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Post subject: Richlite fingerboards
Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2015 7:48 pm
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Anyone tried 'em? What do you think? How do they hold up? Do they affect the tone?


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Post subject: Re: Richlite fingerboards
Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2015 8:11 am
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Highline wrote:
Anyone tried 'em? What do you think? How do they hold up? Do they affect the tone?


Hi Highline, I have a Black Richlite fingerboard and bridge on my Martin OMCPA4 Performing Artist acoustic. It's a beautiful sounding instrument. I've had it for about three years and I play it almost every day. The board feels and pretty much looks like an Ebony board. It plays great too. Martin guitar has been using it on many of their guitars and not just lower end instruments. It's not plastic, doesn't feel like plastic, is extremely stable and my guitar was manufactured in Nazareth Pennsylvania. I got to talk to some of the people at Martin Guitar while I was on a factory tour and they like the stuff. It's a cellulose fiber and phenolic resin product and is used for many different things. It's ECO friendly and very durable. Most people that rag on the material never played it and there's a lot of purists whining about it. The best thing is to go try one out and see what you think. I was skeptical at first, but after five minutes with it, I was sold.

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Post subject: Re: Richlite fingerboards
Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2015 8:39 am
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63supro wrote:
Highline wrote:
Anyone tried 'em? What do you think? How do they hold up? Do they affect the tone?

Most people that rag on the material never played it and there's a lot of purists whining about it. The best thing is to go try one out and see what you think. I was skeptical at first, but after five minutes with it, I was sold.


This is pretty much what you see on the Gibson forums. Most guys complaining that they'll never buy a Gibson with richlite. The guys that own them, love the feel of it and like it better than rosewood. I've never tried one that I know of, but I like ebony, so I'd probably like richlite.

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Post subject: Re: Richlite fingerboards
Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2015 8:45 am
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Drew365 wrote:
63supro wrote:
Highline wrote:
Anyone tried 'em? What do you think? How do they hold up? Do they affect the tone?

Most people that rag on the material never played it and there's a lot of purists whining about it. The best thing is to go try one out and see what you think. I was skeptical at first, but after five minutes with it, I was sold.


This is pretty much what you see on the Gibson forums. Most guys complaining that they'll never buy a Gibson with richlite. The guys that own them, love the feel of it and like it better than rosewood. I've never tried one that I know of, but I like ebony, so I'd probably like richlite.


I think eventually rosewood will be finished due to regulations. Some of the guys on the Martin forum say the same thing. I don't think anyone can tell the difference sonically.

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Post subject: Re: Richlite fingerboards
Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2015 10:45 am
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Thanks gents, I've got my eye on a Gibson Custom Classic LP and saw that it has the richlite so I appreciate the input. Of course, it's going to take a while to save up the scratch to get it so I figured I might as well do some research in the meantime.


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Post subject: Re: Richlite fingerboards
Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2015 12:17 pm
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63supro wrote:
It's a cellulose fiber and phenolic resin product and is used for many different things. It's ECO friendly and very durable.


Some of it is eco-friendly, but not all, alas.
Image

63supro wrote:
Most people that rag on the material never played it and there's a lot of purists whining about it. The best thing is to go try one out and see what you think. I was skeptical at first, but after five minutes with it, I was sold.

While a material itself can be just fine to use, there is the matter of taste too. Like it or not, looks is one of the main reasons we pick instruments. And familiarity is a close second. For people who have played on rosewood boards for a long time, where the friction is higher in one direction than the other due to the wood grains, I can see that neither a lacquered maple fretboard nor a new material would be the first choice. Perhaps a unidirectional carbon fiber reinforced polymer on top would work well to give the wood feel.
But in any case, I won't knock either those who like it or those who dislike it, whether they have tried it or not. All I know is that Richlite, Respatex and other Formica-derived materials isn't something I want, neither in my bathrooms, kitchen counters nor fretboards. But that's my choice, and I fully respect those who like it, as long as they respect that I don't - even without having tried it.


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Post subject: Re: Richlite fingerboards
Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2015 1:35 pm
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arth1 wrote:
63supro wrote:
It's a cellulose fiber and phenolic resin product and is used for many different things. It's ECO friendly and very durable.


Some of it is eco-friendly, but not all, alas.
Image

63supro wrote:
Most people that rag on the material never played it and there's a lot of purists whining about it. The best thing is to go try one out and see what you think. I was skeptical at first, but after five minutes with it, I was sold.

While a material itself can be just fine to use, there is the matter of taste too. Like it or not, looks is one of the main reasons we pick instruments. And familiarity is a close second. For people who have played on rosewood boards for a long time, where the friction is higher in one direction than the other due to the wood grains, I can see that neither a lacquered maple fretboard nor a new material would be the first choice. Perhaps a unidirectional carbon fiber reinforced polymer on top would work well to give the wood feel.
But in any case, I won't knock either those who like it or those who dislike it, whether they have tried it or not. All I know is that Richlite, Respatex and other Formica-derived materials isn't something I want, neither in my bathrooms, kitchen counters nor fretboards. But that's my choice, and I fully respect those who like it, as long as they respect that I don't - even without having tried it.


Maybe for you looks count, but not me. I play some pretty beat up guitars. I don't care about the color, how many knobs it has or what it's made out of, I even play one made out of a bedpan I have a 57 Dan0 U1 that my buddy pulled out of the trash can, but sounds great. Tone and playability are first on my list, and my Martin plays like a dream. I also have a maple neck 72 Strat and that board feels like plastic. All I have to say is hang on to your guitar ladies and gents because other materials are coming.

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Post subject: Re: Richlite fingerboards
Posted: Fri Jan 30, 2015 10:49 pm
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I wonder how durable it is? I assume there is no upkeep since it is not wood.
Kenny V


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Post subject: Re: Richlite fingerboards
Posted: Fri Jan 30, 2015 11:09 pm
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Kenny V wrote:
I assume there is no upkeep since it is not wood.

Yep. That's what they say. Supposedly it gets darker the more you play it, too.


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Post subject: Re: Richlite fingerboards
Posted: Sat Jan 31, 2015 10:04 am
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Kenny V wrote:
I wonder how durable it is? I assume there is no upkeep since it is not wood.

It's about as durable as a kitchen counter or chair covered with Richlite and other Formica derived materials, I should think. I.e. quite durable, but possibly prone to chipping at the edges, and don't spill tea or other bases on it.

But where is Jah Soldier, our resident professional kitchen installer and Hawaiian Reggae guy from Vegas? He'd be the expert here...


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Post subject: Re: Richlite fingerboards
Posted: Sat Jan 31, 2015 10:53 am
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I think most guitarists are traditionalists by nature, and that's been Richlite's biggest hurdle.

I've tried a 'Richlite' Martin and didn't like it at all. It was mostly a feel thing as I couldn't discern any Tonal difference at all.

I own guitars w/ Rosewood, Maple and Ebony FBs and truly love them all equally, not a favorite among them.

Nor am I averse to non-traditional or engineered materials. My '10 Martin DC-1E is a terrific all solid-wood body, USA-made Dreadnaught (Solid Sitka Top, Solid Indian Rosewood Back/Sides). Yet it has a Stratabond neck which many Martin traditionalists detest. It did take me a month or so to get used to it, but now I love it.

This century-old engineered material (27-ply White Birch) is incredibly strong and gives a Tone that is imperceptible vs. the traditional Martin Mahogany neck. It is also incredibly stable... in the 3 years I've owned it, the guitar hasn't needed the slightest truss rod adjustment and it stays in tune for weeks at a time.

It has all of the traditional Martin Sound, an experienced friend played it and said that it has better Tone than his $5k masterbuilt Yamaha.

But Martin dropped it from their Line after only 3 years. Turned out it was so good that it was denting Sales of their Performing Artist Line costing $1200 more. The '08-'10 DC-1E are now trading at twice their orig. Retail price !

Martin shifted manufacture of the 2011 model to Mexico and substituted HPL for the Rosewood Back/Sides. They kept the model name, but it's now a totally different guitar, and not in a good way. Despite it's attractive price, sales have plummeted 50%.

Richlite wasn't for me, but don't let that stop you. Let your own hands and ears, not others opinions, decide if it's for you.

cheers!

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Post subject: Re: Richlite fingerboards
Posted: Sat Jan 31, 2015 11:39 am
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Lightnin MN wrote:
I think most guitarists are traditionalists by nature, and that's been Richlite's biggest hurdle.

I've tried a 'Richlite' Martin and didn't like it at all. It was mostly a feel thing as I couldn't discern any Tonal difference at all.

I own guitars w/ Rosewood, Maple and Ebony FBs and truly love them all equally, not a favorite among them.

Nor am I averse to non-traditional or engineered materials. My '10 Martin DC-1E is a terrific all solid-wood body, USA-made Dreadnaught (Solid Sitka Top, Solid Indian Rosewood Back/Sides). Yet it has a Stratabond neck which many Martin traditionalists detest. It did take me a month or so to get used to it, but now I love it.

This century-old engineered material (27-ply White Birch) is incredibly strong and gives a Tone that is imperceptible vs. the traditional Martin Mahogany neck. It is also incredibly stable... in the 3 years I've owned it, the guitar hasn't needed the slightest truss rod adjustment and it stays in tune for weeks at a time.

It has all of the traditional Martin Sound, an experienced friend played it and said that it has better Tone than his $5k masterbuilt Yamaha.

But Martin dropped it from their Line after only 3 years. Turned out it was so good that it was denting Sales of their Performing Artist Line costing $1200 more. The '08-'10 DC-1E are now trading at twice their orig. Retail price !

Martin shifted manufacture of the 2011 model to Mexico and substituted HPL for the Rosewood Back/Sides. They kept the model name, but it's now a totally different guitar, and not in a good way. Despite it's attractive price, sales have plummeted 50%.

Richlite wasn't for me, but don't let that stop you. Let your own hands and ears, not others opinions, decide if it's for you.

cheers!


Lightnin, I remember the DC-1E, it was a nice guitar. The Stratabond necks are on all the Mexican made X Series guitars. I couldn't get over the look of Stratabond at all, but even more, I couldn't have a Martin that I perform with made in Mexico. But, that said, the X Series are fine guitars. I'm not totally sold on the HPL stuff, but they really do sound nice. I do own a Backpacker, it is what it is. I take it when I travel to practice wherever I'm staying. I adjusted the action pretty low so it plays a bit easier.


I live about an hour away from the factory and visit three or four times a year. Met most of the guys you see on the ads and videos, Chris Martin, Dave Doll and Loni actually adjusted my action for me while I waited in the "Pick'in Parlor" and tried some really beautiful high end instruments while I waited. To me a Martin needs to say Nazareth on the inside. But still, the Richlite fingerboard has been great. No, it doesn't chip and the edges are finished just like any other fingerboard.

But as far as Richlite goes, try it out. If it works for you, it works. I have no problems with it at all. Don't let others sway you from even trying it. The hardcore Martin guys don't like the Performing Artist Series either. They think the neck is too thin. I like it, so it's good. If you don't like it don't play it. :wink:

And Arth, I've had mine for over three years, it hasn't chipped and isn't prone to it in this application or just installing frets would be a problem. I personally talked to the people at Martin Guitar and they have no issues with it. My guitar is warrantied for as long as I own it.

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Post subject: Re: Richlite fingerboards
Posted: Sat Jan 31, 2015 1:13 pm
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63supro wrote:
Lightnin, I remember the DC-1E, it was a nice guitar. The Stratabond necks are on all the Mexican made X Series guitars. I couldn't get over the look of Stratabond at all, but even more, I couldn't have a Martin that I perform with made in Mexico. But, that said, the X Series are fine guitars. I'm not totally sold on the HPL stuff, but they really do sound nice. I do own a Backpacker, it is what it is. I take it when I travel to practice wherever I'm staying. I adjusted the action pretty low so it plays a bit easier.


I live about an hour away from the factory and visit three or four times a year. Met most of the guys you see on the ads and videos, Chris Martin, Dave Doll and Loni actually adjusted my action for me while I waited in the "Pick'in Parlor" and tried some really beautiful high end instruments while I waited. To me a Martin needs to say Nazareth on the inside. But still, the Richlite fingerboard has been great. No, it doesn't chip and the edges are finished just like any other fingerboard.

But as far as Richlite goes, try it out. If it works for you, it works. I have no problems with it at all. Don't let others sway you from even trying it. The hardcore Martin guys don't like the Performing Artist Series either. They think the neck is too thin. I like it, so it's good. If you don't like it don't play it. :wink:

And Arth, I've had mine for over three years, it hasn't chipped and isn't prone to it in this application or just installing frets would be a problem. I personally talked to the people at Martin Guitar and they have no issues with it. My guitar is warrantied for as long as I own it.


'63,

The DC-1E was made in Nazareth, USA.

Image

I'm glad I found it, because like many others here, I can't justify the cost of a Martin as a hobbyist/garage-bander. But the 1.5 y.o. DC-1E I got for <$600 (because the original owner didn't like the Stratabond neck) fit the Bill nicely !

Image

cheers!

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Post subject: Re: Richlite fingerboards
Posted: Mon Feb 02, 2015 7:26 am
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Lightnin MN wrote:
63supro wrote:
Lightnin, I remember the DC-1E, it was a nice guitar. The Stratabond necks are on all the Mexican made X Series guitars. I couldn't get over the look of Stratabond at all, but even more, I couldn't have a Martin that I perform with made in Mexico. But, that said, the X Series are fine guitars. I'm not totally sold on the HPL stuff, but they really do sound nice. I do own a Backpacker, it is what it is. I take it when I travel to practice wherever I'm staying. I adjusted the action pretty low so it plays a bit easier.


I live about an hour away from the factory and visit three or four times a year. Met most of the guys you see on the ads and videos, Chris Martin, Dave Doll and Loni actually adjusted my action for me while I waited in the "Pick'in Parlor" and tried some really beautiful high end instruments while I waited. To me a Martin needs to say Nazareth on the inside. But still, the Richlite fingerboard has been great. No, it doesn't chip and the edges are finished just like any other fingerboard.

But as far as Richlite goes, try it out. If it works for you, it works. I have no problems with it at all. Don't let others sway you from even trying it. The hardcore Martin guys don't like the Performing Artist Series either. They think the neck is too thin. I like it, so it's good. If you don't like it don't play it. :wink:

And Arth, I've had mine for over three years, it hasn't chipped and isn't prone to it in this application or just installing frets would be a problem. I personally talked to the people at Martin Guitar and they have no issues with it. My guitar is warrantied for as long as I own it.


'63,

The DC-1E was made in Nazareth, USA.

Image

I'm glad I found it, because like many others here, I can't justify the cost of a Martin as a hobbyist/garage-bander. But the 1.5 y.o. DC-1E I got for <$600 (because the original owner didn't like the Stratabond neck) fit the Bill nicely !

Image

cheers!


Haha Lightnin, I think we both misunderstood each other. I thought you meant Martin did away with the Stratabond neck, and it seems like you thought I thought your guitar was made in Mexico. I remember the model you have being made here. The neck seemed really strange to me at the time. Now Martin is coloring the Stratabond necks somewhat so the strips of wood aren't as noticeable. That's is a tough and stable neck. It's pretty nice on the twelve string model they have. I'm still not sold on the HPL stuff. The price is pretty sweet though. I've been looking to replace my old Yamaha 12 string. That thing has a neck like a baseball bat. It's a tossup between the Martin and a new Mexican Taylor. The Taylor is wood. I think the back and sides are laminates, but the price is pretty nice as well.

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Post subject: Re: Richlite fingerboards
Posted: Mon Feb 02, 2015 10:13 am
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63supro wrote:
I've been looking to replace my old Yamaha 12 string. That thing has a neck like a baseball bat.

As in extremely round?

Yamahas are nice. The company has a long tradition and know what they're doing.
I love my Seagull 12 string, but I think the back of the neck is a bit too flat; more made for classic players than people who fret with the thumb. But it still sounds good enough that I wouldn't trade it for anything less than a Takamine or Martin, if I could find one with a nice V-shaped neck.


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