fretboard change

[ThaCoast]

Hey guys,

wondering if there's such a thing as a material that you can just lay on top of the existing fretboard to make it appear and sound like different material {f.x. maple to rosewood, or etc.}

If yes, what is it called, if not, how can i make a maple fretboard darker?

Thanks,

Sasha

 

[Dave W]

"Stain"

 

[SidMau]

I'd just stain it, as said above. If this is a fretted bass, then a coating wouldn't do much - the neck effects the sound of a bass by its density, not just the top layer. If this is about a fretless instrument, then you can put epoxies and what-have-you over the board but I think it would give the opposite sonic effect you're looking for.

 

[Dave W]

Assuming the fretboard and neck are covered in laquer, it would be a PITA to remove it from the fretboard so you could stain it.

I think it's a bad idea all the way around

 

[ThaCoast]

Actually it's a fretted guitar that i'm redoing everything on (electronics, pickguard, paint etc) but the maple neck wouldn't fit the paint scheme. And i don't want to replace cause 1- I'm low on funds for the moment, and 2- the profile is just superb, it would be a shame to swap out the neck. and 3-it's going to be a gift for a friend of mine.