What are the differences between.......

[rpe]

Ebony and rosewood fingerboards. Are there tonal differences? feel?, longevity? ease of play? Just wondering, I have several guitars with rosewood and maple necks but no ebony necks. Any comments?

rpe

 

[darrin_h2000]

Trees, they come from different trees.

I have a few ebony fingerboards. the color of rosewood the feel of maple.

 

[eyeslikefire]

I think Ebony offers a bit more sustain. This is because it is much more dense than rosewood or maple.

 

[Lopp]

I have axes with each of maple, ebony, and rosewood. I do not have two of the exact same guitar with different fretboards. Thus, it is difficult for me to determine tonal and sustain differences because the differences are affected by other aspects of the guitar.

Two differences I will note:

Color: ebony is darker. Big deal? Yet, you may find this important if you need to look at the fretboard while playing.

Playability: ebony is smoother

Hit a shop with the same models of an axe with the different fretboards. Try them for yourself. For me, the different fretboards didn't make much of a difference for tone. However, they do make a difference for playability.

 

[battleminnow]

And with acoustics, ebony is usually more expensive.

Pete

 

[Slackmaster2K]

A good ebony fretboard will feel very hard and smooth, almost like a soft stone. It's absolutely fantastic IMHO....it feels wonderful to play on.

But it really doesn't make or break the guitar...a nice guitar will be a nice guitar regardless of the fretboard wood. Even issues like sustain and tone are dependent on too many variables to say that the fretboard is responsible for a specific tone or length of sustain. The only way to make a decision is to go down to the music store and play a couple different kinds of woods and see which you prefer.

I'd suggest playing a couple Les Pauls. Play a standard which will have a rosewood fretboard, and then play a Custom which is a similar beast, but has an ebony fretboard. You'll either notice the difference right away or it won't be a big deal.

If I was choosing between two identical guitars at similar prices, and the only real difference was an ebony fretboard, I'd go with the ebony. If you're comparing two completely different guitars, then chances are the fretboard won't be the deciding factor in your purchase.

Slackmaster 2000

 

[rpe]

thanks all.

 

[foo]

Also a point to be aware of is that ebony is stiffer than the others - for the same thickness there is less play in th eneck.

foo

 

[A Reel Person]

Agreed, there's not a huge difference,...

but ebony is slightly harder than rosewood.

 

[Shockadelica]

Isn't there a website that explains the different types of woods and the effect they have on tone and sustain? I was there once but I can't remember what it was. Anyone?

 

[64Firebird]

Yes there is.

Click Here.

 

[Shockadelica]

Thanks Firebird! I managed to remember to bookmark it this time!

 

[64Firebird]

It's a good artical, but it's a little vague.

 

[monty]

Here's another one.

http://www.musiciansbuy.com/fender_guitar_comparisons.htm