Very, Very Good Point. The tonal difference can't be heard by simply plucking an open string. The fretboard, frets, and inlays don't come into play here. I'm talking no amp, just acoustically. I Definitely here a difference in two of my Fender basses that have exactly the same neck and body wood. except for one having a rosewood board and the other being all maple. Both have the same neck shape, & both have alder wood bodies. If I pluck an open string they sound the same. When I play them, I hear a difference.