I own, or have owned, the JLP board you mention, a few Drueke boards, and 2 boards made for me by Brad of Colorado WoodWorker.
If you want the nicest quality board it is the JLP.
I really like my Colorado boards and use them as portable boards, 4 piece magnetic types.
Brad does do nice work, however I feel the finish work done by JLP is just better.
Of course the JLP boards are higher priced.
JLP does brag about their finish is a multi-step process. I never owned a JLP so it's hard to tell just from the photo on chesshouse.com But I do know the eye doctor gives an honest review. Maybe Brad can do a multi-layered finish for a few extra bucks to match the finish. Brad is a great bargain though and will work with you on custom boards too. Either decision you get a very good board.
DISCLOSURE-I do not receive any special pricing or any other remuneration from Colorado Woodworker. I do own one of his earliest boards.
Ah thank you! That was exactly the type of feedback I wanted. Much appreciated!
I can only comment on the Drueke board. I have had my Drueke for over 20 years and love it. If I were to get another board for any reason, I would get another Drueke. I am sure that any of the 3 boards you are considering will be fine. They are all probably quality products.
Hi, I am new here!
I recently ordered the official world chess set and am looking for a 2'' squares chess board. When browsing chesshouse.com the JLP 21'' Hardwood Player´s Chess Board caught my eye. Through browsing these forums I realized that the special look is a famous design by Drueke.
Now I am comparing three possibilities:
https://www.chesshouse.com/collections/wooden-chess-boards/products/21-hardwood-players-chessboard-jlp-usa
http://www.druekegames.net/products/
https://www.etsy.com/listing/546361380/walnut-and-maple-drueke-style-chessboard?ref=shop_home_active_2
I am leaning towards the JLP board because it looks very high quality and has two engraved emblems.
Maybe someone who owns either one, two or all three boards from these different brands can help me with my decision. Thank you for your input!