Hey guys what fretboard is on this BT5 string?

[Tim Bishop]

Originally Posted by Jon Greenwald

How would you describe the difference with the feel and tone compared to ebony?

Originally Posted by Tim Bishop

Personally, and without hesitation, I'll take an ebony fretboard over Pau-ferro always. Nothing against a Pau-ferro fingerboard; it's just not for my ear. I have a couple sets of older Smiths (identical models), two with the Pau-ferro and two with ebony (again, identical models). While they serve their purpose, there is a difference to my ear as the Pau-ferro fingerboard sounds warmer/softer up and down the neck. I love what ebony contributes: From the fundamental and harmonic, to the tightness in the lows, mids, and highs, up and down the neck. I can't give that same endorsement with the Pau-ferro.

As far as feel? I wouldn't say I "feel" a difference as the neck dimensions are the same, just a different fretboard wood used. I prefer a neck with a Satin finish over lacquered, but I'll use either as long I am achieving the sound I am seeking.


While this is my opinion and everyone has their own, and everyone has that tone they are seeking (developed/matured ear or not), I would suggest you try it for yourself, but my recommendation is to go with the ebony fretboard (gaboon ebony if you can get it).

Originally Posted by Jon Greenwald

I absolutely agree with your observation 100%..I have allways loved the feel of an ebony fretboard bass..Silky and smooth with a very fast and solid feel..The tone always seemed to be cleaner and more focused also....I just never heard or played a BT with Maurado before but I dont know that it would be my optimal board...
It is one clean 1990 isnt it....The guy says he bought it new and it has been out of the case less than 5 hours total....

Well, it certainly is not my optimal fretboard either (as I've stated), however, yes that is a very nice looking bass and I certainly would not discount it and would jump on it for the right price.

[Jon Greenwald]

What do you think is the right price?

[Tim Bishop]

Originally Posted by Jon Greenwald

What do you think is the right price?

Well, IF it is everything he says it is, AND no one has botched/re-routed the electronics cavity (advice: I would request a clear photo if I were you and ask ALL the right questions), and if I am seeing a 3pc. body, I would say around $2.7k (+/- a couple of bills).

[Tim Bishop]

By the way.....do you have photo's of the back?

[Jon Greenwald]

Hey Tim,
Got Back!

[Jon Greenwald]

What $$$ do you think Ken would charge to replace the fretboard with a gaboon ebony?

[Tim Bishop]

Originally Posted by Jon Greenwald

What $$$ do you think Ken would charge to replace the fretboard with a gaboon ebony?

Hmmm, it won't be cheap, however, I would suggest you contact Ken on that one. I gotta tell ya, given the condition of this bass, I wouldn't do it.

[Tim Bishop]

Originally Posted by Jon Greenwald

Hey Tim,
Got Back!

Looks really nice Jon. The core looks like walnut but not 100% sure from the photo. Looks like a 3pc. body....or is there a laminate between the core and top and back that I' not seeing?

[Jon Greenwald]

Good question..It is hard to tell from these shots...I will blow it up at my office..
hey bro,
If I get this bass and decide I really have to have an Ebony board would you swap one of your 5's for this bass?
He says it has been out of the case for a total of less than 5 hours in 17 years and is in showroom new cond..

[Albert Smith]

Originally Posted by Jon Greenwald

Hey Tim,
Got Back!

Great looking bass, it really looks like it has been well taken care of, I'm just curious but what's the asking price for this baby?

[Jon Greenwald]

I just made the deal on the bass and havent even gotten my hands on it yet...
I think it will be a keeper but we shall see..

I will keep you posted...
Thanks