Maple or Rosewood?

[JimmyM]

Every single time isn't going to happen - each piece of wood is different. But that doesn't mean that the woods in question don't have certain tendencies.

Actually, I believe that's exactly what it means. At least when it comes to fretboard wood, which I consider the least important indicator of how a bass is going to sound.

As for being able to tell one from the other on recordings, you might as well ask people to consistently identify what is a Precision and what is a Jazz. Most wouldn't be able to do that, but that doesn't mean there isn't a difference between the two. And it isn't only a matter of what is heard "out there" - it's also a matter of how the subtleties of a bass' sound influences the player.

I prefer to say it's how the subtleties of the bass player influences the bass.

 

[bass12]

Prefer the look and feel of maple. Every bass and guitar I own has rosewood.

Picking up my new bass with a maple neck tomorrow.

That's one I don't get: how are you feeling the fretboard under your strings?

 

[-=DanAtkinson=-]

Interesting topic. Glad someone finally brought this up.

 

[bass12]

I prefer to say it's how the subtleties of the bass player influences the bass.

For me it's both.

 

[LakeEffect]

Speed has nothing to do with it, whoever put that link compilation together... hilarious.

I always tend to hear more mids from rosewood, but again, in a mix you likely won't hear that unless your eyes are helping you out.

 

[bass12]

At least when it comes to fretboard wood, which I consider the least important indicator of how a bass is going to sound.

That's interesting, because all of the luthiers I've discussed the subject with have said that the fretboard wood plays a much bigger role in establishing the sound of a bass than, for example, the body wood. Luthiers aside, I've had the necks of a couple of my basses switched out and there's been a noticeable difference in how the basses sounded. Could have been the necks themselves (as opposed to the fingerboards) I suppose...

 

[fjadams]

That's one I don't get: how are you feeling the fretboard under your strings?

For me it's the feel of the strings on the fretboard. Do I think it makes a difference in the sound, or playability, no not really. Does it make a difference in aesthetics, to me yes, to you or somebody else, I have no idea.

The best neck on any guitar I've ever played is on my boys 72' Telecaster Deluxe.

 

[David Jayne]

That's interesting, because all of the luthiers I've discussed the subject with have said that the fretboard wood plays a much bigger role in establishing the sound of a bass than, for example, the body wood. Luthiers aside, I've had the necks of a couple of my basses switched out and there's been a noticeable difference in how the basses sounded. Could have been the necks themselves (as opposed to the fingerboards) I suppose...

Luthiers are as dumb as anybody else.
Yes, the neck (the WHOLE) neck has a real role to play in the sound.

 

[PWRL]

Honestly, I've always found I got a little more bounce out a maple fretboard. My Jazz and my Cabronita both have maple. I like maple a lot.

 

[Remus_Redbone]

All I know is that my Maple and Rosewood and Ebony fingerboards are equally slow.

 

[David Jayne]

/\

 

[LowEZ]

I've owned 4 identical instruments, 2 with maple, 2 with rosewood boards. I also worked in a music store for a decade where several times we've made these comparisons using both guitars and bass guitars. What I've learned is that you cannot make any tonal generalizations regarding fingerboard wood.

 

[bassbenj]

Actually, I believe that's exactly what it means. At least when it comes to fretboard wood, which I consider the least important indicator of how a bass is going to sound.

I prefer to say it's how the subtleties of the bass player influences the bass.

You can A-B maple and rosewood basses and not hear a difference in a recording but that's the wrong question. You could give me two identical basses to PLAY blindfolded one with maple and one with rosewood and I'll bet I could tell you which was which. I bet many players could. It might take a while (the difference is VERY small) but I'll bet they could do it.

And that goes with your last point. The difference may be tiny and imperceptible to a listener, BUT if it floats the player's boat and HE loves a certain thing, then his feelings will likely come out through his fingers into the music. So in THAT sense it can make a difference. If I hate a certain bass it's gonna show in my playing even though it may sound identical to everyone else compared to a bass that I love.

 

[bassbenj]

All I know is that my Maple and Rosewood and Ebony fingerboards are equally slow.

Agreed. But the real question isn't about fretboards but fingerboards! On a fretless bass Rosewood, Maple and Ebony DO make a big difference. Not that one is better but they sure aren't the same. But once you put metal frets in the wood it's gonna block the influence of wood on tone for the most part.

 

[bass12]

You can A-B maple and rosewood basses and not hear a difference in a recording but that's the wrong question. You could give me two identical basses to PLAY blindfolded one with maple and one with rosewood and I'll bet I could tell you which was which. I bet many players could. It might take a while (the difference is VERY small) but I'll bet they could do it.

And that goes with your last point. The difference may be tiny and imperceptible to a listener, BUT if it floats the player's boat and HE loves a certain thing, then his feelings will likely come out through his fingers into the music. So in THAT sense it can make a difference. If I hate a certain bass it's gonna show in my playing even though it may sound identical to everyone else compared to a bass that I love.

Amen.

 

[bass12]

Luthiers are as dumb as anybody else.

Maybe, but they also tend to be a hell of a lot more experienced with wood (and the effects of wood on the tone of the instrument) than the average player. You can dismiss that if you want but I'll choose not to.

 

[David Jayne]

Maybe, but they also tend to be a hell of a lot more experienced with wood (and the effects of wood on the tone of the instrument) than the average player. You can dismiss that if you want but I'll choose not to.

Ok then.

 

[deathsdj]

I prefer rosewood over anything else I have ever tried. Not sure why. I know I prefer the look of rosewood. It almost feels softer than the other types I have tried. I like that.

Cheers!

MJW

 

[jim777]

I prefer maple boards on my basses (for the most part) and ebony boards on my guitars. I did really dig the wenge board on my Roscoe though, that was sweet as well. I think I just find rosewood boring for the most part.

 

[Dirk Rockbottom]

After all I've heard here, I've decided the tone diff is minimal, but the playability of maple is probably more what I want. Also the fact that it's easier to see on a dark stage. My Jazz bass has rosewood, so it will probably be nice to have something different. I can always play the rosewood neck if I get tired of the maple and vica versa.

Thanks for all the good comments.
Dirk