Rosewood fretboard or maple fretboard?

[doctormoose87]

Hi All.

I'm looking at buying another bass in the near future. The reason I'm posting is I have a nickel allergy and would have to get a refret job done. I've used a luthier in the past to defret my jazz bass (now very nice) and was hoping you guys would be able to shed some light on which wood would (lol) be easier to refret. Rosewood or Maple as I like both equally it's a matter for which is more workable on a wood bench.

Cheers All

Andy

[Muzoid]

Easier?....hmmm, no idea...but subscribing to see what the outcome is.

[SJan3]

I believe rosewood is easier because the board finish is not sealed like maple.

[Aspidites]

Originally Posted by SJan3

I believe rosewood is easier because the board finish is not sealed like maple.

That is what I hear from the professional luthiers.

[mongo2]

Originally Posted by SJan3

I believe rosewood is easier because the board finish is not sealed like maple.

That's my experience.

Edit: As for your nickel allergy, you might want to try stainless steel frets and strings or coated strings. My son also has a nickel allergy and he has to use stainless steel strings but standard nickel/silver frets don't seem to bother him.

[doctormoose87]

Cheers guys.

My allergy is really sensitive so I would have to have stainless steel (that's bonded with Chrome not nickel) or Jescar Evo Gold frets.

[doctormoose87]

Cheers guys.

My allergy is really sensitive so I would have to have stainless steel (that's bonded with Chrome not nickel) or Jescar Evo Gold frets.

[LennyPenny]

Rosewood tends to wear a lot faster than maple, so I'd say it would be easier to work with. I love how rosewood fretboards break in, as opposed to maple, which is more consistent from what I've heard.

[Bassmickeyd]

Neither are easier to play just preference. .... Though. I've found while on stage I prefer a rosewood or ebony over maple. .... But at home or just jamming maple is great. ..... Just preference.

[spufman]

I've heard that rosewood is less likely than maple to chip when de-fretting.

Until recently I had owned only rosewood boards for decades (more circumstance than choice). But now I have and enjoy both very much. One thing I've noticed is that in the winter months (Northeast), the maple boards get fret sprout, the rosewood ones do not.