New to the place and looking for a few opinions about the two fretboards offered on the Stingray. I play in a rock band and have always had rosewood fretboards. So far I haven't been able to get the tone that I'm looking for. I don't know if it's because they are cheaper basses (midline Fender Jazz w/ active pickups) or because of the rosewood. I'm looking to get that "classic rock" bass tone and wondered if it would be more accessible with rosewood or maple. So far I'm leaning toward maple because I can hear more attack (which would work great in distinguishing eighth notes). What are everybody's experiences with the two?
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I personally enjoy the feel of rosewood...it gives a nice warm sound...great for slap and pop bass... if your playing with a pick or u have crazy fast fingers... maple is good for hearing the individual notes...and on top of that maple looks awesome...when u decide poost your basses picture you know how we like to see the basses of the users...hope that helped
bovinehost
Administrator
My experience is that there isn't enough difference in the sound of rosewood vs maple fretboards to worry about which you get.
Think about how much of your string contacts the fretboard itself. Open note? Nada. Fretted note? One tiny little contact point.
You can hear a bigger difference by changing the type of strings you use.
Choose rosewood or maple based on what FEELS better to you. Of course, rosewood is easier to maintain, but that might not be an issue for you.
Think about how much of your string contacts the fretboard itself. Open note? Nada. Fretted note? One tiny little contact point.
You can hear a bigger difference by changing the type of strings you use.
Choose rosewood or maple based on what FEELS better to you. Of course, rosewood is easier to maintain, but that might not be an issue for you.
Masamax
Well-known member
Maple looks so pretty though!!!! 
Maple or Rosewood?
From my experience of shopping round and trying quite a few SR5s, there does seem to be a difference in the sound and feel of the different fretboards.
Rosewood seems to give more depth and feel when playing fingerstyle, yet slightly muddier articulation of the notes than the maple.
The maple fretboard definitely gives more response yet lacks "middle." I think it would definitely suit a player who was really into slapping or out and out rock playing. (I think the maple models seem to be set up better, with faster actions)
I own an SR5 with a rosewood board and feel the tone is not as good as the four string models. The tone is more woody and less focused than the four strings also a little harsh and lacks warmth. Overall, I feel MM could have improved the tone circuit in the 5 strings.
From my experience of shopping round and trying quite a few SR5s, there does seem to be a difference in the sound and feel of the different fretboards.
Rosewood seems to give more depth and feel when playing fingerstyle, yet slightly muddier articulation of the notes than the maple.
The maple fretboard definitely gives more response yet lacks "middle." I think it would definitely suit a player who was really into slapping or out and out rock playing. (I think the maple models seem to be set up better, with faster actions)
I own an SR5 with a rosewood board and feel the tone is not as good as the four string models. The tone is more woody and less focused than the four strings also a little harsh and lacks warmth. Overall, I feel MM could have improved the tone circuit in the 5 strings.
Thanx for all the input. I recently was in Las Vegas for a couple of weeks, so I stopped into a Guitar Center (we don't have 'em here in small town Oklahoma). I tried a load of basses and I think that I have decided to go with a maple neck on a MM-sterling...mainly because I have always played Jazz basses, and there are more tone controls with the Sterling. I also found that the rosewood tended to take the "edge" off of the notes whereas the maple left it there. Again, just as bovinehost said, there isn't much of a difference but, I think that Basserama said it best when he addressed the issue of articulation...which is exactly what I'm after. Thanx again...
All that's left to do now is to watch Ebay for a steal, or just part with the $1500+ at a music store. Does anybody know of any good online companies to deal with?
All that's left to do now is to watch Ebay for a steal, or just part with the $1500+ at a music store. Does anybody know of any good online companies to deal with?
bovinehost
Administrator
Call Bass Central. They have lots of MM basses in stock and will make you a very good deal and have a very good return policy should you not like the bass.
http://www.basscentral.com/2003/index.shtml
You can browse their inventory online. The phone number is there, too. If/when you call, talk to Gard and tell him Jack sent you.
Sterlings are exceptional basses and I agree with your choice even if it is maple, heh heh.
Of course, there's always the Bongo.....
http://www.basscentral.com/2003/index.shtml
You can browse their inventory online. The phone number is there, too. If/when you call, talk to Gard and tell him Jack sent you.
Sterlings are exceptional basses and I agree with your choice even if it is maple, heh heh.
Of course, there's always the Bongo.....
skyjuice
Member
Good choice on the sterling!! I recently purchased a sterling with a maple neck. I have never been this happy. This thing is the ****. Especially for rock tones, harmonics, hearing single notes. But still have a big fat tone!!!! I just used it in the studio yesterday. BLOOOOWWN AWay!!!
Congrats and have fun
Rob
Seven Day Faith
Congrats and have fun
Rob
Seven Day Faith
