Bleached Maple

[Smallmouth_Bass]

I was at music store the other month and noticed a few new Music Man basses. One thing that struck me was that the colour of the maple (necks and fingerboards) was really light, like almost white. On one natural finished body, which almost looked like it had an aged tint, there was quite a contrast. I'm not saying it was bad, just different. Is this just a result of the available maple stock or is this something that is purposely being done?

Have any of you noticed this too?

 

[strummer]

Maple is generally a very light colored wood, and it yellows with time.

 

[oli@bass]

Maple is generally a very light colored wood, and it yellows with time.

And IME it yellows very fast within the first year, especially if played regularly. My Dargie came with an almost white neck about a year ago, and by now it looks similar as much older 'Rays.

If it is played a lot, it can even darken to an almost grayish light brown.

 

[Mick]

Sorry for chiming in (I´m from the guiatr side of the forum). I although noticed a colour change.
the lets say pre 1994 necks are more yellowing during the years and the others are more well greyish.
I have a guitar shop where I regularly service EBMM stuff. Maybe BP or Dudley have some explanations. Different wood supplier or change in maple.

My 3cts

Mick