Richlite?

Bright Ideas That Work? Tell Us!
Jim_H
Posts: 506
Joined: Tue Sep 06, 2011 2:51 pm
Location: Bothell, WA USA

Richlite?

Post by Jim_H »

I've seen some references online to guitar makers using "Richlite" for things like Bridges and Fretboards.

I assume this is some kind of man made synthetic material?

How does it work (chisels, saw blades, sandpaper, etc...).

How does it look?

Are there any issues with glue adhesion?

What about Finish considerations?

And lastly, are there any implications as far as sound?
My poorly maintained "Blog"
tippie53
Posts: 7011
Joined: Fri Mar 03, 2006 7:09 pm
Location: Hegins, Pa
Contact:

Re: Richlite?

Post by tippie53 »

works like wood it is basically wood fiber paper impregnated with resin
John Hall
Blues Creek Guitars Inc
Authorized CF Martin Repair Center
president of Association of Stringed Instrument Artisans
http://www.bluescreekguitars.com
Ben-Had
Posts: 1405
Joined: Fri Sep 03, 2010 2:14 pm
Location: Creedmoor, NC

Re: Richlite?

Post by Ben-Had »

I think Martin uses it on some of their models.
Tim Benware
tippie53
Posts: 7011
Joined: Fri Mar 03, 2006 7:09 pm
Location: Hegins, Pa
Contact:

Re: Richlite?

Post by tippie53 »

martin uses this now , it replaced mycarta Gibson is also using it
John Hall
Blues Creek Guitars Inc
Authorized CF Martin Repair Center
president of Association of Stringed Instrument Artisans
http://www.bluescreekguitars.com
deadedith

Re: Richlite?

Post by deadedith »

John, in your opinion what is its advantage over solid wood? for the small shop builder?
Thanks
Jim_H
Posts: 506
Joined: Tue Sep 06, 2011 2:51 pm
Location: Bothell, WA USA

Re: Richlite?

Post by Jim_H »

I doubt there is anything superior about it compared to say, ebony, or rosewood, other than the cost and availability.

I've just noticed that it's being installed on some instruments by default, and what kinda piqued my curiosity was that it was included in one of the kit inventories on John's site. This is why I was inquiring about it.
My poorly maintained "Blog"
deadedith

Re: Richlite?

Post by deadedith »

I had totally not heard of it until your post, Jim. So I'm piqued.
Jim_H
Posts: 506
Joined: Tue Sep 06, 2011 2:51 pm
Location: Bothell, WA USA

Re: Richlite?

Post by Jim_H »

Huh,

It looks like the company is right here in my back yard. I might have to drive down there and pay them a visit. Maybe I could get some samples...

http://www.richlite.com/
My poorly maintained "Blog"
tippie53
Posts: 7011
Joined: Fri Mar 03, 2006 7:09 pm
Location: Hegins, Pa
Contact:

Re: Richlite?

Post by tippie53 »

Richlite is better than mycarta and works pretty well . While it is wood like it isn't wood but it is a great sustainable material. The one thing that Martin found is that it takes a special fretwire . It needs a wider tang . Fortunately I am a dealer of Jescar Fretwire and we will be posting that new soon .
It is different from wood but to he honest , it does the job .
John Hall
Blues Creek Guitars Inc
Authorized CF Martin Repair Center
president of Association of Stringed Instrument Artisans
http://www.bluescreekguitars.com
B Shuler2006
Posts: 48
Joined: Thu Mar 05, 2015 5:33 pm
Location: Indiana

Re: Richlite?

Post by B Shuler2006 »

Hey John, can Richlite be stained to look like ebony?
Brandon Shuler
Shuler Guitars
Post Reply