Richlite fretboard.
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frankfalbo
In Fluence Y'all
Re: Richlite fretboard.
I'm not anti-richlite. I'm extremely well versed in it, and it's properties. It's a phenolic type material and I use something similar but quite a bit more dent resistant on my acoustics and hollowbodies for the little piece inside the guitar that holds the string. The stuff I use has about a 65,000psi crush strength, so a guitar string ball end, even at two contact points of .010" each is still plenty strong for a lifetime of guitar strings. I chose it because it was the most tonally inert, and structurally sound, plus the temperature coefficient will most closely match the rest of the guitar, rather than some metal insert for example.
But the tonal inertness I want in the little string anchor is the same reason I don't want to use it on fretboards. If I tap different wood freboards on the floor they each have a distinct "ping" sound, some more resonant with a longer decay than others, and some species with a higher or lower pitch. If I tap Richlite on the floor it's an undeniably dull "thud" sound. I'm not going to argue back and forth about how I can convince anyone that this affects the plugged in tone of the guitar. So lets just set that to the side for awhile and say that I have no plans to use it on any Falbo fretboards, but don't let that stop you from buying and enjoying a guitar with a Richlite board.
I'm not anti-richlite. I'm extremely well versed in it, and it's properties. It's a phenolic type material and I use something similar but quite a bit more dent resistant on my acoustics and hollowbodies for the little piece inside the guitar that holds the string. The stuff I use has about a 65,000psi crush strength, so a guitar string ball end, even at two contact points of .010" each is still plenty strong for a lifetime of guitar strings. I chose it because it was the most tonally inert, and structurally sound, plus the temperature coefficient will most closely match the rest of the guitar, rather than some metal insert for example.
But the tonal inertness I want in the little string anchor is the same reason I don't want to use it on fretboards. If I tap different wood freboards on the floor they each have a distinct "ping" sound, some more resonant with a longer decay than others, and some species with a higher or lower pitch. If I tap Richlite on the floor it's an undeniably dull "thud" sound. I'm not going to argue back and forth about how I can convince anyone that this affects the plugged in tone of the guitar. So lets just set that to the side for awhile and say that I have no plans to use it on any Falbo fretboards, but don't let that stop you from buying and enjoying a guitar with a Richlite board.
Re: Richlite fretboard.
^ Well, I'm with you on the 'everything makes a difference' argument.
Certainly if you are after something that has a tap tone like wood, then only wood will do. It is an undeniable fact that any material's physical properties will affect how it performs physically. As this covers the vibration of the strings, there will be a greater or lesser effect on that aspect just depending on how the individual material reacts with all the other parts of the guitar.
Then the is the greatest variable of all.....the likes and dislikes of the player in question. I think this is the aspect most of the naysayers either don't factor in, or choose not to as it makes the argument too complex.
^ Well, I'm with you on the 'everything makes a difference' argument.
Certainly if you are after something that has a tap tone like wood, then only wood will do. It is an undeniable fact that any material's physical properties will affect how it performs physically. As this covers the vibration of the strings, there will be a greater or lesser effect on that aspect just depending on how the individual material reacts with all the other parts of the guitar.
Then the is the greatest variable of all.....the likes and dislikes of the player in question. I think this is the aspect most of the naysayers either don't factor in, or choose not to as it makes the argument too complex.
Johnny the Kid
Shaunofthedeadologist
Re: Richlite fretboard.
I absolutely appreciate this point of view and completely agree with your assertions. The thing is that I don't know that fretboard material is such an impact on tone that it completely destroys the sound of the guitar with it. I think ebony and maple feel great under my fingers and to me, feel is more important than tone when it comes to fretboards. Rich lite feels great under the fingers as well.
I absolutely appreciate this point of view and completely agree with your assertions. The thing is that I don't know that fretboard material is such an impact on tone that it completely destroys the sound of the guitar with it. I think ebony and maple feel great under my fingers and to me, feel is more important than tone when it comes to fretboards. Rich lite feels great under the fingers as well.
dazedandconfused001
New member
Re: Richlite fretboard.
so heres a thought if richlite is sythetic/manmade/not froma tree what ever you wanna call it why not make bodies, necks, hell entire guitars outta it? not bashing or anything just genuinly curious. i saw forever ago some ppl made 3d printed (i.e. plastic guitar bodies) but idk how id feel about plastic
so heres a thought if richlite is sythetic/manmade/not froma tree what ever you wanna call it why not make bodies, necks, hell entire guitars outta it? not bashing or anything just genuinly curious. i saw forever ago some ppl made 3d printed (i.e. plastic guitar bodies) but idk how id feel about plastic
Re: Richlite fretboard.
^ plenty of guitars have been made with alternative materials. Joe Perry has/had a plastic/plexiglass guitar back when.
As long as the material is strong enough to deal with the 150lbs or so of string pressure you can make a guitar out of it. What it sounds like and whether that sound is for you in another matter. Every material has its own 'timbre'. If you hit plastic, wood, metal etc you can tell what it is based on the type of sound it makes. Sound is simply energy of the air. The same energy is moving all through the body and will affect the string vibration patterned on the way the whole thing vibrates. There is enough of the influence of the construction to influence tone to make it an aspect for lower gain and low to medium output pickups. Some have even found the wood making differences in certain high gain applications too.
^ plenty of guitars have been made with alternative materials. Joe Perry has/had a plastic/plexiglass guitar back when.
As long as the material is strong enough to deal with the 150lbs or so of string pressure you can make a guitar out of it. What it sounds like and whether that sound is for you in another matter. Every material has its own 'timbre'. If you hit plastic, wood, metal etc you can tell what it is based on the type of sound it makes. Sound is simply energy of the air. The same energy is moving all through the body and will affect the string vibration patterned on the way the whole thing vibrates. There is enough of the influence of the construction to influence tone to make it an aspect for lower gain and low to medium output pickups. Some have even found the wood making differences in certain high gain applications too.
Re: Richlite fretboard.
They make parts of cars and trucks out of plastic, why not make the entire car out of it ...
Appropriate for application is something that comes to mind. That's not to say that someone couldn't make an entire guitar out of Richlite. I'm sure they probably could, and it would probably be expensive, especially inititially to do the setup to be able to form the pieces. But my point is that the argument, "if it's so great then why don't they make entire guitars out of it", is a red herring. Just because and entire guitar made out of Richlite may just plain suck, doesn't mean that a guitar with a Richlite fret board sucks.
I'm an old school bastard that is stubbornly resistant to change. I grunted when I saw that Gibson was using it. After playing a Godin Summit, I changed my mind. Doesn't mean that I would prefer it over wood. And I'm still leary about re-fretting. Just that a Richlite board still wouldn't stop me from buying a guitar that I otherwise liked.
They make parts of cars and trucks out of plastic, why not make the entire car out of it ...
Appropriate for application is something that comes to mind. That's not to say that someone couldn't make an entire guitar out of Richlite. I'm sure they probably could, and it would probably be expensive, especially inititially to do the setup to be able to form the pieces. But my point is that the argument, "if it's so great then why don't they make entire guitars out of it", is a red herring. Just because and entire guitar made out of Richlite may just plain suck, doesn't mean that a guitar with a Richlite fret board sucks.
I'm an old school bastard that is stubbornly resistant to change. I grunted when I saw that Gibson was using it. After playing a Godin Summit, I changed my mind. Doesn't mean that I would prefer it over wood. And I'm still leary about re-fretting. Just that a Richlite board still wouldn't stop me from buying a guitar that I otherwise liked.
dazedandconfused001
New member
Re: Richlite fretboard.
wasnt an argument, ive never to my knowledge played a richlite fretboard so cannot and will not state my opinion i was just curious if it could be done. as far as 3d printed or plastic goes my main thing is im a sucker for set necks and i think we may still be a ways off from a fully plastic set neck but i guess it would get rid of the need for painting the guitar
wasnt an argument, ive never to my knowledge played a richlite fretboard so cannot and will not state my opinion i was just curious if it could be done. as far as 3d printed or plastic goes my main thing is im a sucker for set necks and i think we may still be a ways off from a fully plastic set neck but i guess it would get rid of the need for painting the guitar
treyhaislip
Well-known member
Re: Richlite fretboard.
Have played it along with other "alternatives" and thought they were just fine. That being said, I won't chose those for any of my builds (assembles rather than builds.)
I am of the camp that everything plays a part in regards to the overall tone. Some disagree with that and I understand where they are coming from. That being said, I don't think someone could argue (actually, probably some would argue my point) that different materials will change the response. For example, I tend to play more aggressively/snappier on a Maple fretboard as opposed to Rosewood.
I've thought about one of the Martin X series guitar many times, was impressed with the tone for the price on most of them.
Have played it along with other "alternatives" and thought they were just fine. That being said, I won't chose those for any of my builds (assembles rather than builds.)
I am of the camp that everything plays a part in regards to the overall tone. Some disagree with that and I understand where they are coming from. That being said, I don't think someone could argue (actually, probably some would argue my point) that different materials will change the response. For example, I tend to play more aggressively/snappier on a Maple fretboard as opposed to Rosewood.
I've thought about one of the Martin X series guitar many times, was impressed with the tone for the price on most of them.
Re: Richlite fretboard.
Well, they save money not because the richlite is likely to be cheaper than the ebony price pre-raid, but because Bob Taylor is now the controller of practically all the exported ebony, and he makes sure that the cutters get a decent price for their work. Plus all the trees are sold, not just the black ones. So there is probably too much colour variation for Gibson.
Well, they save money not because the richlite is likely to be cheaper than the ebony price pre-raid, but because Bob Taylor is now the controller of practically all the exported ebony, and he makes sure that the cutters get a decent price for their work. Plus all the trees are sold, not just the black ones. So there is probably too much colour variation for Gibson.
Re: Richlite fretboard.
Sorry, I probably phrased it wrong. I was trying to make a general point, not call you out. Your post just provided a good basis for the point I was trying to make.
Sorry, I probably phrased it wrong. I was trying to make a general point, not call you out. Your post just provided a good basis for the point I was trying to make.
Re: Richlite fretboard.
Godin is starting to use it more. And they aren't using it on their cheaper guitars. They are using Rosewood on some of the models and using Richlite on Limited edition and Supremes version of those models. My point is that they don't seem to be using it due to cost savings. However, to be fair, Godin has a history of straying a bit off of the mainstream. And, they do seem to be moving to more sustainable woods. They have moved to Spanish Cedar as a body wood on a couple more recent models of guitars that were being built with Mahogany. Their use of Richlite is very likely part of that trend to use more sustainable woods and materials. But again, they are using it on their more upper end models. I don't think it's a cost savings thing for them.
That said, that's just one company that has always thought a little bit outside the box. And just because Godin may not use it to save a buck, doesn't mean that Gibson doesn't. And it still doesn't mean that I would personally prefer a Richlite board over rosewood or ebony. Just presenting an example of another, pretty well respected, manufacturer who is using it. All I know is that if I wanted a chambered, LP-ish styled single cut, I'd buy a Godin Summit CT. Great guitar (IMO) that happens to have a Richlite board.
Godin is starting to use it more. And they aren't using it on their cheaper guitars. They are using Rosewood on some of the models and using Richlite on Limited edition and Supremes version of those models. My point is that they don't seem to be using it due to cost savings. However, to be fair, Godin has a history of straying a bit off of the mainstream. And, they do seem to be moving to more sustainable woods. They have moved to Spanish Cedar as a body wood on a couple more recent models of guitars that were being built with Mahogany. Their use of Richlite is very likely part of that trend to use more sustainable woods and materials. But again, they are using it on their more upper end models. I don't think it's a cost savings thing for them.
That said, that's just one company that has always thought a little bit outside the box. And just because Godin may not use it to save a buck, doesn't mean that Gibson doesn't. And it still doesn't mean that I would personally prefer a Richlite board over rosewood or ebony. Just presenting an example of another, pretty well respected, manufacturer who is using it. All I know is that if I wanted a chambered, LP-ish styled single cut, I'd buy a Godin Summit CT. Great guitar (IMO) that happens to have a Richlite board.
Re: Richlite fretboard.
Godin is also using wild Cherry for some of their semi-hollows, although most of those use a rosewood board that is lighter than I've seen. So, what is better? Richlite, which can really be any color you want...Ebony that is not black...dyed ebony....light rosewood...dyed rosewood...or an alternative wood that isn't traditionally used? I think the days of dark rosewoods and natural black ebony are ending, or at least, they will soon.
Godin is also using wild Cherry for some of their semi-hollows, although most of those use a rosewood board that is lighter than I've seen. So, what is better? Richlite, which can really be any color you want...Ebony that is not black...dyed ebony....light rosewood...dyed rosewood...or an alternative wood that isn't traditionally used? I think the days of dark rosewoods and natural black ebony are ending, or at least, they will soon.
Re: Richlite fretboard.
I have a Montreal Premiere. I absolutely love that guitar. It's laminated cherry. It's got a rosewood board that is probably average in terms of how dark it is. Regardless, it's a nice piece of wood. But the Montreal is one series of Godin's that I was referring to above. The Montreal Supreme and new Montreal LTD both have Richlite boards and they are both significantly more expensive than the Montreal Premiere. They are both over 2K. Clearly the higher price isn't due to the Richlite board. Point is, I highly doubt that they choose Richlite to help offset the cost of the other upgrades that those more upscale models include.
Something I'm wondering about and not being a builder, I wouldn't know ... I wonder if there is more labor involved in fretting a neck with a Richlite board. I also wonder what the costs are for a larger manufacturer for Rosewood or Ebony compared to Richlite. I'm sure that the wood is more expensive than the Richlite but I'm wondering, if there is more labor involved, how the bottom line cost works out between using the woods versus Richlite.
I have a Montreal Premiere. I absolutely love that guitar. It's laminated cherry. It's got a rosewood board that is probably average in terms of how dark it is. Regardless, it's a nice piece of wood. But the Montreal is one series of Godin's that I was referring to above. The Montreal Supreme and new Montreal LTD both have Richlite boards and they are both significantly more expensive than the Montreal Premiere. They are both over 2K. Clearly the higher price isn't due to the Richlite board. Point is, I highly doubt that they choose Richlite to help offset the cost of the other upgrades that those more upscale models include.
Something I'm wondering about and not being a builder, I wouldn't know ... I wonder if there is more labor involved in fretting a neck with a Richlite board. I also wonder what the costs are for a larger manufacturer for Rosewood or Ebony compared to Richlite. I'm sure that the wood is more expensive than the Richlite but I'm wondering, if there is more labor involved, how the bottom line cost works out between using the woods versus Richlite.
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metalchurch79
New member
Re: Richlite fretboard.
I kinda figured that would be the method to clean them, as opposed to typical polishes or conditioners, which would just lay there on top of the surface and dry, then collect more dust and dirt than it would have not being cleaned.
From what I've read, I gotta say it really seems like a nice alternative to ebony,maple,and rosewood. All four have their own unique characters so it's really all what you want out of a fretboard more or less.
This was really insightful for me being I'm literally learning about this material as I read everyone's input.
Does anyone make a bolt-on Strat style replacement neck? Or is it mainly OEM guitar manufacturers using it predominantly?
I kinda figured that would be the method to clean them, as opposed to typical polishes or conditioners, which would just lay there on top of the surface and dry, then collect more dust and dirt than it would have not being cleaned.
From what I've read, I gotta say it really seems like a nice alternative to ebony,maple,and rosewood. All four have their own unique characters so it's really all what you want out of a fretboard more or less.
This was really insightful for me being I'm literally learning about this material as I read everyone's input.
Does anyone make a bolt-on Strat style replacement neck? Or is it mainly OEM guitar manufacturers using it predominantly?
eclecticsynergy
Well-known member
Re: Richlite fretboard.
It would be kind of cool if Richlite could be made in colors to match guitar finishes. Better than painted fretboards, I think.
It would be kind of cool if Richlite could be made in colors to match guitar finishes. Better than painted fretboards, I think.
Re: Richlite fretboard.
Hmmm. Cool stuff. It comes in colors. I'm thinking they could do more colors than they show.
http://www.richlite.com/what-is-richlite/northwest/
http://www.richlite.com/what-is-richlite/heritage/
Looks like they can simulate wood too ...
http://www.richlite.com/portfolio/cascade-kitchen/
Page dedicated to musical instrument applications.
http://www.richlite.com/applications/musical-instruments/
Hmmm. Cool stuff. It comes in colors. I'm thinking they could do more colors than they show.
http://www.richlite.com/what-is-richlite/northwest/
http://www.richlite.com/what-is-richlite/heritage/
Looks like they can simulate wood too ...
http://www.richlite.com/portfolio/cascade-kitchen/
Page dedicated to musical instrument applications.
http://www.richlite.com/applications/musical-instruments/
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metalchurch79
New member
Re: Richlite fretboard.
Nice, thanks for that post.
Nice, thanks for that post.
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