Fingerboards
                     FINGERBOARDS: THE HEART OF EVERY 
GUITAR
Fingerboards are one of the most important components of a guitar, 
regardless if you are a professional luthier or a passionate player. The 
understanding of a fingerboard also known as a guitar fingerboard or 
fretboard can largely change the instrument's feel and sound. It all 
depends on the wooden fingerboard materials and the different types 
of Exotic Woods that are used for making the top-quality fingerboards 
for guitars.
WHAT IS A FINGERBOARD?
A fingerboard or fretboard is a flat, long piece of wood that is attached to 
the neck of the guitar and is located under the strings. Here, the fingers 
are pressed to create chords and play melodies. Although certain precision 
of pitch is defined by metal frets set in the board, the other ingredient is 
wood which provides a sense of feel, playability, and occasionally even the 
personality of the instrument, its tone. 
You have played every guitar fingerboard of electric and acoustic music 
which adopts a carefully selected quality tonewoods made fretboard. The 
right guitar fingerboard increases the playability and offers excellent 
durability resisting years of use.
WOODEN FINGERBOARD MATERIALS WHY IT MATTERS
Not all woods are created equal when it comes to guitar fingerboards. The nature of wood influences feel, 
moisture resistance, durability, and to a certain degree resonance of the guitar. While players often debate 
how much tone is affected by a fretboard, it's universally agreed that feel and durability are hugely 
influenced by the wood species chosen. 
At Exotic Wood Zone, you can find a wide selection of wooden fingerboard blanks perfect for both electric 
and acoustic builds, including highly regarded tonewoods such as:
 Ebony: dense, dark, and sleek, ebony is often considered the premium choice for fretboards. It provides a playing 
surface that is smooth and very durable and it also gives a sharp feel when the fingers are on the playing surface. 
 Rosewood: another popular one has a deep, cozy feel that is a little bit softer than ebony. It is endowed with 
natural oils that make the playing surface smooth and full of visual grain. 
 Maple: the bright attack and quick response hard maple is one of the other traditional alternatives particularly 
popular in most of the electric guitars. 
 Exotic Woods such as Purpleheart, Malaysian Blackwood, Golden Acacia, and Hawaiian Koa: these bring 
unique aesthetics and each species its own character in terms of feel and grain pattern. 
Exotic Wood Zone's collection of fingerboard materials lets builders select from these woods and more, 
ensuring every instrument from custom builds to repairs gets a fretboard that matches its personality and 
playing style. 
FRETBOARD VS FINGERBOARD WHAT'S THE 
DIFFERENCE?
You might hear both fretboard and fingerboard used interchangeably. 
While technically they describe the same component, the surface 
where the frets sit and where you press the strings fretboard 
emphasizes the metal frets, whereas fingerboard highlights the 
wooden foundation of that area. Whatever the name, the type of wood 
used will dictate a large portion of the feel to the player. 
FINGERBOARD THAT BEST FITS YOUR GUITAR.
Selecting the right guitar fingerboard depends on your preference and your instrument's 
purpose:
 Smooth Playability: Buffalo wood such as ebony has a slick texture that would be perfect in quick 
playing. 
 Warm Tonality: When using Rosewood the natural oils and grains provide a warmer reaction. 
 Bright Clarity: Maple offers sharpness and crispness, together with bright and punchy articulation. 
 Unique Look: Exotic woods provide character and individuality, thus, they are ideal for custom builds. 
When you are building your first DIY guitar or simply upgrading your existing one, making a 
choice for the right wooden fingerboard material from a reputed supplier such as Exotic 
Wood Zone will guarantee you the best quality and performance every time.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Fingerboards may be to some a minor guitar component however, they are 
the greatest when it comes to playability and feel. The selection of wood 
from classic tonewoods like ebony and rosewood to rare Exotic Woods, the 
options that musicians and builders have nowadays offer unprecedented 
freedom in defining the sound and appearance of their instruments. One can 
easily wander into the amazing world of fingerboard guitar materials and 
find their ideal wood for the next project.