Custom Koa Build Build Fretboard Choice

[Sirfishalot]

I’m having a custom Curly Koa top bass guitar made (not this Mayones brand) and going back and forth on the fretboard selection.
First is some old growth, very dense Belize Rosewood, with matching pickup covers, and Koa block inlay fret markers.
Second is a Birdseye Maple board, also with same matching pickup covers and Koa blocks.

I’m really torn between the two choices so I really, appreciate everyone’s feedback

.

JayT

 

[Malak the Mad]

I’m having a custom Curly Koa top bass guitar made (not this Mayones brand) and going back and forth on the fretboard selection.
First is some old growth, very dense Belize Rosewood, with matching pickup covers, and Koa block inlay fret markers.
Second is a Birdseye Maple board, also with same matching pickup covers and Koa blocks.

I’m really torn between the two choices so I really, appreciate everyone’s feedback.

JayT

Both look fantastic!

My question to you; "Is Belize rosewood really that reddish?"

If it were more brownish-red, like most rosewoods are, I'd say go with that one. If you really want the pickups and fretboard to "POP", I suppose you could go with birdseye maple, but with all the dark, rich colors in that koa, I would lean towards something that complements it, not strongly contrasts the top and headstock.

 

[Sirfishalot]

I had a color mishap on the Rosewood an updated it.

 

[Novarocker]

Maple for the pickups and rosewood for the fretboard IMO

 

[musicman556]

Hm... no matter what you choose, it won't be wrong!

Personally, I like the pop and contrast of the maple board and pickup covers, but I generally favor maple boards anyway.

I hope that whatever you choose it all comes out well and you love it!

 

[Iridescentone]

Wow stunners. If the Belize wood will look like what's in that pic, I'd def choose that.

B/e maple is always pretty nice, but that rosewood is something exceptional.

 

[overit]

I like the contrast of the dark koa and the birdseye maple. It’s a cleaner look, showcasing more of the body’s koa figuring. The rosewood with the reds is pretty busy and to my eye competes with the koa rather than complementing it.

 

[Sirfishalot]

Well my Marco Bass TFL5 is finally completed! Fretboard changed to Zircote. Body is Black Limba. 18v Wayne Jones onboard Preamp.

JayT