what years was gibson using composites and laminated fingerboards?

**jzucker** · 04-10-2015, 03:22 PM

Looking at a couple instruments from the 2000s and don't want any of that!

**jads57** · 04-10-2015, 03:32 PM

I understand how it would not appeal to most people, but I have a newer ES-339 Studio w/ a baked maple fingerboard. And really don't notice much if any difference from trad rosewood finger board. I really love this smaller guitar!

**jzucker** · 04-10-2015, 03:41 PM

post a picture!

**Greentone** · 04-10-2015, 03:48 PM

Weren't they the ones that Gibson was using for a substitute for ebony, after it got raided by the cops for the box of pre-slotted stuff it got from Asia? I think it was instruments made from 2012-the present that would have previously used ebony. Could be wrong, though.

I'm thinking of the "Richlite" boards. They are a rubber/plastic substance, made out of resin. Not wood, at all. They look okay, and they shouldn't make any difference in the sound and playability of the guitar. Sure not traditional, though.

**Longways to Go** · 04-10-2015, 04:05 PM

I've got a 2011 Midtown Custom with the Richlite finger board. No complaints!

**docbop** · 04-10-2015, 04:27 PM

At some point that composites and similar materials are going to have to become the norm.

**jads57** · 04-10-2015, 04:30 PM

Here you go Jack Gibson.com: Gibson Memphis ES-339 Studio

**rob taft** · 04-10-2015, 04:33 PM

Gibson started with richlite in 2011. They initially started with their midrange guitars but I believe by the end of 2012 it was being used on the L5

**Drifter** · 04-10-2015, 04:34 PM

As far as I know all Gibsons with a rosewood board made from late 2011 until the end of 2012 have laminated rosewood fretboards. All 2013 models should be back to 1-piece boards. Don't know about ebony / richlite.

**va3ux** · 04-10-2015, 09:38 PM

Originally Posted by jads57

I understand how it would not appeal to most people, but I have a newer ES-339 Studio w/ a baked maple fingerboard. And really don't notice much if any difference from trad rosewood finger board. I really love this smaller guitar!

Now I've heard everything. WTF is 'Baked Maple' ? Sounds like a dessert you'd get in a restaurant up here in Canada.

**jads57** · 04-10-2015, 10:12 PM

Actually they call it Torrified Maple. But most other makers call it Roasted or Baked maple. The wood is actually baked at higher temperature, which turns the maple a dark shade. Supposedly it removes most of the moisture, and makes it more stable.

**vinnyv1k** · 04-10-2015, 10:29 PM

I bought a couple 175's with the laminate fretboards. A 2010 Steve Howe and a custom shop 2011 P90 model. Neither truss rods worked. The laminate fretboards wouldn't budge.

**jzucker** · 04-10-2015, 10:37 PM

Originally Posted by jads57

Actually they call it Torrified Maple. But most other makers call it Roasted or Baked maple. The wood is actually baked at higher temperature, which turns the maple a dark shade. Supposedly it removes most of the moisture, and makes it more stable.

I think they are also vacuum impregnating them with epoxy/resin

**jzucker** · 04-10-2015, 10:47 PM

Originally Posted by docbop

At some point that composites and similar materials are going to have to become the norm.

that's not the point.

**MaxTwang** · 04-11-2015, 03:30 AM

Originally Posted by va3ux

Now I've heard everything. WTF is 'Baked Maple' ? Sounds like a dessert you'd get in a restaurant up here in Canada.

Baked maple is becoming more common, it makes the maple lighter and much more stable (Pete Thorn reports touring with no truss rod adjustments).

I live in an area with really low humidity, roasted maple is tempting if it solves fret-sprout from maple necks drying out.

From Suhr's website:

Roasted Maple necks are cut from Maple wood blanks that are "baked" in high-tech ovens. This process removes moisture and all kinds of other organic "impurities" that affect the stability of the wood and make it much more rigid while adding a deep and warm amber color for a natural vintage look. The sound is tight and punchy while still retaining the natural warmth of Maple in the midrange. Roasted Maple is highly recommended for touring musicians who value neck stability while traveling.

**Rob MacKillop** · 04-11-2015, 04:38 AM

I played a Gibson BB King model with a Richlite fingerboard - and I didn't like it one bit! I found it cold, and when doing slides and bends my fingers felt resistance. Not for me, though some people don't mind it.

**iim7V7IM7** · 04-11-2015, 05:26 AM

It is simply torrefaction of the wood. A bit-O-marketing in their description (e.g. Impurities).

Originally Posted by MaxTwang

Baked maple is becoming more common, it makes the maple lighter and much more stable (Pete Thorn reports touring with no truss rod adjustments).

I live in an area with really low humidity, roasted maple is tempting if it solves fret-sprout from maple necks drying out.

From Suhr's website:

Roasted Maple necks are cut from Maple wood blanks that are "baked" in high-tech ovens. This process removes moisture and all kinds of other organic "impurities" that affect the stability of the wood and make it much more rigid while adding a deep and warm amber color for a natural vintage look. The sound is tight and punchy while still retaining the natural warmth of Maple in the midrange. Roasted Maple is highly recommended for touring musicians who value neck stability while traveling.

**Jabberwocky** · 04-11-2015, 05:43 AM

This beauty from 2012 could be a candidate: Gibson L5 Wes Montgomery Custom Shop 711106180007 | eBay

Gibson used Rosewood fretboards on not a few L-5CESs in 2012. 2012 is also known as the year of the laminated/bilayer rosewood fretboards for the Les Paul Historics. So, one can put 1 + 1 together...

**Patrick2** · 04-11-2015, 11:00 AM

When I posted my L5 Wes for sale here, I incorrectly posted it as a 2012. My records indicate I was mistaken. I did the deal with Scotty at G-Brats Guitars on Friday, July 22, 2011. The date is shown on the email from Scotty to me. So, mine is a 2011 . . not a 2012.

Maybe now someone scour the inter net for photos of a 2011 with a non one piece ebony board? Because, my 2011 is clearly a one piece ebony board. I'll guarantee that to anyone considering purchasing this guitar.

**vinnyv1k** · 04-11-2015, 11:11 AM

Patrick, I asked Gibson about this and even when the fretboard nazi's took away all their ebony and rosewood they still used solid fretboards on their high end axes. They borrowed wood from other guitar makers for their Nashville custom shop made guitars.

**jzucker** · 04-11-2015, 11:16 AM

i'm not biased against composites. One of the best sounding guitars I ever played for jazz was a very non traditional CompositeAcoustics Gxi. For $1200 it sounded very close to a $6k Halfling IMO. Loved the pickup. Unfortunately, it was extremely neck heavy and uncomfortable for me to play. Also, the rough finish of the top was very scratchy if like me you trail your 3rd and 4th fingers on the pickguard.

However, when paying $10k for a hand made, custom shop L5 with the tradition of said axe, I prefer it to be carved, not machined.