ebony or maple?

[buckalori]

Looking at getting a custom Sandberg TM 5 string. just wondering what people's opinions on maple and ebony fretboards are?

I am not too knowledgeable on this kind of thing so any help would be hugely appreciated!

 

[Bass4LifeRS]

Which do you like to look at? You're probably gonna do a lot of that, no?

 

[GM60466]

Ebony for me

 

[VictorG]

EBONY

 

[trowaclown]

Ebony for me. There's a sleek black look to it that screams class. I will, however, make a decision based on hardware and body colors as well.

 

[rhopper]

In general, Ebony has a strong fundamental tone with a quick attack (balanced). Rosewood will have a warm tone (warmer). Maple has a quick attack also, but it will emphasize high overtones (brighter). Hope this helps. I prefer maple.

 

[steve_rolfeca]

If it's going to be a keeper in the long term, go with ebony. Much longer-lasting.

 

[gary ashall]

EBONY......harder wearing and a better tone wood than maple on a board in my opinion.

 

[FunkMetalBass]

Fretless or fretted? What color the rest of the bass?

If fretless, go with ebony or something more dense than maple unless you plan get a thick poly/epoxy coat.

If it's fretted, go with whatever looks best. Aesthetics are about the biggest influence a fretboard has on a bass or guitar.

 

[spade2you]

The only downside to ebony is that it seems to be one of the more sensitive fingerboards to changes in humidity. I love the look and tone, but live in an area with huge humidity swings, which makes them not as fun.

 

[buckalori]

I think aesthetically the ebony makes sense. I am going for probably a creme, so the contrast would look pretty cool. I like that the ebony would give a quick attack also. Thanks a lot for your help guys! I will be sure to post some pictures when I get it in!

 

[buckalori]

The only downside to ebony is that it seems to be one of the more sensitive fingerboards to changes in humidity. I love the look and tone, but live in an area with huge humidity swings, which makes them not as fun.

Oh really? That is interesting. Playing in a band which is accustomed to sweaty sweaty venues this could case a bit of a ballache.. hmmmm

 

[spade2you]

Oh really? That is interesting. Playing in a band which is accustomed to sweaty sweaty venues this could case a bit of a ballache.. hmmmm

It does alright if it's humid, but in my case, a dry winter means that I'm guaranteed to have to adjust the truss rod twice a year, where most of my basses don't require any tweaks.

 

[trayner1]

EBONY

 

[Sub41]

Another vote for ebony...if it were me laying out the cash.

 

[fish slapper]

It depends on what your body wood and or color is and if you're going for compliment or contrast. Both ebony and maple are on the "bright" side tone-wise. Ebony is also chosen for fret-less as it's more durable.

 

[Dr.SixString]

Ebony.

 

[Aspidites]

Maple

 

[johnk_10]

i vote maple.

i don't care for ebony fingerboards on any bass with the exception of my alembic. for me, somehow it just works on an alembic, but on everything else, ebony sounds and feels too sterile to me.

 

[Fassa Albrecht]

EBony for me. I was a maple fan but playing violin and then cello changed my mind. It feels more natural to me now.