• Registered: 2012-05-30
  • Posts: 485

Topic: Granadillo

Okay, so it looks like Gibson's troubles are having a knock on effect on the JBLP Studios as they're having to use Granadillo on them.

Having played a couple of Gibsons with "alternative" fretboard materials I will say that I don't like Baked Maple on a Les Paul Classic Custom (just doesn't sound quite right when you compare it to a Traditional with Rosewood) and I did like the Richlite board on a Midtown Custom (though the Midtown Custom wasn't quite right for me).

So, I am willing to give Granadillo a try from a tonal perspective...however....I have already seen some of the 2012 Les Paul Studios (non-JB) and the fretboard is just too pale for my tastes. Now I know that if this was Rosewood then I could use Lemon Oil to darken it....is the same true of Granadillo???

Personally I would put Richlite on all of the guitars, but then I like a nice dark fretboard (unless it's a maple boarded Fender of course)....

Guitars: Fender American Original 60s Strat, Fender American Vintage 52 Tele, Gibson Les Paul Traditional
FX: Various including - Ceriatone Centura, Fire Custom Shop Carpe Diem
Amp: Fender ML212 Deville + 212 extention cabinet
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  • Registered: 2011-03-20
  • Posts: 333

Re: Granadillo

I am so glad I got a 2011 VOS before all this nonsense happened, Granadillo? No thanks!

I would like to try the Midtown though, I get the feeling that was designed from the ground up to have richlite rather than having it forced onto it by circumstances.

  • From: North Carolina
  • Registered: 2008-10-26
  • Posts: 2,926

Re: Granadillo

EVERYONE I've talked to that has played a Granadillo board hates it.  I'd wait a year for Rosewood.

AD3THREE's Website

  • From: Powys, Wales
  • Registered: 2012-08-05
  • Posts: 46

Re: Granadillo

Agree Rosewood is more appealing by name, colour and reputation, though personally I am willing to check out alternatives whilst this all shakes itself out. In a day or so when it arrives, I will be either sending my 2012 Studio JBLP back from whence it came or keeping it.

As the 2012 Studio JBLPs bears Joe's signature & a Granadillo board, I am presuming that he is not repulsed by the use of Granadillo?
I also have a 2011 Les Paul Studio 50s Tribute that has a baked maple board and its fine with me, its just different to my other guitars.

Having said that, the first sign of a 2011 Studio model or the moment I have the cash for a Custom model, I'd grab it as well!

2012 Gibson Studio JBLP, 1988 Marshall 2550 Black Jubilee
2013 Marshall Vintage Modern 4x12
JB WAH, JB Fuzz, JB FET Driver, JB Seymour Duncan's, Roland GP 8
  • From: North Carolina
  • Registered: 2008-10-26
  • Posts: 2,926

Re: Granadillo

Its not like he has to use them though.  When was the last time anybody saw Joe play a studio model on stage?

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  • Registered: 2012-05-30
  • Posts: 485

Re: Granadillo

As I say, I'd be willing to give it the benefit of the doubt from a sound and feel point of view...

...but I'm shallow and want my guitar to look right (to me) so would want to be able to darken the 'board easily...

Guitars: Fender American Original 60s Strat, Fender American Vintage 52 Tele, Gibson Les Paul Traditional
FX: Various including - Ceriatone Centura, Fire Custom Shop Carpe Diem
Amp: Fender ML212 Deville + 212 extention cabinet
  • From: North Carolina
  • Registered: 2008-10-26
  • Posts: 2,926

Re: Granadillo

I'm sure you could buy some ebony stain if you had to darken it.  I think your going to find that it feels different as well as sounds different.  In fact I would rather have the baked maple if your going to go though the trouble of darkening the wood.  Any of your local home improvement stores should have stains http://www.homedepot.com/Paint-Interior … CefuJ1lT-4

I would stay oil based since these will absorb in the wood and penetrate better then a water based stain.  The one above I will say apply a even coat to the board then use a dry cloth and wipe away excess stain.  Remember if you put too much on it could get the other side of the board wet and break the bond of the glue.  If one coat isn't dark enough put a second coat on.  I would wipe it down with mineral spirits first to remove any kinds of oil that is on the finger board, but remember don't use much of this just dampen a cloth with it and wipe it down fairly quickly.  Don't get it on the finish of the neck as it will eat right through it.  Wait 10 minutes after you've wiped it down and your ready to stain.  If you dont like this you can go with this from from Stewmac.com http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Fretting_su … Stain.html

AD3THREE's Website

  • From: Detroit
  • Registered: 2006-06-02
  • Posts: 5,807

Re: Granadillo

Don't get the stuff at Stewmac for for fretboard dye. It's actually saddle dye for leather, and lemon oil takes it off.

- Nic from Detroit... posting on JB's Forum since 6-2-2006
Ask me about my handwound Great Lakes Guitar Pickups
Since 2010, Bonamassa fans have taken advantage of my JB friend discount = my cost + shipping. cool
  • From: North Carolina
  • Registered: 2008-10-26
  • Posts: 2,926

Re: Granadillo

LOL

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