|
Post by maxr on Feb 27, 2024 11:47:13 GMT
I just bought a used HB B30 fretless acoustic bass with a 'roseacre' fingerboard. I put better strings on (LaBella Low Tension Flats), and the result is a good deal better than I expected for very little money The action at the 12th is now E4.5mm/0.18" G4.0mm/0.16" from the fingerboard to bottom of the string. So:
1) Is that action height in the ballpark for one of these?
2) Can the 'roseacre' fingerboard be treated like any other wood board?
Thanks, Max
|
|
|
Post by DerAlex on Mar 4, 2024 8:37:22 GMT
2) Can the 'roseacre' fingerboard be treated like any other wood board?
Well, depending on the fretboard material there are differences - e.g. you usually won´t oil a maple fretboard. So I would research if Roseacre is something like maple and then would treat it as that. I guess you want to oil the fretboard to make it darker - maybe test it out at the end of the fretboard?
|
|
advb
Harley Benton Expert
|
Post by advb on Mar 4, 2024 9:38:19 GMT
So I would research if Roseacre is something like maple and then would treat it as that. In the "In the spotlight" section on this page, Thomann confirm that roseacre is thermally treated maple. I think the advice not to oil or treat normal maple is to avoid it getting stained or darkened. As roseacre is already darkened by the thermal process, that would probably be less of an issue. None of my HB guitars have a roseacre fretboard but hopefully someone else here can comment with personal experience.
|
|
|
|
Post by maxr on Mar 4, 2024 10:29:39 GMT
Thanks guys. The article DefJef refers us to above says:
'Roseacer, being a thermally treated maple, has this silky, almost glassy feel under your fingers'
That's the problem here - this HB fingerboard isn't like that - it feels dry and very slightly rough compared to e.g. the 'rosewood' fingerboard on a Crafter 400 fretless I have. Maybe a fine sanding and polish would sort it?
|
|
|
Post by kodiakblair on Mar 4, 2024 19:03:36 GMT
The general tenor of the advice seems to be to underdo it rather than overdo it. Main reason against oiling maple is density. Maple is not particularly good at absorbing oil, it just lies on the surface then transfers itself to your hands and clothes
|
|
DefJef
THBC Moderator
Due to musical differences I've decided I can't work with myself any more.
|
Post by DefJef on Mar 4, 2024 20:32:04 GMT
The general tenor of the advice seems to be to underdo it rather than overdo it. Main reason against oiling maple is density. Maple is not particularly good at absorbing oil, it just lies on the surface then transfers itself to your hands and clothes Very true. I think the other reason is that nine times out of ten it has already been sealed with lacquer.
|
|