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

[king_biscuit]

I much prefer maple and it's only because I like the way it looks. I think a lot of companies that mass produced basses cheap out on the selection of rosewood boards. They don't all look beautiful like the boards on 4003s.

I think 4003 have bubinga fingerboards.

 

[SBsoundguy]

I think 4003 have bubinga fingerboards.

The product page says rosewood.

4003

 

[king_biscuit]

The product page says rosewood.

4003

A quick google search turned up this 2011 forum post from John Hall:

Way back in the early days, there was Brazilian Rosewood, followed by Asian Rosewood, followed by African Rosewood (aka Bubinga). And something else is on it's way.
It's all Rosewood, which is a very generic common name which covers hundreds of species. Ideally, all wood should be specified by species in the interest of accuracy and you'll probably begin to see this more often now that the Lacey Act is thankfully being enforced.

see Invalid Link Removed

 

[SBsoundguy]

A quick google search turned up this 2011 forum post from John Hall:

Way back in the early days, there was Brazilian Rosewood, followed by Asian Rosewood, followed by African Rosewood (aka Bubinga). And something else is on it's way.
It's all Rosewood, which is a very generic common name which covers hundreds of species. Ideally, all wood should be specified by species in the interest of accuracy and you'll probably begin to see this more often now that the Lacey Act is thankfully being enforced.

see Invalid Link Removed

It's weird that they aren't more specific. You don't see Warwick saying they use rosewood bodies.

 

[experimental bassist]

I think a lot of companies that mass produced basses cheap out on the selection of rosewood boards. They don't all look beautiful like the boards on 4003s.

Not into Rics like I used to be, but I'm pretty sure the 4001/4003s use Bubinga (an African hardwood) rather than Rosewood.

The natural oil in Rosewood, that makes it such a good fretboard material, also makes it difficult (but not impossible of course) to accept a laquer or poly finish.

Bubinga does not contain that sort of natural oil, and accepts a finish much like Maple.

 

[Erich Bruning]

It's interesting. I've always liked the look of Maple fingerboards, but Rosewood seems to feel better in my hands when playing. I just figured it was the finish that felt weird.

 

[experimental bassist]

A quick google search turned up this 2011 forum post from John Hall:

Way back in the early days, there was Brazilian Rosewood, followed by Asian Rosewood, followed by African Rosewood (aka Bubinga). And something else is on it's way.
It's all Rosewood, which is a very generic common name which covers hundreds of species. Ideally, all wood should be specified by species in the interest of accuracy and you'll probably begin to see this more often now that the Lacey Act is thankfully being enforced.

see Invalid Link Removed

John Hall or not, it's NOT all Rosewood.

Bubinga =/= Rosewood, even though it is often called "African rosewood).

Bubinga is a relatively inexpensive tonewood, and yes when finished it is pretty, but it is a very different species than the South American Rosewood varieties.

 

[BioDriver]

I can think of a few reasons...

Aesthetics: Some people just think maple looks better, be it plain jane, flamed, or birdseye.

Tone: IME the fingerboard has a noticeable impact on the instrument's tone and people may like maple's timbre better.

Protection/easier upkeep: Maple boards are typically finished so you don't have to apply oil every month or so.

Snark: People are just being smart***es

I think it's mostly an aesthetic thing.

 

[king_biscuit]

John Hall or not, it's NOT all Rosewood.

Bubinga =/= Rosewood, even though it is often called "African rosewood).

Bubinga is a relatively inexpensive tonewood, and yes when finished it is pretty, but it is a very different species than the South American Rosewood varieties.

Hey, I agree with you. I was just pointing out that Ric fingerboards are made from bubinga, not East Indian rosewood as the website (product literature page for the 4003) suggests.

 

[Ric5]

The product page says rosewood.

4003

Bubinga is rosewood

 

[Ric5]

Black + Maple = Beauty

 

[ksandvik]

I use both. And I'm even noticing that maple fretboards each have their own level of hardness, where the Squire VM ones have pretty soft maple.

 

[PBnJBassist]

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 tone-wise, for they offer a tighter tone with better definition than rosewood. I may be listening with my eyes though.

I feel EXACTLY the same way. Maple > Ebony and I will never... EVER go back to a rosewood fretboard. Just yuck!

 

[klejst]

It's basically about looks and personal preference. Some say maple seems to be brighter, however others have doubted that saying there is very little to no noticeable difference in sound/tone. Nothing personal against maple, I just have always played rosewood necks so I guess I just don't have the "maple fetish."

 

[Thumper]

Way back in the early days of Talkbass, I was on the rosewood side of this argument, primarily because my main player had been my '66 J since '83. Over time I've become a maple fan for looks and because I've had less problems with dead spots. Probably luck of the draw, but I've had dead spots on Rosewood, Ebony, and Morado boards, none on Maple. I now prefer one piece maple necks (no fretboard). Of my 5 players, 4 are maple, the other is a Zon which is phenolic or something close.

 

[Erich Bruning]

I now prefer one piece maple necks (no fretboard). Of my 5 players, 4 are maple, the other is a Zon which is phenolic or something close.

I'll admit, that Steve Harris signature P has me tempted. Nice fat 1 piece neck, and a decent looking blue too. Haven't been able to try one though.

 

[KevInDaBassment]

Maple just feels better to me for some reason lol...easier to clean

 

[kjpollo]

I have absolutely no preference. If I'm looking at a bass, the fretboard material is one of my very last considerations.

Right now I own 7 basses, 3 have maple boards (L2K Trib, T-40 & T-20), 2 have rosewood (Schecter Model T, SX PJ), 1 has ebony (Carvin LB75) and 1 has cocobolo (Clement custom). When I grab a bass for at-home practice or a band rehearsal, I dont stop and think that I need a maple one or whatever. I just grab one and do what I'm going to do. None of my bandmates have ever said "bring a bass with a maple board on it next time"

Aesthetically, the one thing I stand my ground on is that I dont like a maple board on a bass with a dark finish and a matching headstock. I've seen some Carvins like that and I wouldnt buy them based on the looks- its just not my thing.

 

[tjclem]

As a builder Maple boards are more work than a harder wood board. Ebony, Rosewood, Diamondwood, Bloodwood etc.etc. Therefore I charge extra for them. Possibly that might be why there are less of them? It seems when there are less of something available that something is seen is as more rare and therefore more sought after? Just a thought on the issue......... Tom

 

[seedokebass]

I just about spit out my coffee when I read this...thanks for the laugh!

No problem