Maple vs. Rosewood for Jazz/Funk

[remcult]

I want a versatile sounding Jazz-type bass that can go between genres (rock, jazz, funk, R&B). I play mostly fingerstyle, and though I think slapping is fun, I haven't explored it or found much use for it yet in my own playing.

I have a possible deal for a discount on a nice used bass that is an maple/ash combo, and then there is the option for a slightly heavier (also used) model that is an alder/maple.

The first bass appears to be in slightly better condition, and has been setup so there is no single-coil hum.

Otherwise, there doesn't seem to be much of a difference between the two.

Suggestions/advice? I'm mostly concerned about losing the "bass-y" or "warm" tone with the maple fretboard, but I also feel like that can be compensated for to some degree

 

[Gorn]

The correct answer is that there's really no difference but if you wanna do some reading...

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[Deep Cat]

I never get tired of the list.

 

[bubinga5]

I want a versatile sounding Jazz-type bass that can go between genres (rock, jazz, funk, R&B). I play mostly fingerstyle, and though I think slapping is fun, I haven't explored it or found much use for it yet in my own playing.

I have a possible deal for a discount on a nice used bass that is an maple/ash combo, and then there is the option for a slightly heavier (also used) model that is an alder/maple.

The first bass appears to be in slightly better condition, and has been setup so there is no single-coil hum.

Otherwise, there doesn't seem to be much of a difference between the two.

Suggestions/advice? I'm mostly concerned about losing the "bass-y" or "warm" tone with the maple fretboard, but I also feel like that can be compensated for to some degree

i don't get it? you have just described two basses that both have Maple fingerboards.? but your title says maple vs rosewood

 

[strost]

OK. I'll be nice. Sound wise you probably won't get much difference (though sometimes I do find rosewood to be warmer and more focused).

Personally I prefer the "feel" of maple. Don't know what it is but it feels more responsive to me - especially when slapping.

Did you play the basses? Pick the one you liked to play better. If you can't tell which one you prefer, buy the cheaper one or the one that looks nicer to you.

Don't worry about the rosewood/maple thing. Maple can sound like whatever you want it to (cut the volume 10-20% and fiddle with the tone knob to warm up the sound).

 

[bass12]

You're probably best off not listening to anything people here have to say on the subject. Just play the basses and let your ears decide for you.

 

[Jarrett]

Awesome list. Bookmarking for later.

I prefer maple boards for slapping. Otherwise, not much of a difference, imo.

 

[f.c.geil]

There is no tonal difference generally, but maple is less picky about strings. For instance, RotoSound SwingBass 66s sounded horrid on my rosewood P bass, but sound great on my maple P, even though they are the same in every other way.

 

[Groove Doctor]

I vote Pao Ferro....

 

[hands5]

Proably no one in the crowd would no the difference or care. Get what feels and sounds good and don't be late to the Gig !

 

[kcole4001]

Aluminum.....but when in doubt, refer to "THE LIST".

 

[Greg Jones]

You're probably best off not listening to anything people here have to say on the subject. Just play the basses and let your ears decide for you.

Yes, this.

Also, once in the store, have the sales dood blind fold you and then hand you each bass one at a time.

That way you get the one that sounds best without any of your own fret board bias muddying the waters.

 

[Groove Doctor]

^ I've done this. Maple is one of the first things I notice mainly by feel/ how 'responsive' it is to left hand nuances. I guess 22yrs on fretless makes you notice stuff like that.


Then he handed me Pao Ferro and literally blew me away - best of RW, Maple & Ebony all in one.

 

[bass12]

^ I've done this. Maple is one of the first things I notice mainly by feel/ how 'responsive' it is to left hand nuances. I guess 22yrs on fretless makes you notice stuff like that.


Then he handed me Pao Ferro and literally blew me away - best of RW, Maple & Ebony all in one.

Man, I hate it when sales people literally blow me away!

 

[chuck3]

ha ha - that list is awesome!

 

[Rich McCoy]

I think maple is great with a p bass. To me it is a little more snappy.

 

[Jefff]

When you look at them, which one screams "PICK ME UP!"


Get that one.

 

[OverTheEdge]

This is the Kobayashi Maru of arguments and will never be settled.......That said, it's mostly an aesthetic preference, marginally a matter of feel, and virtually no difference tone wise..........Let the opinion bashing begin!

 

[gpx1200]

You're probably best off not listening to anything people here have to say on the subject. Just play the basses and let your ears decide for you.

^this x10000

 

[klejst]

You're probably best off not listening to anything people here have to say on the subject. Just play the basses and let your ears decide for you.

I agree with this too. To me there is no different between rosewood and maple necks other than the looks. Some claim tone wise there is however if there is it is very minimal to my ears.