BP, What's Your Take on Maple vs Rosewood

**shamus63** · 07-31-2006, 12:07 PM

I prefer Rosewood fretboards...warm, rich tone that sounds fat when you slap.

YMMV.

**Figjam** · 07-31-2006, 12:13 PM

Originally Posted by phatduckk

ive posted these sound clips before ...

2 H Sterlings, same strings, one rosewood FB one maple...

http://www.phatduckk.com/music/etc/maple_rosewood/1.mp3

http://www.phatduckk.com/music/etc/maple_rosewood/2.mp3

Unless the strings are different ages, Id say the second one is rosewood. If it isnt, sadly the strings played too big a role in the comparison for me.

**cdb** · 07-31-2006, 12:22 PM

Originally Posted by Figjam

Unless the strings are different ages, Id say the second one is rosewood. If it isnt, sadly the strings played too big a role in the comparison for me.

I would guess #2 is rosewood as well.

Here's the deal, though. I just bought a Stingray 5er and it is the first bass I have ever bought with a maple board and I have been playing bass for 25 years... and I really can't tell much of a difference. Maybe it's just that bass or the way I have it eq'ed... but really...

**nocluejimbo** · 07-31-2006, 12:24 PM

The only reason I've noticed maple boards to be brighter is when they are hard-finished. Comparing an oiled maple board to an oiled rosewood board should have minimal bearing when all of the elements of an instrument are brought together.

**Psycho Ward** · 07-31-2006, 12:54 PM

Well, I know what I think about it.

**4metta** · 07-31-2006, 12:59 PM

I like the feel of maple better but prefer the sound of rosewood. Maple sounds a bit too bright for my taste.

**4metta** · 07-31-2006, 01:02 PM

Originally Posted by bovinehost

Oh, I realize what sort of question it is, believe me.

I am NOT soliciting opinions from YOU GUYS.

Aw hell...gotta learn to read a thread entirely before I post. Just disregard my post then.

**Mahlon** · 07-31-2006, 01:27 PM

He sells both. Guess he can't say much!

**Psycho Ward** · 07-31-2006, 01:33 PM

5 bucks says BP is a rosewood man!

**phatduckk** · 07-31-2006, 01:36 PM

Originally Posted by Figjam

Unless the strings are different ages, Id say the second one is rosewood. If it isnt, sadly the strings played too big a role in the comparison for me.

and #2 is RW...

great point about the strings... but i made a point to record those when the strings had approx the same hours of usage on 'em. i guesstimated - didn't use a stop watch or anything. but i did make an effort to have them close to the same (same brand too btw).

my take on this whole issue is that there's too many variables for the FB to make that much of a difference... strings being a big one, as figgy pointed out: older, newer, nickel, stainless etc. then there's eq on the bass and amp, then the cab ... size, porting, horn etc.

**syciprider** · 07-31-2006, 01:46 PM

One of my first geetar heroes was Ritchie Blackmore. This probably explains my preference for maple boards.

**Big Poppa** · 07-31-2006, 02:00 PM

Kids

You are HYSTERICAL!!!!!!!!!!
jackalope posts at 10am and your nickers are all bunched up two hours later because it is Monday and I have a little work....

Sorry that my answer took 4 hours but..I actually like both but they always bring me a rosewood one so thats what I play. Ithink that the maple is snappier and brighter and the rosewood may be a tad more balanced and warmer.

The reason for the Bongo not being maple is that is was ugly! (knowingly opening up the Bongo looks debate becasue the EVH thread got deleted)

I love all of you , well maybe love most of you and I will check the forum more dilligently.

Your faithful serventBIG POPPA!