Double Bass Should I replace the fingerboard on my Epiphone?

[hemhaw]

I have a laminated Epiphone (probably student model) string bass I purchased rather cheaply a few year ago. After the basic setup (new bridge, tailpiece wire, endpin, and some fingerboard plaining) I've invested approximately a total of $1,100 in this bass. It has some cosmetic issues including a less than ideal repair to one of the ribs; I'll try to add pictures if there is some interest. The rosewood fingerboard is, at this point, to thin to work with and the camber of the board is causing a significant reduction of sustain in the thumb position.
For a bass I have not invested multiple thousands of dollars in, I do like the tone of this bass. It is also a nice contrast to my 7/8 carved bass. I'm very tempted to replace the fingerboard but I do have some concerns.

First off, could a newer and heavier ebony fingerboard drastically alter the tone of the bass? I have two luthiers I use in chicago. Both luthiers agreed that the playability would increase from a new fingerboard but the luthier with the most noteworthy and arguably best reputation here in Chicago warned me that, in some instances, the weight from a newer and heavier board can cause a reduction in lower frequencies and can shut down, so to speak, some instruments. This is by far my biggest concern.

Secondly, If I invest another $900 on a new fingerboard and subsequent bridge work would a bass such as this one likely have a resale value in the $2000 range? I hate to be concern about this but, in the next couple of years, I may have to liquidate many of my assets, including much of my musical equipment, to put towards a business I'm hoping to open.

I would appreciate any constructive advice about this.

 

[robobass]

I find it hard to imagine that a new high quality board would not drastically improve both tone and playability. The idea that the extra mass might kill the low end just doesn't sound right to me. Normally, a good ebony board will give a more focused, clear, and balanced tone. Perhaps less overall sound in some cases, but a more usable one. Just my opinion
Robobass

 

[Matthew Tucker]

The rosewood fingerboard is, at this point, too thin to work with and the camber of the board is causing a significant reduction of sustain in the thumb position.

if you consider that the bass is becoming unplayable, then you have only two choices - replace the FB or liquidate the asset!

BTW the ply basses i have played, on the whole, even with a ebony fb, don't have much sustain in TP anyway.