Micarta

Subject: RE: Micarta
From: GUEST,Clint Keller
Date: 21 Dec 04 - 10:39 PM

Micarta is layers of paper or cloth impregnated with some kind of synthetic resin. Phenolic? I've been told it's the same plastic they make pool balls out of. And they tell me it was developed by GE early last century for electrical insulation.

It is a popular handle material with custom knifemakers: nearly indestructable, smooth but not slippery, and white paper micarta makes a good substitute for ivory. Yellows the same as ivory, but doesn't crack -- & it's legal.

clint

Subject: RE: Micarta
From: Gypsy
Date: 21 Dec 04 - 10:01 PM

Actually, micarta is compressed paper.......strange stuff. I was paying a fortune for itsy pieces for making nuts. Then my friend the fabricator invited me to his wastebin.........scraps were perfect for my needs. He was the one who told me what it was made of.

Subject: RE: Micarta
From: Davetnova
Date: 21 Dec 04 - 06:54 AM

It's a synthetic Geoff. Some sort of hard smooth black plastic but nice under the fingers.

Subject: RE: Micarta
From: Geoff the Duck
Date: 21 Dec 04 - 06:41 AM

What is it Davet - A wood - a synthetic?
I used to know somebody with a banjo which had a formica fingerboard. Played fine and looked suitably garish!
Quack!!
GtD.

Subject: Micarta
From: Davetnova
Date: 21 Dec 04 - 06:33 AM

earier this year I indulged my late middle aged fantasies and bought a Martin (00016GT). Ilove this guitar. The only unusual thing about it is that the fingerboard and bridge are made of Micarta. It sounds really nice to my ears and after six/seven months of playing the fingerboard still feels nice to me, fast and slick.
I just wondered if anybody had any experience of this material, comments etc. Just nice to know what others think.