According to Wikipedia, linden and basswood are the European and American names for tilia. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tilia?wprov=sfti1
I wonder how many botanists play the guitar? They would be useful.
Oddly enough, Ibanez does label the body wood of some guitars as "basswood" and others as "American basswood." (The JEM/UV series.) These types of inconsistencies (or differences) are incredibly minor but still create uncertainty and doubt in the minds of guitarists. I think it is best to avoid this, whenever possible, for everybody's sake.
There actually are characteristic differences between European Linden and American Basswood even though they're from the same family. In my experience (I've built two "superstrat" mutts using Linden bodies) I find Linden to be a bit heavier and harder/more dense than Basswood, although still on the light side (both of my strat builds weigh in at just under 7 lbs with maple necks). It has a response/resonance that's closer to a light weight Alder or Poplar...not necessarily a bad thing, but different from Basswood (I'm splitting hairs here...this is subtle yet significant to some).
Nothing with a maple fretboard receives any fret end treatment at all except the roasted necks on the AZ's which receive very minimal treatment. I don't include this at Bronze level but have an add on that does for an upcharge, at Silver level of course they're extensively done because that level includes all the major fretwork, fret level, stripping all the clearcoat off the frets, doing the fret ends, then machine polish to mirror, which is lost on the crown at play testing because steel always wins that battle.
Sweetwater or any other dealer does not include it either unless it's an upcharge add on.
Thanks Rich. I played one at lunch at a local guitar center (I'm trying to find a second amp I like) and the fret ends were touched up a bit on that one (neck was a bit different on that one as well.) I assume Guitar Center must have spent a couple minutes on them? Whatever, I did not know you existed before I bought this RG and my wife tried to surprise me with a BFP Jem. But I got yer number now and if I am still revved up for a Jem 7v during tax season (I'm a CPA) I will give you a ring! You site has become a major distraction for me at work...must practice self-discipline!! :grin2:
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