FRETBOARDS

Richlite fretboards offer the look and feel of ebony or rosewood, without compromising on performance or sustainability. Engineered for exceptional durability, Richlite is an acoustically superior material with a consistent, moisture-acclimated density and inherent stability.​

Made from FSC®-Certified paper and with select colors from our Northwest Collection crafted entirely from 100% recycled content – Richlite is a composite material that’s become a trusted alternative to traditional tonewoods for guitar fretboards and bridges. Its hardened surface and structural integrity make it not only a sustainable choice but often a superior one, especially compared to ebony.

With endangered species like ebony and rosewood under increasing environmental pressure, Richlite presents a responsible, high-performance option for guitar makers committed to quality and conservation alike.

  • Applications

    • Fretboards, Bridges
    • Speaker enclosures
    • Practice drum pads
    • Drumsticks & Stage flooring

  • Features + Benefits

    • Acoustically superior and consistent density
    • Moisture acclimated and inherently stable
    • Durable while maintaining an ebony look and feel
    • Hand made in the U.S.A. and FSC® Certified

Durability: Richlite is a dense, non-porous material that is resistant to moisture, heat, and impact. It does not expand or contract like wood, which can help prevent problems like warping, cracking, and splitting.​

Consistency: Richlite is a man-made material, which means that it can be produced to consistent thickness and quality. Unlike wood, which can have natural variations in density, color, and grain, Richlite offers a reliable and uniform surface for fretboards.​

Sustainability: Richlite is made from paper and resin, which are renewable resources. It does not require the cutting down of trees or contribute to deforestation. Additionally, Richlite can be recycled or repurposed at the end of its life.​

Playability: Richlite has a smooth, glassy surface that is easy to play on. It does not require as much maintenance as wood, as it does not need to be oiled or conditioned regularly.

MADE IN THE USA SINCE 1943

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SUSTAINABILITY COMES FIRST

Sustainable Fretboards – A Better Way Forward

Richlite is a composite material that, among other things, is often used in place of traditional tone woods for guitar fretboards and bridges. Made from recycled paper and pulp harvested from sustainably farmed trees, Richlite produces a hardened, durable material making Richlite fretboards to be superior to other materials, especially ebony.

The Dark Side of Exotic Wood

Ebony is a highly sought-after wood that many luthiers and musicians prefer for its aesthetic appeal and tonal quality. However, the use of exotic wood like ebony raises several concerns - deforestation, illegal logging, and endangerment of species. These issues have resulted in legal restrictions that have affected the music industry.

Sustainable & High-Quality Solution

To address these issues, manufacturers like Gibson Guitars and Martin Guitars have shifted towards using sustainable materials like Richlite for their fretboards. Richlite is a high-quality material made from recycled paper and resin, which offers a tone and feel similar to ebony but without the ethical concerns.

Join the Movement

As a music enthusiast, you can be part of this positive movement towards more sustainable and ethical practices. With Richlite fretboards, you can rest assured that you're using a high-quality material that's making a positive impact on the environment. Join us and make a difference!

Fretboard FAQ Video

We put together a video with our most frequently asked questions and explain everything down to the nitty-gritty details.

Why Richlite?

Enjoy Creativity With A Conscience

Environmentally Friendly 

​- FSC® Certified - Superior alternative to endangered tree species such as Ebony & Rosewood

Built To Last

- Impact resistance and span superior to wood products - Durable while maintaining an ebony look and feel - A consistent density that is moisture acclimated and inherently stable - Richlite will not corrode from or absorb oils, perspiration or dirt.

Applications

Our material can be used for not only fretboards but are commonly applied to bridges, speaker enclosures, practice drum pads, drumsticks and even stage flooring.

Machinable 

- Incredibly easy to maintain and withstand re-fretting without chipping - Machines with standard tooling just like working with hardwoods