Actually I think the fretboard capping (as opposed to one piece maple necks) itself has more of an effect on sound than the material, to me maple cap necks have always been a bit more rosewood sounding to me, I think its the layer of glue adding a bit of thud and warmth
I really liked the pau ferro strats that I've played - feels and sounds more like maple - bright, attacky and spanky but still has more than a bit of that rosewood warmth and thunk, a nice halfway house, very nice
Top shelf bass player, amazing on drums, guitar, piano and probably much more, and he can sing a bit too.. it's hard to argue with the results of his playing.. one of if not the best... it's all subjective. Super musician status for sure :)