The future of ebony wood.

[JayDawg]

I know Music Man as well as countless other instrument manufacturers use ebony wood in the instruments. I just saw this video from Bob Taylor on you tube and was curious on what everyone's take on the situation is. I never knew the detailed process in getting the wood and I never knew that it was almost gone. I'm not a tree hugger by any stretch of the imagination but what he shared really broke my heart. Also, if what he is saying is true, I think he is doing the right thing about it.

 

[JayDawg]

I have a question for those that saw the video. The ebony wood that is not all black, can't it just be stained to look that way for those that insist on having an all black ebony fretboard or other part that would be that way?

 

[mtrejo]

That's a good question. I'm guessing the stain might rub off with the hand sweat and or rub off on our fingers and stain them unless it has some sort of clear coat over it. Then it would probably feel weird. I'm not sure, I'm only thinking out loud.

 

[Golem]

`

Most ebony FBs are dyed black, even those
that are older than recently harvested wood.


`

 

[DrKev]

I never liked Ebony much. I love rosewood and a nice, coloured, streaky piece of rosewood is beauty to me. Give me a piece of ebony that looks like that, and I'll probably be much more interested!

 

[sundar]

Thank you for sharing this.

 

[Golem]

I never liked Ebony much. I love rosewood and a nice, coloured, streaky
piece of rosewood is beauty to me. Give me a piece of ebony that looks
like that, and I'll probably be much more interested!

Good for U ! Lotsa "non-black" ebony does have the look you describe.
Looks the way you prefer, and sounds great .... still pricey, though :-(



`

 

[JMD]

Natural Ebony is georgous IMHO. We have a number of raw pieces at home as my wife builds acoustics and tends to leave the fingerboards natural without staining them. Beautiful!

 

[ACELUEK]

I know Gibson is only using ebony on low run high run models due to the limited supply. I was lucky enough to get a custom shop Les Paul in January with Ebony and MOP inlays.. The stuff is beautiful and plays nice..

 

[BRBP]

This video really makes you think. There are millions of basses made from wood, but some of the more harder to get woods are quickly going to the way side.