African Ebony Headplates

Ebony is the preferred timber for musical instrument fingerboards/fretboards, it is also commonly used for bridges and headplates. African Ebony (Diospyros crassiflora) also known as Gabon Ebony is the most popular type of ebony for instrument making. It is dense, hard and stable.

Quality - Our ebony pieces are free from cracks and knots. They are dry and stable, ready for use.

Look - Ebony has a black or dark grey colour. A small amount of light streaking is considered acceptable, especially in the lower grades. Any streaking becomes barely visible once the timber has been treated with oil or wax. African ebony is very dense and has a fine grain so it can be polished to a fine finish.

Price - Good African Ebony is reasonably expensive per weight, however the fretboard, bridge and headplate are not large pieces. Using Ebony will normally not break the budget and makes a nice final touch to a handmade guitar.

Availability/Renewability - Excellent quality ebony logs are still available in the size needed to make guitar components. Ebony is now harvested using sustainable practices, ensuring a steady supply of quality timber is available in years to come.