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Hello.
At any time has Gibson used richlite or anything other than ebony for the fretboards of L5 Wesmo?
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09-18-2019 08:30 AM
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Originally Posted by wengr
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Other than perhaps collector value,I found Richlite to be just like Ebony. But we guitarists are a rather conservative lot when it comes to change.
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Although I would prefer an ebony fretboard, I would not turn up my nose on an L5 with Richlite. It looks and feels like ebony, to me.
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A formica fretboard on a Gibson L-5? That would be a deal killer for me.
In a blind "taste test", I might not be able to discern a real L-5 from an L-5 copy, but I still prefer to own and play the real thing. But I am indeed a bit on the conservative side in most things. If it ain't broke , don't fix it works for me. If we cannot harvest the Ebony for conservation reasons (something that I have no issue with as I like "conservation") and no available stock exists, Gibson should use another organic hardwood for the fretboard, not a man made material.
Hopefully Gibson has learned a lesson regarding Richlite and I suspect that all Gibsons that have Richlite fretboards will take a hit in value forever. Ain't nothing like the real thing baby!
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Thanks for all the replies. I wondered if maybe Gibson abstained on these guitars but apparently not. My understanding is that richlite started in 2011.
For a 2011 model is there anyway to tell beyond sending the serial to Gibson and asking?
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Not to dispute what 2bornot2bop typed/found because they did use it on LPs, specifically Customs and some other LP iterations, but I don't think that anything that was made in the "Custom Shop" was produced with a richlite board (not that there's anything wrong with that)? Not on L-5s and particularly WesMos that I'm aware of anyway? My 2014, which was being produced in the latter part of '13 (shipped in '14) has an ebony fretboard and bridge.
Here are some links to Gibson's site from the web archive:
Jan. 31, 2013:
Gibson.com: Gibson Custom Wes Montgomery L-5 CES
Oct. 5, 2013:
Gibson.com: Gibson Custom Wes Montgomery L-5 CES
Feb. 21, 2014:
Gibson.com: Gibson Custom Wes Montgomery L-5 CES
Dec. 3, 2014
Gibson.com: Gibson Custom Wes Montgomery L-5 CES
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I could have the dates wrong. These may have been 2012 guitars. But I distinctly recall observing a L5CES with a Rosewood board and a Wesmo in black with a richlite board, and thinking what is richlite? Jabberwocky would know. Where are you Jabberwocky?
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There was at least one 2012 L5CES Ebony with an Indian Rosewood fretboard that was in the inventory of Dave's Guitars. This followed the USFWS raid on Gibson in 2011.
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Originally Posted by 2bornot2bopOriginally Posted by 2bornot2bop
Nope, not trying imply that you're (or Jabberwocky) wrong/or have the wrong dates 2bornot2bop. Certainly isn't out of the realm of possibility given the infamous raid?
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Originally Posted by wengr
Good luck and
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Originally Posted by Stringswinger
If we could all be happy with streaked or lighter ebony, there would be tons more ebony available for tone woods.
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OK, so since I'm not doing anything else at the moment, here are a few more links (there are more throughout this time-frame):
Jan. 8, 2011:
Gibson.com: Gibson Custom Wes Montgomery L-5 CES
Sep. 3, 2011:
Gibson.com: Gibson Custom Wes Montgomery L-5 CES
Dec. 9, 2012:
Gibson.com: Gibson Custom Wes Montgomery L-5 CES
Again, not trying to imply that anyone is wrong, just trying to help you out. I would definitely try Gibson's customer service though.
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Like I said even if you can't see, feel or hear the difference, people won't accept Richlite. Funny part of all of this is not only performs better,but doesn't chip when a refret is necessary.
Funny how perception and marketing work together,LOL!
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Originally Posted by Midnight Blues
Also I will try to get the serial in order to contact Gibson.
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I hope Stringswinger is right about the value of Richlite-equipped L5 guitars taking a hit. I'd be very willing to scoop up a "distressed" value Richlite-board version...if it dings the value enough.
It won't ding the sound or feel...or the look, for that matter. It is undeniable, however, that just knowing that the fretboard is made from a paper composite that is ordinarily used for counter tops is enough to unnerve some owners.
Well...I've owned Hagstrom guitars for 50 years. Some of them feature vinyl, plastic, etc. Yet, they sound and feel like great guitars!
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Originally Posted by Greentone
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This Richlite prejudice is emotional, but that doesn't mean it doesn't matter. Playing guitar is technical and emotional.
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On an L5, no.
On a Tele, yes.
For me, L5s have the weight of tradition, but Teles are working guitars -- tools.
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Originally Posted by wengr
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Originally Posted by wengr
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Originally Posted by 2bornot2bop
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Bill Comins GCS-16 series utilizes Richlite on the pick-guard and tail pc overlay , and he retains ebony on the fingerboard. I think this was a good choice for the use of Richlite - which by the way looks and feels great on Bills GCS series . It’s contains over 80% wood product.
Many purists will never accept Richlite on a fingerboard - and I certainly respect that opinion. But quite frankly , I owned an ES-275 with a Richlite fingerboard and was never disappointed - it played and sounded just fine , but for me the neck was too small.
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Originally Posted by lawson-stone
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Originally Posted by cosmic gumbo
The Guild Surfliner ... So much to like for so...
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