👕 Get New Ernie Ball Merch Now!
  • Ernie Ball
  • Music Man
  • Sterling by Music Man
  • Security notice: Ernie Ball staff will never send you a direct message about a prize or giveaway, and will never ask you to click a link to "claim" anything.
    If you receive a message like that - even from an account whose name looks official - do not click the link. Please report it using the Report link on the message so the moderators can act. A scam campaign impersonating admin accounts was blocked on 29 July 2026; those accounts are banned and their messages have been deleted.
Majesty Premium Select

BP, What's Your Take on Maple vs Rosewood

bovinehost

bovinehost

Administrator
Joined
Jan 16, 2003
Messages
18,203
Location
Dall-Ass, TX
Check the thread "Neck woods make all the difference".

This is one of those older-than-Jesus arguments that no one's ever going to win, but I'm curious about your take on it.

Like you have nothing better to do, I'm sure.

Jack
 
Didnt I hear somewhere, probably here, that they only make the Bongo with a rosewood board because it didnt sound as good when they tried it with maple. I'm sure theres gotta be some kind of difference but personally I think its more of a matter of looks.
 
Oh, I realize what sort of question it is, believe me.

I am NOT soliciting opinions from YOU GUYS. I AM curious to see what BP thinks.

And/Or Dudley, wherever he may be these days.
 
bovinehost said:
Check the thread "Neck woods make all the difference".

This is one of those older-than-Jesus arguments that no one's ever going to win, but I'm curious about your take on it.

Like you have nothing better to do, I'm sure.

Jack
Click to expand...

I Personally prefer Maple unless doing a session then rosewood on Music Man, non active basses like 58 PBass Maple neck is ok.

Maple to me on EB Basses are Punchy as hell LOVE EMMMMM, but Love Rosewood too, it has it's own tone.
 
bovinehost said:
Oh, I realize what sort of question it is, believe me.

I am NOT soliciting opinions from YOU GUYS. I AM curious to see what BP thinks.

And/Or Dudley, wherever he may be these days.
Click to expand...

It's all Personal Taste I'm sure, Builders will Have their own opion, And BP too as far as what gets ordered Most, and the players who Pounds the streets playing 24/7 will have their's.

But if your smart you'll buy them all, then ya have choices. hehehehehe
 
Figjam said:
So much for not getting opinions from us ^ ^




:p
Click to expand...

lol well that's a loaded gun, I get 10 emails aday on this same topic and the answer seems to come out the same

{{what ever you prefer }}
 
bovinehost said:
Oh, I realize what sort of question it is, believe me.

I am NOT soliciting opinions from YOU GUYS.
Click to expand...

too late jack :cool:

there is a difference between fingerboard woods and the sound that comes forth from the bass. I love my rosewood and purpleheart is still the best fretless board IMHO

:D
 
Strangeglow said:
It hardly matters. It's not like Jack will ever choose a maple board anyway.
Click to expand...

True, John, very true, but I'd like to hear what the boss thinks about the sonic difference.

I've had maple boards in the past (Heinz was originally maple) and my main gigging bass throughout the early-mid 80s was also maple.

My preference for rosewood is strictly based on looks alone.
 
Figjam said:
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.
Click to expand...

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...
 
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.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Classic Rock N Roll Slinky
Back
Top