Hey guys, everybody talks about this, and when they do, they talk about the sound. I'm wondering, are there any playability differences between the different woods? My dad always used rosewood, so the strat he got me when I was a kid was rosewood. Getting used to the rosewood meant that once I started bass, I automatically chose rosewood. In stores, I try out rosewood instruments. I have actually never played a maple guitar or bass. Can somebody help me out?
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Maple vs. Rosewood
- Thread starter BAbassist
- Start date
Step 1 - play a maple neck and then you will know for yourself.
Step 2 - there is no step two.
+10000000000000000000
BurningSkies
CRAZY BALDHEAD
- Feb 20, 2005
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Ya, I have played both, and maple just seems smoother (after a short break in period). Today I would NEVER buy a rosewood fret board. Play both, if you can, and you will know immediately. I promise you that. I've been playying maple necks for at least 15yrs. Sooooooo worth it.
I prefer the look and feel of maple but both of my main players are rosewood. shows you just how important it is. If you're down with rosewood then be down with rosewood.
I don't feel a difference with my fingertips when I play either wood. I THINK I hear a difference, but its pretty subjective. Visually, I prefer the look of dark fretboard woods like Rosewood, Ebony, or Wenge.
songwriter21
I have an obsession for wood. The musical kind.
I stay with rosewood, because it holds up better year-round than maple. Rosewood is very oily, therefore I think it is much less maintenance than maple, as it naturally holds up better. I've rarely had sharp fret ends (shrinking fretboard) from rose, whereas maple does it almost every time, for me.
I still think ebony is the best feeling, no question.
I still think ebony is the best feeling, no question.
MaddAnthony_59
Supporting Member
- Dec 16, 2006
- 4,599
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- I Channel Surf During Commercials. (Drives my Wife CRAZY!!!)
And then there's Pau Ferro! Dark Color, Bright Tones!
But I prefer Rosewood. Maple does Burn better though!
But I prefer Rosewood. Maple does Burn better though!
Having refretted a Fender maple fingerboard before I tend to prefer rosewood, that plus I'm not keep on thick finishes on my fingerboards. That said the main decision usually comes down to what's on the instrument I'm buying already or what looks good if I'm coming up with one from scratch.
Maple fretboards typically have a thicker finish on them, where as most rosewood boards are just oiled.
One is not better than the other, and I have both types on my basses and guitars, but based on my experiences maple doesn't have to be maintained as carefully.
One is not better than the other, and I have both types on my basses and guitars, but based on my experiences maple doesn't have to be maintained as carefully.
rosewood, maple ...I dont really care..I select the fretboard base on the color of the body...
+1 I have both and don't notice a difference in tone or feel. Now different strings, that I notice
Well, unless you play your bass without strings the type of wood used for your fretboard isn't going to affect playability. 
