Harley Benton roasted maple vs maple/ebony neck
Harley Benton roasted maple vs maple/ebony neck
Hi,
Trying to choose between Harley Benton Fusion III HSH EB (normal maple w/ "ebony" fingerboard) and Fusion III HSH Roasted (roasted maple neck and fingerboard). It seems like I actually get to try both of these out so I'll pick the one I like the most.
But if the roasted maple feels better otherwise - are there any downsides to it? How have people been faring with these Indonesian roasted maple necks in general?
I’m slowly getting back into playing, but I’m also a somewhat serious woodworker. Just my thoughts but I like what I’ve seen in the “roasted” variety. I’ll look into it but idk about the roasting process, in woodworking burning or charring wood was traditionally done to make the wood more resistant to moisture and insects. Today it is almost entirely aesthetic. There is a technique called ammoniatization where chemical gasses are used to tint wood, it’s very attractive especially with oak. Given it’s a quality brand and the neck itself is structurally sound I think it’s an aesthetic choice. Usually fretboards are lacquered or otherwise sealed/coated. I’d say playing both and getting the one that speaks to you and feels best is the way to go