Roasted Maple/Roasted Maple vs Wenge/Ebony

[rgand]

So I'm thinking a couple builds ahead here. I know and like the feel and balanced tones that roasted maple necks give. I like them a lot but haven't tried anything else yet. Keyword 'yet'.

Assuming the same profile, scale length and other specs, how does a wenge neck with an ebony fretboard compare for feel and weight? Will such a neck bring in the same balanced tones that a roasted maple neck does? Any improvements or drawbacks (in your opinion).

Color and grain is a huge difference in appearance but are there any other significant differences in them other than what I've asked? Thanks for any information or opinions that you guys with first hand experience can offer.

 

[Cagey]

Oddly enough, for as open-grained as Wenge is, it's a pretty dense wood. So, that'll be the first thing you notice when picking one of those necks up - they're kinda heavy. But, that density also allows for a very fine surface finish, and between that and the reduced contact area the wide-open grain provides, it's a very "fast" playing neck. The density also means it has a lotta inertia and so doesn't absorb the higher frequencies as much as some woods do, so you get a pretty even response out of them. Chords sound richer. Finally, it's a pretty attractive wood.

The only downside (to me) is that wide-open grain. It's a crud magnet, like somebody who doesn't keep their fingernails trimmed, and secreting much the same substance. I'm no germophobe, but there's a limit.

 

[spe111]

I think Wenge looks and feels awesome. It is super heavy though, not as heavy as the Brazilian Ebony neck I have, but close.

I feel like it has a long sustain and sharp attack but doesn't vibrate with as much amplitude as much as a maple neck if that makes any sense. I think the EQ is kind of neutral, closer to maple than mahogany though.

If it was purely based on sound and weight, i'd prefer maple, but it looks and feels good enough to make up for those things. At least on a guitar or two... 

 

[rgand]

Thanks for the replies. That's what I was looking for. I'll eventually have to try one to see for myself. Maybe when I'm planning a light colored build. Oh, heck, that's now! Hmmmmm..... :laughing11:

The only downside (to me) is that wide-open grain. It's a crud magnet, like somebody who doesn't keep their fingernails trimmed, and secreting much the same substance. I'm no germophobe, but there's a limit.

Fortunately, I don't have oily skin so if I clean it now and then, it shouldn't get too scroungy.

 

[Cagey]

If the open grain doesn't bother you, then I'm sure you'll enjoy the playability and tonal character of the thing. I've seen them finished, and whatever Warmoth does it closes all that grain, but then you kinda defeat the glorious feel it has.

 

[spe111]

I would definitely not finish a wenge neck.

 

[Rick]

I love wenge, it feels so good ... it's nice oily wood, you'll love it.  It looks great as wenge on wenge.  Gives nice mids.  Though I'm currently getting a lot of love from Goncalo Alves.  It would be a crime to put a finish on it.

 

[rgand]

It sounds like a good material for a neck. I love the look of it. I'll give it a go one of these days. Thanks for the input. everyone.