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I'm wanting to try some black, non-ebony fretbaords on some of my next builds and considering either Richlite or Rocklite Ebano. But I'm finding very little specific information about either.

Some trusted friends say Rocklite is lighter than Ebony, nice tap tone, wonderful to work. But they haven't tried Richlite, they've only heard that its dead, heavy, hard on tools.

I can find very few people who've actually worked with Richlite., though I believe Martin is using it.

Have any of you compared the two?
Is Rocklite Ebano much better than Richlite?

Rocklite Ebano
https://www.rocklite.co.uk/

Richlite
https://richlite.com/

If not, I'll try to get one of each and compare.

Well, I have a FB of each, but I haven't had the chance to use them yet.

However, a big difference in how they feel. The Rocklite is actually a piece of wood and feels/taps like it. The Richlite kinda feels like a yoghurt container and absorbs all tap energy like a black hole.

I've used Rocklite bindings before and they worked just like wood. I look forward to using the Rocklite board bridge and faceplate given me by MichaelDC, I suspect the richlite will languish forever unused as a reminder of what yuck feels like.

But I've never put the richlite to use so take that into account...

Gibson has used Richlite on several of their upscale offerings.

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"Act your age, not your shoe size" - Prince

Not exactly a ringing endorsement...

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Steve Sollod (pronounced sorta like "Solid")
www.swiftcreekguitars.com

Rocklite sounds like the clear winner.

I will still try to get my hands on one of each and try to write up a more thorough comparison.

I've used Rocklite bindings before and they worked just like wood. I look forward to using the Rocklite board bridge and faceplate given me by MichaelDC, I suspect the richlite will languish forever unused as a reminder of what yuck feels like.

Ed,

The board and bridge blank I sent you are actually Blackwood Tech. I’ve built a couple instruments with this stuff and am underwhelmed if I’m honest. I do think it makes a good alternative on a players modle instrument.

I would like to try the Rocklite products. I like that I can get matching bindings, something not offered by the Blackwood Tech folks. I’ve worked with Richlite products in the past, but in a residential construction context. I personally wouldn’t bother with it on an instrument.

M

Oops, my bad!

Not at all...

I have now built three guitars with Richlite Ebano fingerboards and am completely satisfied. It works just like real ebony and is indistinguishable from the real thing although maybe not quite as hard. The price is a little steep but you don't have to wait 10 years for it to cure.

Richlite or Rocklite?

M

Just checked LMI, Rocklite is basically twice as much as Ebony...wow!

Sorry it was Rocklite. Why do these two items have to have such similar names? I am not interested in using the Richlite product.

Yessir!

Michael, were you underwhelmed by the look or the tone? I thought the look was great. I don't think the guitars that I played were made with it though.

New username, same Pat Mac

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Pat

Hi Pat,

It’s that the material isn’t as hard as the go-to materials we are used to using.

When installing the first couple of frets I crushed the surface of the fretboard slightly (fret press). Once I realized my mistake I was able to adjust my technique with out further issue. I think it beats out Richlite, probably not the Rocklite though. It’s certaily much less expensive than the other offerings.

M

Oh yes, I remember you telling me that now. I would like to check out a piece of Rocklight. Although at twice the price of Ebony .....maybe I'll wait!

New username, same Pat Mac

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Pat

I have used Richlite on several guitars lately for fretboards, bridges and binding. It is a bit hard and stiff but I like the stability aspect. Completely impervious to moisture so therefore very stable. Machines nicely.

I did several glue tests and found that Titebond or HHG holds well with proper application. Time will tell I am sure.

I buy it in 1/4 and 1/2 inch sheets and cut it down so it is also very affordable that way. Very little waste also. The cost for a fretboard comes down to around $5 per board.

Customers seem to like the feel of the fretboards.


FWIW...

Has anyone tried blackening Ipe (Brazilian walnut)with iron filings? Ipe is relatively cheap and actually harder than ebony.

Tommy K.
When you radiused the richlite fretboards did any of the paper layers show through? When milling the thicker stuff (1 1/2 -2 inches) I have noticed the layers showing up after sanding the surface off.

I like Ipe for fretboards, never tried making it black. I have some in the shop so I give it a whirl and keep you posted.