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On a Martin 41 kit, it comes with white binding. but the fretboard I bought has KOA binding already.

I am considering cutting off the KOA and putting on the white so it will "look better" or "look like a D-41" ...

I know the answer is "whatever you prefer". but I dont know what it will look like with the white so I dont have a preference.

I just am asking you guys if the consensus would be "NOOOOOO KOA is an upgrade over the white plastic"

Are both sets of bindings the same thickness?

Otherwise it is a choice. I like koa bindings, but if you are planning on matching a specific guitar ...

koa would be nice plastic is easier to work.
get another fret board and save the koa for a later guitar.

Since the koa binding is already installed, personally I see no point in cutting it off just because Martin happens to use something else on D-41s. If you, yourself, prefer the white binding and think the extra work is justified, have at it, but my choice would be to keep the koa. I'm finding that building a guitar is hard enough without going out of my way to make it more difficult.

Yes the KOA is already installed and the guitar is complete. I am just playing with it now with this and the fretboard inlays.
I love wood and the Koa is real pretty. I think the white is more striking (and it matches the Martin ). but yes it would be pain to remove the KOA . thats why I have hesitated so long.

I guess my question also includes : Is a guitar kit ever finished? I am inlaying the neck where it meets the body and the heel(like a D-45) and I had mother of pearl left over. I am still trying to find some letters for the head to inlay.... putting my pickup in...
I would like to inlay some stars into the bridge...
when will it ever end?

Like some others have said, if you want a Martin guitar then buy a Martin Guitar. This is your guitar, build it as you please.

David L