Fretboard Question???

[LowFreakuency]

I was curious as to why you don't see many basses with Ebony Fretboards. (Except maybe Carvin's) I see Maple, Rosewood, Pau Ferro, & Wenge but very few Ebony Boards. Is it because of it's tonal characteristics?


I ran across a good description of some Neck Wood Tones @
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[Gabbass]

Many liuthiers don't like ebony for fretted bass...it gives problems...it isn't a good wood with the frets....it tends to take out the frets after a little time.

 

[LowEndLobster]

Ebony is a tough wood to work with, and it's also expensive. You usually don't see it in cheapie models of basses. MANY MANY basses have ebony fretboards, but they're usually on the upper steps of the staircase. My Alembic and Warwick both have ebony FB's.

 

[fourstringdrums]

The Dean Jeff Berlin Standard that I had actually had an Ebony board, and that ran around $800.

 

[LowEndLobster]

The Dean Jeff Berlin Standard that I had actually had an Ebony board, and that ran around $800.

Are those still around?

 

[fourstringdrums]

Are those still around?

I don't think so. The last time I checked, Dean's website didn't have them, so I wonder if they're discontinued.

I didn't like mine, no matter what I did the action always felt way too low and I had to play with a super soft touch in order to not get fret buzz.

 

[Lorenzini]

I don't think so. The last time I checked, Dean's website didn't have them, so I wonder if they're discontinued.

I didn't like mine, no matter what I did the action always felt way too low and I had to play with a super soft touch in order to not get fret buzz.

Yup, just how Jeff likes it

 

[LowFreakuency]

How does Ebony compare to Maple in the tone dept.? I know both are on the bright side.

 

[Snarf]

Naw, ebony is like Rosewood only a little clearer in sound. Maple is brighter than most.

I love the ebony board on my Carvin, nice and smooth.

 

[Ian Perge]

I don't think so. The last time I checked, Dean's website didn't have them, so I wonder if they're discontinued.

Although not on their website, Jeff's now endorsing Cort basses. I think it's fair to say his Dean signature wasn't flying out music store doors.

Peavey > Dean > Cort. $20 says he's playing Silvertones by 2007.

 

[fourstringdrums]

Although not on their website, Jeff's now endorsing Cort basses. I think it's fair to say his Dean signature wasn't flying out music store doors.

Peavey > Dean > Cort. $20 says he's playing Silvertones by 2007.

Does Jeff have an attitude or ego problem and that's why he switches endorsements so often?

 

[WoodyG3]

Many liuthiers don't like ebony for fretted bass...it gives problems...it isn't a good wood with the frets....it tends to take out the frets after a little time.

I have never heard that from anyone before, interesting.

I love the ebony fretboard on my Carvin LB70. Just ordered another Carvin in large part due to the quality feel of the neck, including, of course, the ebony fretboard.

 

[fourstringdrums]

I've only heard that Ebony chips easily.

Oh I forgot, you can get a custom Cirrus with an Ebony board.

 

[Ian Perge]

Does Jeff have an attitude or ego problem and that's why he switches endorsements so often?

Oh, that's one hornet's nest I'm not stirring up!

(Do a search containing his name and "metronome", or Google his name with "The Bottom Line" mailing list. That should give you enough info to make an informed opinion.)

 

[fourstringdrums]

Oh, that's one hornet's nest I'm not stirring up!

(Do a search containing his name and "metronome", or Google his name with "The Bottom Line" mailing list. That should give you enough info to make an informed opinion.)

*lol* Alright will do.

 

[Ian Perge]

...and check your Private Messages as well.

 

[Commreman]

I have an ebony fretboard on my Carvin LB75, and I love it. It is very articulate and warm without being harsh or brassy like maple, IMO. I have had Sting Rays with maple boards, Vintage Fenders with Rosewood, Spectors with rosewood, etc. Ebony is a very dense, hard wood with a close grain pattern that is smooth to the touch. Acoustically, I have found that it sits in the "sweet spot" between rosewood and maple. It doesn't chip easily. Try it!

Concerning Jeff Berlin (ducks as the flamethrowers move into position.....) say what you will about his attitude, the man has serious chops. I think Jaco himself said that it ain't bragging if you can back it up...........

 

[M_A_T_T]

I've only heard that Ebony chips easily.

Can chip when fretting, but so can Rosewood & Pau Ferro. Lots of instruments use it, but it's expensive, so you don't see it on too many lower-end instruments.

 

[M_A_T_T]

Many liuthiers don't like ebony for fretted bass...it gives problems...it isn't a good wood with the frets....it tends to take out the frets after a little time.

It's actually VERY good for frets.

 

[lyle]

This has an ebony board (look down to sig)