In some instances, guitars may have a maple neck with a rosewood fretboard fitted on top. Different types of wood impart different tonal qualities to the sound of a guitar. George Harrison: The Rickenbacker 360/12 was popularised after he played it on songs such as I Can Call Your Name. Copyright 2022 Killer Guitar Rigs. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. ). If you enjoyed this post, then I invite you to go check out our blog!if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'guitarbased_com-portrait-2','ezslot_23',127,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-guitarbased_com-portrait-2-0')}; Were always sharing a lot of useful and helpful content that both beginners and advanced players can use to further their playing abilities. If you want a durable guitar thats built to last, then rosewood is probably the way to go. 7 Best Loop Pedals (2022) Loopers For Every Budget. While the Fender Custom Shop David Gilmour Signature Strat is a more premium guitar, you can emulate his tone using a maple fretboard. 23 Guitar Brands Youre Pronouncing Wrong! It is a very dense and strong wood, with smaller pores and tighter grain, and is very commonly found on Fender guitars. The only maple neck I've owned was on my old telecaster. One slight downside to rosewood fretboards being unfinished is that they will occasionally need to be conditioned. Rosewood is a slightly more complicated topic due to recent laws and restrictions introduced to protect the species. No matter what the tonewood is, it is always good practice to wipe down the fretboard to remove dirt and debris from it after you have finished playing. That is a very nice guitar. See all posts by Suyasha Sengupta, Playing guitar with a slide is far more difficult than it may seem at first. ins.dataset.adChannel = cid; How To Clean A Guitar Fretboard With Household Items? Find out more about this service by reading my guitar setup guide. view of all of the characteristics of each fretboard wood. While some brands have continued the use of their rosewood substitutes after the rules were eased, many have reverted to using it in their guitar designs. These fretboards range from light shades of brown to a darker, almost chocolate color. Though I hardly ever play blues and stuff like that, I once had an old Gibson Marauder. in my massive guitar humidity guide. Theres no substitute for actually playing the guitar and hearing the sound for yourself!if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'guitarbased_com-narrow-sky-1','ezslot_18',149,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-guitarbased_com-narrow-sky-1-0')}; If youre a beginner, you might not even hear a difference in their tone or notice a change in the feel and playability when you have one in your hands. Such sound is usually defined as being crisp and articulate and is usually preferred for its consistent tone and lack of muddiness.. Discussion in 'Musicians Corner' started by control-denied777, Jan 18, 2005. 9 Best Guitar Stands and Guitar Racks For All Budgets (2022), 7 Best Guitar Wall Hangers or Mounts that are easy to install (2022), 7 Best Nylon Guitar Strings For Classical Guitar (2022), The Best Guitar Picks for Beginners w/ Buying Guide, 7 Best Noise Gate Pedals [2022] Keep tone, lose noise, 20 Best Free Amp Sims/Plugins For Guitarists [2022], 7 Best Low Latency Audio Interfaces [2022] with Buyers Guide, 7 Best P90 Guitars [2022] For All Budgets, 7 Best Guitar Headphone Amps [2022] Amp in your Cans, 7 Best Parlor Guitars in 2022 with Buyers Guide, Best Cheap Acoustic Guitars (2022 Review). var ins = document.createElement('ins'); Although many variations exist, ebony is generally the darkest fretboard wood you will find on most guitars, making it very popular on guitars designed for heavier music where everything must be black! ins.className = 'adsbygoogle ezasloaded'; Ebony, maple, and rosewood fretboards all exhibit unique tonal and visual characteristics, as well as a distinctive feel when playing. While we agreed with everything he says, I still encourage you to watch the full video, since youll actually be able to hear these differences in tone yourself on his demos. Eric Clapton: The Fender Artist Series Eric Clapton Stratocaster is based on his guitar he named Brownie. There are multiple country chord progressions that people tend to like more than others. Sonically, ebony is similar to maple and produces a crisp, bright sound. I do like how smooth it looks though. A high-gloss finish will make the grain of your guitar more visible, while a satin finish will give it a more natural look. if you can find some older model series charvels, those things are bullet proof and can be had for cheap. If youre looking for a guitar that has more of a cutting sound, maple is a good option for you.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'guitarbased_com-mobile-leaderboard-2','ezslot_17',122,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-guitarbased_com-mobile-leaderboard-2-0')}; Maple fretboards also provide definition and clarity to the notes you play, whereas rosewood can sometimes muddle the sound. JavaScript is disabled. Rosewood Tonewood Characteristics Summary. Newbie Guide: Getting Started with Guitar, 25 Amazing Facts About Left Handed People. Maple, on the other hand, has a more unique and modern look, which some guitarists prefer.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'guitarbased_com-leader-1','ezslot_6',114,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-guitarbased_com-leader-1-0')}; Birdseye maple, in particular, is known for its unique and visually striking grain pattern, and then theres flame maple, which gets its name from its dramatic, rippled grain that looks like flames. However, as of November 2019 all musical instruments are now exempt from these regulations, apart from those containing the more endangered Brazilian rosewood variety. Any guitar player will tell you that the feel of their instrument is important to them. Rosewood is associated with rich and warm tones. The various woods which come together to assemble your guitar all have an impact on the overall tone produced. Choose one that you feel comfortable playing and one that helps you achieve your ideal sound. It is common for maple fretboards to be carved out of the same piece of wood as the neck. Rosewood is typically a deep brown color with a prominent grain pattern, while maple can range in color from almost white to a deep, rich brown. The reason for this is that rosewood is becoming increasingly rare, especially Brazilian rosewood, which is now an endangered species. The guitars tend to sound bright and precise. Just my opinion, but I believe every guitar nerd should own this.The Ultimate Guitar Tone Handbook by Bobby Owsinksi. 5 Best Rat Clones and Buyers Guide, 2022 Edition, Boss Katana Vs. In quilted maple, the figuring resembles a quilt, or rippling water pattern, especially when the wood is stained. In between the frets, the wood is scooped out to create a U-shape to allow better playability for techniques such as shredding. Lets now talk about how these woods feel and affect the playability of your guitar. Lemon oil is an excellent way to clean your fretboard since it easily removes grime and allows the wood to shine againif its dried out. Like weve been saying, Rosewood is a very dense wood, so it tends to be quite heavy, this can make your guitar feel more substantial and solid, which some guitarists prefer. 7 Best Guitar Speakers For All Styles Of Music, 2022 Edition, 5 Best 10 Inch Guitar Speakers, 2022 Edition, 7 Best Clean Amps That Take Pedals Well [2022 Review], 7 Best Combo Amps for Metal (2022 Review), 5 Best 8 Inch Guitar Speakers, 2022 Edition, Best Guitar Speaker Cabs For Modeling Amps [2022], 7 Best Guitars for Small Hands (2022) Electric, Acoustic & Classical, 7 Best Electric Guitar Starter Kits for Beginners in 2022, Best Guitar Speakers for Rock (2022 Review), 5 Best Electric Guitars For Small Hands (2022 Review). Its status on the IUCN Red List is endangered after a reduction in population of over 50% in the last three generations. (2022) Your Questions Answered! Both maple and rosewood have their own unique sound, so its important to choose the one that you think will fit your style of playing the best. The fretboard of a guitar can vary in radius size and curvature depending on the shape and length of its neck. So the best fretboard wood choice will vary depending on the sound, aesthetic, or feel that you are looking for. The high-end frequencies are more pronounced, giving maple a snap that some guitarists prefer. 7 Best Reverb Pedals (2022) Every size, every budget! Some guitarists prefer the warmer, richer sound that rosewood fretboards provide, while others find the brighter, snappier tone of maple to be more their style. Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, 20 Ways To Grow A Guitar Page On Instagram. Gibson Les Paul Standard 60s Is This Peak Les Paul? It also has a classic look thats been used on guitars for decades, and its often seen as a luxurious wood. Another thing worth considering is the finish and texture of both of these woods. I like it, but again, cuz of the big frets, the difference in "feel" isn't all that apparent to me. Stevie Ray Vaughan: The signature Fender SRV Stratocaster features a maple neck with a rosewood fingerboard, that he helped design. 7 Best Wah Pedals (2022) Channeling Hendrix and Slash! It may not display this or other websites correctly. Both of these woods need to be carefully looked after to ensure that they last for many years and to prevent them from drying out and cracking. The oily nature of rosewood also means that it does not require a finish (in fact, it doesnt take a finish well at all! Can you get Schecter in Egypt? The maple they use is very nice and you can get Birdseye maple too, which looks really cool with certain colors. var container = document.getElementById(slotId); Since the wood is now completely dried out, it doesnt require a finish, so the feel will be much closer to that of rosewood or ebony. Check out these other articles you might like: Suyasha Sengupta is a singer, songwriter, and music producer from India. nothing wrong with the maple fretboard for metal. So your choice may very well come down to which looks better, or more importantly, which feels better. jeff loomis models always seem to have maple boards. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is an international agreement between countries. I do kinda have a thing against rosewood, but probably because my crappy ibanez has a rosewood board. Maple fretboards provide a lighter, brighter sound than rosewood, which is why theyre often used on guitars that are played for country and pop. This means that any maple fingerboard which has received a glossy finish can feel a little too sticky or unnatural for some players however satin finishes are also available. Rosewood and maple are two popular options, but which one is actually better? A little cleaning goes a long way. This additional stability makes roasted maple ideal if you travel frequently, or experience large fluctuations in humidity and temperature where you live. Its generally uncommon to see these used for fretboards on anything other than higher end guitars. 11 Country Chord Progressions That Actually Sound Good, 7 Ways To Make DIY Guitar Picks Quickly And Easy. It was thicker than most modern necks. So, if youre buying a guitar that has a rosewood fretboard, its important to make sure that it is from a sustainable source.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'guitarbased_com-netboard-1','ezslot_20',150,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-guitarbased_com-netboard-1-0')}; Fortunately, many guitar manufacturers are now using certified sustainable rosewood, so this shouldnt be too difficult to do. Yes but seems like I will pass on it. The heavy bass and mid tones give rosewood a darker sound than maple, which is why its often used on guitars that are played for blues and rock. Besides, as they say, most of your tone comes from the fingers, right? Read more about this here. But if youre looking for an affordable guitar thats easy to work with, then maple is probably the better option. Rosewood has a very smooth, fine grain that feels nice to the touch, while maple has a coarser grain thats more visible.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'guitarbased_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_11',116,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-guitarbased_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0')}; The choice of finish is also important, as it can affect the look and feel of your guitar. There are a lot of different factors that go into making a guitar, from the type of wood used for the body and neck to the type of strings it uses. If you can spare 10 minutes, please watch the video below to discover how Bob Taylor managed to make such a huge, positive impact on the supply and protection of ebony. GuitarBased.com is all about showing you a little bit more about guitars each day and finding ways to innovate and have fun with this beautiful instrument that we love. The way the strings respond under their fingers, the weight of the body, and even the shape of the neck can all affect how easy or difficult it is to play. The most common varieties used for guitar fretboards are: East Indian rosewood (Dalbergia latifolia) is the most popular type used in guitars, and its characterized by its deep brown color and prominent grain pattern.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'guitarbased_com-box-4','ezslot_3',111,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-guitarbased_com-box-4-0')}; Its a very dense wood, which makes it durable and resistant to warping. It is probably the best one you have asked about so far. Fretboards can be separate pieces of wood that sit on top of the neck or they can be the same wood as the neck. I say go for it. Maple can range from an almost white color to a more yellowish shade with a golden hue. The non-black trees would be left behind as no one wanted the streaked variety an unbelievable waste of wood! Maple fretboards also require more upkeep than rosewood, because theyre more susceptible to scratches and dents. If youre the type of player who likes to keep their guitars clean and pristine, this may not be the best option for you.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'guitarbased_com-narrow-sky-2','ezslot_19',148,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-guitarbased_com-narrow-sky-2-0')}; Also, if youre planning on using any type of stain or finish on your guitar, be aware that it will be more visible on maple than on rosewood. What is CITES? Epiphone vs. Gibson What are the Differences Between Epiphone and Gibson Models? Jackson DXMG with upgrades does it worth? var slotId = 'div-gpt-ad-guitarbased_com-box-3-0'; The figuring is not a result of the grain of the wood, but rather, it is caused by a phenomenon called chatoyancy. Maple is a reliable tonewood because it is dense and sturdy. Of course, the sound of your guitar is also affected by factors like the body wood, pickups, and amplifier, so the difference between rosewood and maple might not be as noticeable as you think.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'guitarbased_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_4',113,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-guitarbased_com-large-leaderboard-2-0')}; In the end, its really up to personal preference, some guitarists prefer the fuller, darker sound of rosewood, while others prefer the brighter, tighter sound of maple. A standard guitar has 22 or 24 frets. Dreadnought vs Concert: Which Style Makes For the Best Acoustic Guitar? Ebony has now been so badly overharvested that the only remaining country that still supplies it commercially is Cameroon. If you are nervous about oversaturating, an easy solution is to get your guitar regularly setup. Rosewood vs Maple - Tonewood Blindfold Challenge! Many acoustic guitars have rosewood fretboards. He talks about the manufacturing and construction process of both woods, and everything thats currently happening due to new international laws. Rosewood is becoming increasingly rare and expensive, so it may not be an option for budget-minded players. However, this weight can also make your guitar harder to play, as you have to overcome the resistance of the dense wood. container.style.width = '100%'; ins.id = slotId + '-asloaded'; Japanese Guitar Brand Guide (2022) ESP, Takamine and More! In terms of tone, a guitar with a one-piece maple neck might have a bright sound with a strong attack. You wont be needing too much since this is not meant to be taken as the main product to clean the heavy dirt, rather, use it to give it its last touch of shine and moisture. In my opinion, I think is best to use a professional product that was researched and made specifically for that purpose, although theres many alternatives out there. if(ffid == 2){ Here are four of the most common types youll find used for fingerboards. The thing weighed about 400 lbs. Sometimes you might want the qualities of two or three different woods, so may need to weigh up which of these three factors are most important to you. The long strip of material (usually wood) that connects the body of a guitar to its headstock is known as the neck. Players will often concentrate on the woods used in the body, and to a lesser extent, the neck, when trying to define the sound produced by their guitar. This resulted in many guitar brands scrambling to find suitable rosewood alternatives due to the additional headaches associated with using the wood. Positive Grid Spark [2022 Comparison], Boss Katana vs. Yamaha THR10 [2022 Comparison], Best Gifts For Guitarists At Every Price Point [2022], Best 5 Acoustic Guitar Amplifiers (2022 Review), Best 5 Acoustic Guitars For Small Hands (2022 Review), 9 Best Guitar Cleaning & Polishing Kits (2022), Neural DSP Quad Cortex Vs. Fractal Audio Axe-FX 3, 6 Best Guitar Strings for 12 String Guitars (Electric/Acoustic) [2022], Neural DSP Quad Cortex Vs. Line 6 Helix, 5 Best Soundproofing Panels For Absorbing/Dampening Sound (2022 Review), 5 Best Guitar Strings for Telecasters (2022), Behringer Guitar Pedal Guide including Clone List, 3 Best Long Life Guitar Strings (2022 Review), 7 Best Travel Guitars [2022] Compact Guitars on The Move, 5 Best Hybrid Guitars (Acoustic/Electric) in 2022. Rosewood is a naturally oily wood which results in a richer fundamental tone than maple due to the unwanted overtones being absorbed into the oily pores. At the end of the day, it really comes down to personal preference. The type of wood used for the fretboard can affect the playability of the guitar in a few different ways. We have an amazing free newsletter that we send to your inbox every other week. But thankfully this practice no longer occurs, and the streaked ebony mentioned above is also now very commonly used in guitar building. 7 Best Acoustic Guitar Strings [2022] Make Your Guitar Shine! Bass guitars have a larger fretboard to include additional notes. As far as aesthetics are concerned, rosewood is not quite as dark as ebony, usually taking on a rich, dark chocolate shade. I don't like pencil-neck guitars. Schecter is a common brand here but only low end models.. omen and demon series.. i digged the whole country for a hellraiser eith no success. 7 Best Acoustic Guitars for Beginners (2022 Review). Rosewood fretboards are generally favored by players who are looking for a warm sound, or by those who wish to tame the harsh highs on a bright sounding guitar. The end result is a wood that is much more resistant to humidity or temperature changes when compared to regular maple. Maple is also available in a wide variety of exotic looking grains and deep figuring patterns. Lets take a look at the pros and cons of each to find out, and also answer some of the most common questions about this topic.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'guitarbased_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_9',144,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-guitarbased_com-medrectangle-3-0')}; The quick answer is that rosewood sounds darker and heavier, while maple is lighter and brighter. Most guitarists however, get around not adding any oil to their maple fretboards, and just clean them with some soft cloth and maybe some water. This one is 2008 the bridge reads Jackson, licensed under bla bla bla. In a way, its similar. The type of wood used for the fretboard can have a significant impact on playability, different woods have different hardness levels, which affects how you feel when you press down on the strings. The Gibson Artist Series Les Paul Pete Townshend (Gold Top 76) model is an example. Maple body (inspired by the Lynch Kamikaze). ins.style.minWidth = container.attributes.ezaw.value + 'px'; Roasted maple, also known as caramelized, baked, or torrefied maple, has been roasted until the wood reaches its optimum dryness level. The regulation of rosewood is a recent addition to CITES, due to the high demand for rosewood guitars. On the plus side, thanks to the finish you do not need to regularly condition maple fretboards. var lo = new MutationObserver(window.ezaslEvent); If youre still undecided, our best advice would be to try out both kinds of fretboards and see which one you like better. As always, thank you for reading and being here! If you want to check it out, I really encourage you to do so, this is one of the products Ive used before, and it really does a great job. Rosewood and maple can also vary in price, with rosewood typically being the more expensive option. Suyasha Sengupta has 15 posts and counting. There are two main variations of maple used in guitar building Western Maple (also known as soft maple, or big leaf maple), and Eastern Hard Rock Maple. Just like maple fretboards, rosewood too can vary in price. How To Make Your Guitar Sound Like A Piano? Both maple and rosewood fretboards have their own unique benefits that can appeal to different types of guitarists. The notes sound clear on a maple fretboard and can be great if you enjoy playing solos or melody lines. This is arguably a pretty cool look however, and in recent years, relic guitars which emulate the dirt and dings from an older instrument have become very popular as players seek to emulate this worn-in aesthetic. Both woods can come in different finishes, so its really up to personal preference and deciding which model to go for. The debate on which one is a better tonewood: rosewood or maple is quite senseless. Twice a year should be sufficient with a guitar specific product such as lemon oil or Wonder Wipes. ins.dataset.adClient = pid; Derek Trucks Says You Should Do This to Master the Technique, Gibson Wins Lawsuit, Dean to Stop Production and Sale of Various Guitars After Court Ruling, 7 Best Les Paul Style Guitars [2022] Incl Les Paul Copies, Best Acoustic Guitar Brands (2022) Ultimate Guide, 7 Best Guitar Stools For All Budgets [2022]. This makes it a popular choice for genres such as country and pop, even though you can use it for other genres as well. My Les Paul is the leading online community and marketplace for Les Paul guitar fans. Squier Strat Range Overview Bullet, Mini, Affinity, Contemporary, Classic Vibe, How and when to use a thumbpick [with buyers guide 2022], Best Cheap 7 String Guitars (2022) with Buyers and Owners Guide, How to clean guitar strings the complete guide to extending your strings life, Gig Bag Essentials: The things every guitarist needs on the go, Pick Power Angus Young Guitar Pick Brand and Gauge, Can you Trade in at Guitar Center? Guitar Based was created with the intention of unifying and inspiring guitar players from all around the world and helping them find the right gear while learning more about guitars. As a result, it quite often has unusual colorings, and sports interesting patterns of black lines. You can store a piece of cloth in your gig bag and wipe your guitar down every time you finish playing. Maple, on the other hand, is a lighter wood with a lower density, so its easier to work with and therefore generally more affordable. As a result, when choosing a guitar, it is important to consider not only the body and neck material but also the fretboard wood. These indicate the different frets and make it easy for us to identify which note we are playing. Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you would like to delve deeper, and discover even more about the different elements that affect guitar tone, I can highly recommend the following book. Some examples are the Fender American Original 50s Stratocaster, the Squier Classic Vibe 50s Stratocaster, Ibanezs Wizard III RG370AHMZ, or RG Gio Series, PRS Limited Edition SE Custom, etc. Rosewood forms the sizeable Dalbergia family of trees, which includes over 300 subspecies. The color may start to stain. Brazilian rosewood (Dalbergia nigra) is another popular choice for guitar fretboards. Did you know that scale length also affects the tone of your guitar? Heres an excellent video from Warmoth that compares the sound of a regular maple neck versus a roasted maple neck on the same guitar. Some of these new laws include the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which regulates the trade of certain threatened species of plants and animals. Guitar fretboards (or fingerboards!) CITES was drafted as a response to the increased global demand for wildlife products, such as ivory and fur. Ive listed below a number of the most common variations used as guitar fretboard woods. Classical guitars and a few models of 12-string guitars have a flat fretboard whereas others usually always have a degree of curvature to them. Read: How To Clean A Guitar Fretboard With Household Items? Like maple, it is an extremely dense wood with a bright tone, but similar to rosewood, is darker and has oilier pores. Finally, lets talk about care and maintenance! Both of these woods are also generally susceptible to scratches and dents but they still need to be protected from impact. Can I show you something cool that I'm working on? 7 Best Guitar Tuners (2022) that tune fast! Some guitarists will actually refer to it as crackwood, because once you try an unfinished fingerboard, nothing else feels as good. Maple fretboards are generally favored by players who wish for a well-defined top end with good resonance, or for use in giving a warm sounding guitar a brighter tone. Its similar to Indian rosewood in terms of appearance and density, but its even more expensive and harder to find since its now an endangered species. You can always upgrade to a different fretboard later on if you find that you dont like the one you chose.