Dr. Edge

You read about stuff like this all the time... but I just can't see how using maple or rosewood or ebony on the fret board can change the tone. I still don't get how it can be, but today a buddy played pair of recorded clips: 2 bass guitars with the same strings, setup, pickups, player, etc. The only difference is the fret board wood. Damn! I could hear the difference. Subtle, there it is.