Need a 5-string bass - maple or rosewood fretboard?

J

jeffnesham

Jan 19, 2014
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#1
Hi so I joined a country band and a lot of the material requires a 5 string which I don’t have and am In The market for one. I’m settled on a Music Man Sterling 5 for the reason that I don’t have a lot to spend and I realllly like the music man look and don’t want yet another Fender bass.

so my big question is for a 5 string bass in country music. Does it matter if I go rosewood or maple for the fretboard to get an appropriate tone?
 
#3
I have both types of fretboards, and I wouldn’t be able to discern a difference in my own home — let alone in the live band mix. I like both — and almost prefer my sealed maple board, as there’s little to no care I need to do to it (e.g. oiling the rosewood when it looks dry).
 
#4
Whatever tonal difference one might discern between maple and rosewood will be lost in the mix. The only practical difference is visibility under bright stage lighting. For me, rosewood is easier to see. Otherwise, get what feels and looks right to you.
 
#6
I've had both and IMO the only difference was the maple marked after playing for a few years and the rosewood didn't.

Make sure your band has no crazy requirements for your gear (some of them like to do that!), get the bass that sounds right to you and enjoy.

I'd also suggest Lakland Skylines. Not a Fender, sound as good as you can make them and a lot of bass for the money.
 
#7
Thanks this I all good Info! Since I’ve never played a five string for an any extended period of time a handful total, I didn’t know if the maple fretboard would help the low b cut through a mix better than rosewood. To me I can hear more growl and bite on my bass with the maple fretboard then the rosewood, but it could be due to all kinds of variable such as pickups body type strings etc.

Thanks!
 
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