KeysNGuitar Posted March 4, 2021 Report Share Posted March 4, 2021 Hello Friends, I have a beeeeeauuuutiful piece of Bocote that I resawed that I thought might make a great fretboard. My favorite guitar that I have owned had an ebony fretboard (1988 Peavey Vandenberg). So now I am second guessing myself as I often do. Has anyone used Bocote for a fretboard and, if so, does is sand down hard and smooth? Or is it a little too porous? Sometimes a Rosewood fretboard seems a little "sticky" when bending the strings. I was wondering if the Bocote might have too much natural oil to be good. Your thoughts and advice is always welcome and appreciated. Here is a pic! Beauty, huh?? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
curtisa Posted March 4, 2021 Report Share Posted March 4, 2021 Pretty sure there have been builds featured here before where bocote was used for the fret board. The high oil content may necessitate the use of epoxy when gluing it to a neck, as regular PVAs might struggle to get a grip on it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bizman62 Posted March 4, 2021 Report Share Posted March 4, 2021 Wow, that's a pretty piece there! Wiping the oil off of the surface with acetone prior to gluing might help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScottR Posted March 4, 2021 Report Share Posted March 4, 2021 I have used bocote for a fretboard. It's hard and smooth when polished. Good stuff. Two things: It smells like dill pickles when you sand it , and over time it darkens. You'll lose a lot of that contrast in the grain. Not all, but at least half. SR 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.