Topmusicanswers
Walnut has a similar low velocity of sound to maple. Rosewood is on the opposite end of the spectrum, having a high velocity of sound waves. This means that with walnut, and to a greater extend with maple, the top wood is what you are hearing.
- Is Walnut a good fretboard wood?
- Is Walnut a good tonewood?
- Which fretboard material is best?
- Do you oil a walnut fretboard?
Is Walnut a good fretboard wood?
All things being equal, a plain walnut board will not last as long as an ebony board, but with some care, walnut should work fine for quite a long while as a fretboard. Sealing the pores with an epoxy could help stiffen the fibers to make it very durable.
Is Walnut a good tonewood?
Walnut yields excellent balance and comes with tonal characteristics that fall between rosewood and mahogany. Walnut can be seen on plenty of European guitars, and especially the combination Walnut and Cedar, that can be seen on many Lowdens, sounds amazing.
Which fretboard material is best?
Rosewood fretboards are generally favored by players who are looking for a warm sound, or by those who wish to tame the harsh highs on a bright sounding guitar. Another reason to choose rosewood is for the smooth playing experience thanks to it not needing a sticky feeling finish.
Do you oil a walnut fretboard?
Use it only on the unfinished wood like the fretboard and bridge. The wood can dry out over time, and an oil like this, or linseed oil, or even mineral oil, can protect the wood and beautify it as well. Don't overdo it. Once a fretboard has been oiled a few times, you can slow down the frequency.
