questions about Washburn m1sd
I was checking the specs on the website - I sometimes do for my instruments.
Anyway, two things I hadn’t noticed before became apparent to me
1) the fingerboard material is engineered wood. (I could have sworn it was rosewood)
2). The bridge is described as ‘alternative’. Again I’d never noticed this before.
https://www.washburn.com/product/m1sd/
I’m happy, very happy with the mando. I had it set up professionally so it plays really nicely. So this is more intellectual or curiosity based in regard to the discussion.
Is it possible the specs have changed? I bought the mandolin new from Nashville Sam ash in 2017. Its serial number suggests it to be a 2015. It had hung in the shop for a while
If not, what is an alternative bridge? It’s a standard Gibson style bridge. Would an upgrade benefit?
What are the issues and strengths of engineered wood?
Thanks in advance.
Re: questions about Washburn m1sd
Many instrument builders are using “Richlite” for fretboards which is a trade name for a particular form of engineered wood. As for an “alternative bridge”, this is clearly not the same as the other one they could have fitted.
Remember, the adverts are usually written by people who even less about mandolins that the person selling them.
Re: questions about Washburn m1sd
This "Richlite" piqued my curiosity so I looked at the website. Made from resin infused recycled paper. One use (besides fretboards) is commercial bar tops. It looks like something I would be interested in investigating for my kitchen countertops.
Back to mandolins.
Re: questions about Washburn m1sd
Similar to the HPL (high pressure laminate) they use to make some Little Martin guitars, I wonder? Commercially known as Formica.
Re: questions about Washburn m1sd
Quite a few years ago, one brand of electric guitar topped their instruments with “masonite”. In the UK it’s known as “hardboard”.
Re: questions about Washburn m1sd
Quote:
Originally Posted by
allenhopkins
Similar to the HPL (high pressure laminate) they use to make some Little Martin guitars, I wonder? Commercially known as Formica.
It is similar to HPL, both richlite and HPL laminate paper with durable resins. The HPL used for countertops and other Millwork is usually made in pretty thin panels, using kraft paper. Richlite is made in greater thicknesses using a high percentage of recycled paper.
Masonite is similar, as these are all composite resin panels, but Masonite is made using loose wood fibers rather than laminated paper.
There are numerous common brands of HPL, I’ve used Formica, Wilsonart & Nevamar ... though people often think of HPL as “Formica”. I’m not sure if Martin specifies which brand or brands of HPL they use.
Re: questions about Washburn m1sd
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Ray(T)
Quite a few years ago, one brand of electric guitar topped their instruments with “masonite”. In the UK it’s known as “hardboard”.
Danelectro, I believe...
Now those guitars are quite collectible, believe it or not. Of course, with solid-body electrics, you can stick the pickups on just about any material; remember the Ampeg "Dan Armstrong" Lucite instruments?
Re: questions about Washburn m1sd
Quote:
Originally Posted by
allenhopkins
Danelectro, I believe...
Now those guitars are quite collectible, believe it or not. Of course, with solid-body electrics, you can stick the pickups on just about any material; remember the Ampeg "Dan Armstrong" Lucite instruments?
Yes, Danelectro. I always remember a friend of mine saying “Clive brought me his “new” electric guitar round last week to do some work on and the top’s made of hardboard.”
Re: questions about Washburn m1sd
Martin has been using their version (Richlite) for some time. At one point it was supposedly to make export easier. My Martin D Jr. has a Richlite fingeboard and bridge and have had no problems with it. Holds up very well and doesn't hurt the sound of an instrument, IMO.
The bridge is probably not specified for the same import/export reason. Not sure what they are using. Might be worth experimenting with a new one if you can find a good ebony bridge and have it fitted at a reasonable price.
As to Danelectro, a couple of my favorite guitars were old Dano's. Was really into them when I pretended to play electric. Formica body, poplar necks and the cheap pot metal bridge with rosewood saddle. Really creates a unique tone which is one reason David Lindley liked them. Even Jimi Hendrix had one at some point.
Re: questions about Washburn m1sd
Richlite is probably OK on new instruments but I can’t help but wonder whether it’ll hold up as well as wood in the long term - wear and tear, repairs, fretwork, refretting etc.
Re: questions about Washburn m1sd
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Ray(T)
Richlite is probably OK on new instruments but I can’t help but wonder whether it’ll hold up as well as wood in the long term - wear and tear, repairs, fretwork, refretting etc.
The repair folks I know have had no problems refretting it. And as other folks companies are turning to other alternatives (Gibson using walnut and baked maple) it's probably going to stay around.
