So what's the big deal about a Brazilian fretboard?

[LP Freak]

I see guitars that have them and for some reason at times they're selling for thousands more. Why?

 

[lespaul6]

I wanted to get one because the wood is now endangered and I think "not for sale" in some countries...I guess its just the scarcity thing that is driving the price, not sure if those boards sound any different ?

 

[Ventura]

^ +1
Evveryone wants what they can't have, and something to make them special, unique, individual and worthy.

Not to mention, the better Customs were all made with BRW, so purists want it.

 

[Shawn Lutz]

super rare and desired...rumor has it Brazilian super models rubbed they brazilan bikini shaved snatchs up against the trees before they were harvested illegally

 

[xzyryabx]

rosewood has it's own tonal properties (nothing mystical), is one of the "standard" tone woods in musical instruments, and the favorite type of rosewood (brazilian) is an endangered species. The mix of these three is what is driving the price up for BRAZILIAN rosewood.

 

[zoom club]

Blame furniture makers of the mid 20th century for making Brazilian endangered.

The amount used in the production of musical instruments over the last 100 years is minuscule.

 

[UDTBUDS]

They're from BRAZIL ...

 

[Chubtone]

^ +1
Not to mention, the better Customs were all made with BRW, so purists want it.

Les Paul Customs?

 

[UDTBUDS]

LPC has EBONY ...

 

[cardinal]

I think it's really funny that lots of folks want certain LP historics or Fender models (I think early SRV sigs, for example) with Brazilian boards, but it's practically impossible to tell them apart just by looking at or playing them.

Folks want Brazilian board because that's how they use to be made and because people like things that are exclusive. But if no one can tell them apart, it can't be because of the tone or feel.

 

[halebox]

My vintage brazilian fretboard guitars sound way better than my non brazilian. Perhaps coincidence I dont know?

 

[RockyStar]

I think most of it is smoke and mirrors....I have several guitars with Brazilian boards and although they look nicer than regular rosewood, I am not sold on them "sounding" different.....or better. People want something rare and to talk about...otherwise they would have to actually play their guitars.

 

[Rdodson]

I think most of it is smoke and mirrors....I have several guitars with Brazilian boards and although they look nicer than regular rosewood, I am not sold on them "sounding" different.....or better. People want something rare and to talk about...otherwise they would have to actually play their guitars.

Brazilian has a ring to it when tapped that is very unique to that species. Acoustic guitars with brazzy sides and back do sound different. Does a fretboard make a difference? I don't know but I love my purple Charvel strathead with one.

 

[Ventura]

^ +1
Not to mention, the better Customs were all made with BRW, so purists want it.

Les Paul Customs?

Sorry, brainfart... the "usual suspects" I should have said - 59 bursts, 57 goldtops, etc.

LPC is indeed ebony.