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Noted Differences Between Rosewood and Maple Necks....Thoughts Please!
- Thread starter Slats
- Start date
I'm assuming that you actually mean maple or rosewood fretboard. I don't know if I've ever seen a rosewood neck before.
You'll find a ton of info about this topic on TB. Everyone has their own, differing opinions of the differences. You're best bet, seriously, is to try the two neck types and decide what works for you.
IMO/IME, maple is more comfortable and provides a great upper-mid frequency response. Rosewood provides great low-end response and doesn't ever look as dirty as a worn-in maple fretboard.
You'll find a ton of info about this topic on TB. Everyone has their own, differing opinions of the differences. You're best bet, seriously, is to try the two neck types and decide what works for you.
IMO/IME, maple is more comfortable and provides a great upper-mid frequency response. Rosewood provides great low-end response and doesn't ever look as dirty as a worn-in maple fretboard.
Andy_colassal, such a gifted sense of humor shouldn't be squandered on a board such as this......you need to write for Letterman.....he could use the help!
hahah!
it's really just a matter of personal preference. many will say they sound the same, others will say maple is a bit brighter while rosewood has a rounder sound. if there is a difference, it's subtle. i tend to prefer maple aesthetically, but i own fretboards of both.
I *imagine* (lacquered) maple to be more "immediately" responsive. This is what is termed a "perceived" difference, and may not be borne out by scientific tests. Rosewood is actually a harder wood, but since it's usually unfinished it feels to me like it sucks up more of the attack, and responds a millisecond later. Or it may be the fact that, unlike on maple necks, there's a seam of glue under the entire fretboard. In any case, I sense something like a very slight delay.
Of course, the string actually contacts a metal fret, not the fingerboard, so maybe a query like this should be concerned strictly with fretless basses. On fretted, I can tell a difference when playing, but not necessarily when listening.
Of course, the string actually contacts a metal fret, not the fingerboard, so maybe a query like this should be concerned strictly with fretless basses. On fretted, I can tell a difference when playing, but not necessarily when listening.
I personally like the look of rosewood much better and 11 of my 12 basses are rosewood.
Having said that, I think maple is a bit harder and gives off a bit more twang. I a good way. If I liked the look of maple more, I would likely be a maple guy, but the difference in sound is outweighed by looks IMO.
Having said that, I think maple is a bit harder and gives off a bit more twang. I a good way. If I liked the look of maple more, I would likely be a maple guy, but the difference in sound is outweighed by looks IMO.
