Maple Fret(board)less?

tetsu83 · Posted: Mon Mar 05, 2007 2:00 pm Post subject: Maple Fret(board)less?

Hello there!

i'm a newbie and i'd love to learn to play fretless bass but the thing is, fretless basses are nowhere to be found in my area. Just recently I was acquainted with a local luthier and I'm planning to have a custom-made fretless, with a '75 jazz bass in mind, gotta love that natural finish and maple fretboard- you can see the wood grain- real tasty.

OUT OF CURIOSITY, i'd like to know why they dont use maple for the fretboard on fretless basses- usually it's rosewood, ebony and pau ferro.

like what is the big difference between rosewood and maple for fretboards? and why not on a fretless?

all opinions are greatly appreciated!

Rd_Artist · Posted: Mon Mar 05, 2007 2:54 pm Post subject:

although it is rare you can find a fretless with a maple finger board.
the difference between rosewood and maple is in my opinion very stark.
the rosewood is darker and smoother in tone and maple is bright and punchy.
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tetsu83 · Posted: Tue Mar 06, 2007 1:45 pm Post subject:

thanks for the info! i see your point- the difference in tone as influenced by the type of wood. i think i heard that before, maybe i read it somewhere in the forums.

i've heard how beautiful the rosewoods 'muwaaah', but i haven't heard of the kind of tone produced by maple, though. Razz

i'm trying to imagine a bright 'muwaaah', i know it's kinda weird, but is it not really advisable to use maple because of the sound it makes- bright and punchy- like is maple 'strictly' for slap style only?

thanks again!

Ankhanu · Posted: Wed Mar 07, 2007 5:00 am Post subject:

In general, the woods will influence the sound, but, I don't think most users, in the end, would be able to blindly hear a bass with a rosewood fretboard, then the same bass with maple and tell the difference.

Part of the difference, and perhaps part of the reason as to why maple isn't commonly seen as a fretless finger board, is that maple has to have a finish on it, such as varnish or epoxy, while rosewood, ebony, etc. can be left natural. The finish will, without question, change the feel somewhat.

peterbright · Posted: Tue Mar 27, 2007 9:22 am Post subject:

Too bright for most without a lot of EQ

BullSwede · Newbie Alert Joined: 16 May 2007 Posts: 4 Location: Tampa

Sting used a fretless with a maple fingerboard for a while in the late 70's, early 80's. You can see it in footage from the Zenyatta Mondatta tour era.

51pbass · Posted: Wed May 16, 2007 3:44 pm Post subject:

A friend of mine has several 5 String Basses. Two of his are Maple necks.. He says he call tell very little difference in tone and in fact thinks his Maple necks may be a bit "rounder" sounding and a bit more responsive.

Hope this helps you out. Cool

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radapaw · Posted: Wed May 23, 2007 8:04 am Post subject:

I would think the downright standard 'epoxy coat' would be even brighter than maple...

I'm also of the opinion that 'the mwah factor' likes bright (same as flats generally being used for thuddy tone vs. rounds if your a mwah-head. ) Judging from personal experience with rosewood vs epoxied rosewood, unfinished was a rounder.. fatter.. more of a bwaahhhh opposed to mwaaaaaah.

I would guess maple is usually avoided for fretless because it needs to be finished (or it'll get all gross with gunk). Seeing as you can't re-fret, any future board work due to string wear would also need a finishing work done. $$$
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