Maple vs Rosewood Fretboard: Which is Better for Your Guitar?

Much like a guitar’s tonewood, fretboard materials play a big role in how a guitar looks and plays. 

Aside from just aesthetics, each material has unique characteristics that add to how a guitar plays and feels in the hand. 

Among the choices of materials, maple, and rosewood are very common in both acoustic and electric guitars. 

Maple comes from a lighter creamy color to a yellow or light caramel. Rosewood, on the other hand, is a darker brown with reddish hues and visible grains. Each of them has unique benefits that are a big selling point among various guitarists. Although rosewood is more commonly found in guitars, maple is a close competitor. 

So if you are planning to buy a guitar or even modify your existing one you need to know the differences between these two popular materials. Without much further ado, let’s get started!

• Check out our detailed guide on How to Learn Guitar Fretboard Notes

Quick Glance At Rosewood Vs Maple

Feature	Rosewood Fretboard	Maple Fretboard
Tone	Warm with enhanced overtones; Great for blues and jazz	Bright tone with crisp articulation; Great for rock and pop
Playability	Naturally oily with a comfortable grip	Smooth lacquered surface for fast playing on eclectic guitars.
Aesthetic Appeal	Dark-colored and grainy appearance	Light colored which changes hue with age.
Maintenance	Needs to be oiled regularly to prevent drying out	Easier to maintain but needs to be cleaned more frequently due to the color.

What is a Fretboard?

The fretboard is an integral part of a guitar that makes up one-third of it. It is also called the fingerboard and has a direct impact on a guitar’s feel, its tone, and its overall sound signature. The fretboard is the surface on the neck of the guitar where you press down on the strings. Since it is a key area where you must hold the guitar, choosing one that best resonates with you is very important. 

In the early days of guitar making, the choices of fretboard materials were not as limited as it is today. Availability, cost, and tone are just a few driving factors that help manufacturers decide which one they should use. Originally Ebony and Rosewood used to be a very popular material choice. However, since the mid-20th century manufacturers started using Maple, especially in electric guitars. 

Maple is harder and creates a crisp tone great for fast guitar players. Rosewood is comparatively softer resulting in a warmer sound great for rhythm guitarists. So need to know all the characteristics of these two making your final choice. 

Maple Fretboard: Characteristics and Benefits

Here are some of the unique characteristics and benefits you get from a Maple Fretboard.

Visual Appeal and Aesthetics

You can easily recognize a maple fretboard from its light color and smooth, somewhat glossy finish. It is often paired with guitars with a darker body as they contrast well with them. The sleek lines and inlays are highlighted better with a maple fretboard. 

The color of maple can change with time and use. They can change from yellow to a slightly warm, golden hue. Guitarists love this feature as it gives the guitar a vintage look adding character to it 

Tone Quality

The general sound from a maple fretboard is very bright and snappy. On the first strum, you will notice that it has a loud attack making each note stand out. Genres like pop and rock greatly benefit from this clarity; it makes the guitar stand out. Lead guitarists prefer guitars with maple fretboards as it allows the guitar to cut through the mix of other instruments. 

Durability and Maintenance

Compared to most premium fretboard materials, maple fretboards are very durable and easy to maintain. Maple is dense thus being resistant to dents and scratches over softer woods. 

Hoover, to remember that its lighter color will catch dirt, oils, and signs of wear quicker. So maple needs regular upkeep and to keep it in the best shape, at least visually. 

Make sure you keep a dry and soft cloth in your guitar case so that you can regularly dust the guitar. You can also use a damp cloth for deep cleaning. 

Make sure the cloth is not too wet as you may risk moisture seeping into the fretboard. We recommend using purpose-made oil on the fretboard to prevent it from cracking or drying out.

Common Guitar Models with Maple Fretboards

Maple is commonly used in electric guitars over acoustic ones more often than not. You can find many iconic guitar models that have a feature maple fretboard like: 

• Fender Stratocaster: The Stratocaster is perhaps the most famous guitar that features a maple fretboard. 
• Fender Telecaster: Similar to the Stratocaster, the Telecaster also comes with the option of maple fretboard materials that give the sound a twangy finish.
• PRS Silver Sky: The Silver Sky, designed with John Mayer, comes with an option of a maple fretboard.

Find out the selection of the Best Wood for Guitar Body

Rosewood Fretboard: Characteristics and Benefits

In comparison to Maple, Rosewood is a primary choice for acoustic and some eclectic guitars. Let’s check out its characteristics and various benefits over other materials.

Visual Appeal and Aesthetics

In contrast to maple, rosewood fretboards have a rich and dark color. You can see more intricate natural grain patterns on the fretboard that add a classic look to any guitar. 

The darker shade is not only visually appealing but does a great job of hiding wear and tear. With age, rosewood tends to maintain its deep color keeping the look consistent.

Tone Quality

Luthiers love using rosewood for fretboards as they have a warm and more well-rounded tone. Rosewood has rich overtones that add layers to the sound of a guitar. Jazz and Blues musicians prefer rosewood as it allows their guitar to sound deep and expressive. Rosewood has a natural warmth that is much loved in acoustic guitars. Guitars with rosewood fretboards have more resonance that complements vocals.

Durability and Maintenance

Unlike Maple, Rosewood is easier to maintain. This material is naturally oily which helps it resist moisture and wear. However that does not mean you do not have to maintain it at all, you just have to maintain it less frequently. To maintain rosewood, wiping it down with a standard lint-free cloth will do just fine when needed. For deep cleaning, you can use lemon oil or a fretboard conditioner to keep it healthy.

Common Guitar Models with Rosewood Fretboards

Rosewood fretboards are a staple on acoustic guitars with some use in electric ones. Here are some guitars that use them:

• Gibson Les Paul: The classic Les Paul often uses a rosewood fretboard to accentuate its mellow sound.
• Zager ZAD900CE: Zager Guitars primarily use Indian Rosewood for most of their guitars as Denny Zager loves the warm sound it brings to the table. 
• Martin D-28: The Martin D-28 is another legendary guitar that uses a rosewood fretboard to complement its large body. 

Maple vs Rosewood Fretboard Playability

Now that we know the basic differences between maple and rosewood, let’s talk about how they feel in their hands. 

Feel and Comfort

What fretboard you need will depend on what feels good on your fingers. Maple fretboards generally come with a layer of lacquer that gives a smooth feel under the fingers. This also plays a big part in reducing hand fatigue when playing for hours. The smooth finish means you can easily move across the fretboard. If your hands sweat frequently you may find the glossy finish too slippery

Rosewood fretboards on the other hand have a natural feel that makes the fretboard feel more tactile. Gripping this material is easier due to the rough texture of rosewood. You get more resistance against the fingers thus helping you control the dynamics and expression. 

Playing Techniques

Each fretboard type is catered towards different playing techniques. Maple’s smooth finish is more favorable for quick finger movements, such as solos, bends, and slides. It ensures that each note is clear and bright. Lead guitarists prefer a maple fretboard as it stands out in the mix.

Rosewood is soft and warm, ideal for those who have more intricate playing techniques. This material has natural damping which results in more resonance to sustain and vibrato. Blues and jazz musicians prefer rosewood fretboards as it makes bending and sliding easier. 

Maple vs Rosewood Fretboard: Tone and Sound Comparison

Maple and rosewood bring unique sound characteristics to a guitar’s sound. Although the tonewood used has the biggest impact, fretboard material can also play a part in the overall tone.

Guitar Tone

Maple fretboards make a guitar sound brighter and more articulate. You get great clarity in the upper frequencies that make notes pop out with a clean or slightly distorted tone. Maple is dense and thus responds faster to the vibrations from strings. 

Since rosewood is lighter it produces a warmer tone with amplified lower and midrange frequencies. Rosewood is less dense and is porous which means it absorbs some of the string vibrations. This creates a softer and blended sound. Damping effects from this wood smooth out sharp notes adding more sustain to the overtones.

Tone Consistency

As maple is more dense, you can expect the quality to remain consistent with time. Maple fretboards often come with a protective finish that preserves the factory’s fresh sound. Rosewood on the other hand is durable too, but not as much as maple. It is more susceptible to humidity and can change the sound over time. These changes are subtle so you do not have to worry about it with regular maintenance. 

Personal Preference and Style Considerations

At the end of the day, the choice depends on what type of guitarist you are. If you want a more articulated sound maple is the way to go. The tone delivery is sharp and well-defined. You can go with rosewood if you want a full-bodied sound. This is great for rhythm guitarists and finger pickers. 

Rosewood vs Maple Fretboard Reddit: What the Community Says

Overview of Common Opinions

When searching for what the community prefers between maple and rosewood we found some interesting opinions. Generally, users who play rock music prefer rosewood as they add warmth to the sound of the guitar. They also mention the fact that it is easier to maintain which can be a problem for maple. 

Maple on the other hand is preferred by guitarists who love smaller guitars and volume is not an issue. The brighter tone means they can make the notes they pay sound more intricate. Pop and funk musicians prefer this maple over rosewood. [Source: Reddit | r/Guitar]

Surprisingly, there were even some who chose ebony between maple and rosewood. They say ebony is the strongest and is a mix of these two materials. So you get the best of both worlds but at a higher price overall. [Source: Reddit | r/Guitar]

Another popular guitarist and teacher, Andrew Scrivens mentioned that it is difficult for him to choose between the two as such stark differences in features. 

Pros and Cons Highlighted by Users

Maple Fretboards

• Pros: Generally users love maple as it is more durable especially those that have a protective finish. They have a brighter tone and are easy for fast playing. 
• Cons: Some users also mentioned that they can be too bright or harsh, especially on electric guitars. Bending strings are less controlled on a finished maple fretboard. 

Rosewood Fretboards

• Pros: They are loved for their warm tone. Rosewood is more common in acoustic guitars and can be used across various genres.
• Cons: The darker color of rosewood makes it difficult to spot dirt. Some even mentioned that rosewood fretboards are too soft. 

Expert vs. Amateur Opinions

Experts generally prefer rosewood over maple as they are easier to maintain. Although there is not a single answer to the question, experts usually have more than one guitar with both choices as they vary in characteristics. 

Amateurs on the other hand prefer maple as they like the brighter color. Maple feels great in the hand right out of the factory. However, they do not take into account that maple usually needs to be maintained frequently. 

Rosewood Fretboard vs Maple: Which is Better?

If we had to make a choice here is how we would categorize our choice between maple and rosewood. 

Tone

For a warm tone, rosewood is the way to go. If you are more of a solo or lead guitarist maple is the way to go as they are more crisp. 

Playability

Both guitars are generally great to play. Rosewood is naturally more comfortable whereas maple with a lacquered surface is more comfortable.

Aesthetic Appeal

This boils down to what you like. Rosewood is darker whereas maple is lighter. One thing to note here is that maple will show wear and tear faster in comparison to rosewood. 

Maintenance

Rosewood needs to be oiled regularly otherwise you might wear out the surface faster. Maple is dense and thus wears out slower. However, any minimal wear can be seen quickly due to their color. 

Maintenance and Longevity: Caring for Your Fretboard

Maple Fretboard Care Tips

Most maple fretboards come with a sealed finish which makes it easy to clean. Any dry cloth can be used to wipe it down. You do not have to use fretboard oils for it as it can degrade the lacquer over time. However, the lacquer will eventually come off with use so it is wise to get the lacquer re-applied when it does. 

Rosewood Fretboard Care Tips

Similar to maple, use a soft cloth to wipe down your fretboard. Due to the darker color, you may need to inspect it closely to check if it is being cleaned. Since rosewood is naturally oily, use fretboard conditioners to keep the wood from drying out. Rosewood usually has open pores that can collect grime so it is best to keep a lookout.

Which Fretboard Material Are You Thinking Of?

Now that you know each way these two common fretboard materials are unique, we hope you can make an informed decision on which one to choose. Both maple and rosewood have their pros and cons so make sure you audition guitars properly before making a purchase. 

At the end of the day how you like it should be your deciding factor. If you want to share your opinions on which one you like, feel free to comment below. We would love to hear your thoughts as they can be a guiding light for beginner guitarists. 

If you want to look into guitars made from a mix of maple and rosewood, head on over to Zager Guitars. We have guitars that primarily have rosewood fretboards as we love the overall sound of the material!

Frequently Asked Questions