Fingerboard wood, possible alternatives

[Thomas Erickson]

Originally Posted by Arnold Schnitzer

Carbon fiber fails when it comes to ease of dressing. And it's pretty toxic. The one CF fingerboard I tested from Moses, Inc. was too rubbery for adequate neck stiffness. I tried Mesquite once--hard, but not stiff enough. I've thought about trying Ipe and Purpleheart, but haven't had the time.

Arnold - how long ago was it that you encountered the Moses board? I've heard reports of them having issues with stiffness, or lack thereof, but when i talked to someone at the company a while back they assured me it was no longer an issue. They also said that for more $$$ the fingerboards could perhaps be made extra stiff and also thicker than what they usually do.

I've also wondered about Ipe, since I hear it's about as hard and dense as wood gets. Anybody worked with the stuff?

The purpleheart I've had has always been a real pain to work with; lots of irregular grain that likes to splinter and tear out everywhere alternating with super dense rock hard stuff that's impossible to work. If, however, some really good quality wood was available I can see where it might make a good fingerboard. It does seem to have a nice consistent color and texture that would look good.