delicate edges of the guitar and can make the instrument more durable.
Acoustic guitars typically feature purfling around the perimeter of the body and around the soundhole (rosette). The purfling in these guitars often incorporates natural materials such as wood or abalone, contributing to their warm, organic aesthetic.
Electric Guitars
Electric guitars, while often less ornate than acoustic guitars in terms of purfling, still feature this design element in various forms. Purfling on electric guitars tends to be more understated, with single-line or simple geometric patterns. Some high-end or custom electric guitars may feature more intricate purfling designs, often using plastic or wood.
The primary function of purfling on electric guitars is still protective, as it helps to reinforce the edges of the guitar body, especially around the cutaway areas. This can be important for instruments with more intricate body shapes.
Classical Guitars
Classical guitars often have more intricate purfling than other types of guitars. The purfling on classical guitars serves both a decorative and structural role. The delicate, multi-layered purfling on a classical guitar is typically made from wood and sometimes enhanced with abalone or mother of pearl for a refined, luxurious look.
Classical guitars also feature elaborate rosettes around the soundhole, which often incorporate more intricate purfling designs. The purfling on these guitars is highly valued for its craftsmanship, as it contributes significantly to the visual beauty of the instrument.
How Purfling is Applied
The process of applying purfling to a guitar involves several steps, typically beginning during the construction of the body. The luthier first cuts a groove along the edges of the top and back plates of the guitar. The purfling material is then carefully shaped and bent to fit the groove, ensuring that it follows the contour of the guitar’s body. Once the purfling is in place, it is glued into the groove and carefully sanded to smooth out any excess material.
After the purfling is fully applied, the guitar is generally bound with a thicker piece of material to further protect the edges. The binding is often more visible than the purfling, but it works in conjunction with the purfling to enhance the overall durability and appearance of the guitar.
Conclusion
Purfling is a small but significant feature of guitar construction. Its primary function is to protect the edges of the instrument, but it also plays a crucial role in reinforcing the guitar’s overall structure. The aesthetic qualities of purfling—whether simple or intricate—enhance the visual appeal of the guitar and contribute to its identity. With its diverse range of materials, designs, and applications, purfling remains an essential aspect of guitar-making, serving both a practical and artistic purpose.
