Greetings all. I have a question that hopefully one of you more experienced SG players/collecters can answer. I just purchased a 2004 Standard on line. Have yet to recieve it but after many hours of examining the photos , it is evident that the fretboard is " Richlite " and not Ebony. I have no problem with that as I own a couple epiphones that utilize this material for the fretboard and they are wonderful playing/sounding guitars. I worked for Gibson in 2002 and know from being there that they did not use this material back then. I have spent many hours researching the net and find the earliest evidence is 2011 ( after the 2010 Nashville flood and the fed raids ) so I was wondering if anyone here has an sg from the early 2k with a richlite fretboard. Thanks in advance for any / all input you can offer.
I agree about not seeing any of the alternative woods being used prior to 2012. What evidence shows that the board on your 2004 is Richlite instead of Ebony? Could it be possible that your 2004 SG Standard it got leftover Ebony board that was used on all those 2002-2004 SG Special Faded during that era?
It has no grain whatsoever. Granted ebony is a very dense wood but none the less has a faint hint of grain pores. If you look up "Richlite Fretboards" I believe you would agree albeit I don't have the guitar in hand but have been collecting, playing, and and am a professional woodworker.
Recieved the SG today. You were absolutely correct arcticsg, the fretboard is a very consistent tight grained rosewood. Couldn't be happier with the purchase. This one really sings ! Great to have another SG in the collection after selling my last one 5 years ago.
A rosewood board that can be mistaken - from a distance - for ebony or richlite sounds like a dream to those who love their rosewood to have that rich, super dark look. Sounds awesome. Glad you're enjoying the new guitar!
I was going to write that I didn't think your fretboard would turn out to be either Ebony or Richlite. I was going to say that Gibson was using Rosewood then, with Ebony on some selected models.... but not the Standard. But you all beat me to it. And it turns out to be Rosewood, which is what Gibson was using on the SG Standard at that time. I'm glad you are happy with your new guitar. Welcome to ETSG!
Some enjoy the tonal characteristics of rosewood over ebony, as well as richlite. And certainly one that is as dark and as tight grained as ebony is the dream. I have a 2001 61 reissue with a dark rosewood board, and it’s beautiful. Better with age and occasional oiling to be honest. I love that fresh board. sorry you got worked up. But happy it all worked out!
