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'If only it had a maple board, id be all over it'

BrandonBass

BrandonBass

May 29, 2006
2,348
33
#1
Ive seen this quote pretty often in the classifieds. Anybody knows whats with the maple fetish?

I have to admit even I fall pray to this maple-superior syndrome even though the best basses I have played all have rosewood fretboards.

Is because maple is more 'rare'? It really beats me.

I understand that each individual will have his own preference, but honestly when was the last time you heard someone say 'If only it had a rosewood fretboard'
 
#9
I like maple but really it's more that I hate rosewood. I don't like how it ages with small cracks, how it collects gunk and how it feels under my fingers especially on the sides of the neck.
I'm also somewhat of a snob and find rosewood so common and boring.
I think I prefer maple and ebony tonewise, for they offer a tighter tone with better definition than rosewood. I may be listening with my eyes though.
 
#10
Tupac said:
Sure, but he just wants to know why they prefer it.
Click to expand...

I can dig it, but isn't it like asking why someone prefers a blonde over a brunette? A skinny girl over a more Rubenesque girl? Chocolate over Vanilla??

In all seriousness, I think it's important for people to have at least one of each, rosewood and maple...there is nothing you can't handle with either!
 
#11
Jazz Ad said:
I like maple but really it's more that I hate rosewood. I don't like how it ages with small cracks, how it collects gunk and how it feels under my fingers especially on the sides of the neck.
I'm also somewhat of a snob and find rosewood so common and boring.
I think I prefer maple and ebony tonewise, for they offer a tighter tone with better definition than rosewood. I may be listening with my eyes though.
Click to expand...

More than likely you are. :D

I've actually never owned a bass with a maple fretboard even though I prefer the aesthetics.
 
#14
For me, it's strictly aesthetics. And my preference is not always for maple. Certain basses/color schemes I much prefer rosewood.

For example, on a sunburst bass, I much prefer rosewood. Strictly personal preference, as many prefer maple on a burst. In my opinion, certain colors look better with one or the other . I have a Blizzard Pearl/rosewood Jazz that sounds great. But aesthetically, I think it would look much better with a maple board. Conversely, I have a Honey Blonde Classic '50s P that I think looks killer with the maple board.

So maybe some of the guys who say that ("If it had a maple board, I'd be all over it!") feel the same way I do. Maybe they mean that on that particular colored bass, maple would look better. Sonically, I don't feel it makes much difference.
 
#16
JimWasHere said:
It's claimed that maple is a bit brighter... I agree, but it's subjective. I also for some reason just think that a maple board on a bolt neck is prettier.

Link to a quick writeup on some different woods.
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
Click to expand...
Huh, really? I heard the opposite. But not from someone as reputable as Roger himself.
 
#17
I have had rosewood and also maple necked Stingrays, Sadowskys, Fender Jazz and Precisions.

IME, there is not much of a difference between the 2 sound wise. Maple may be a tiny bit brighter, but after A/Bing a few basses with different boards, I now don't consider them much different anymore.
 

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