Unofficial Taylor Guitar Forum - UTGF
Lessons, Recordings, How Tos, Repair, Accessories => Lessons, Recordings, How Tos, Repair, Accessories => Topic started by: ataylor on May 30, 2012, 10:38:13 PM
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Saw this on the AGF and was surprised it wasn't posted here. It's this kind of stuff that makes me want to buy another Taylor next.
For the record I like a little bit of striping in ebony over jet black.
http://www.youtube.com/embed/anCGvfsBoFY
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I totally agree, but... if that truly is Bob and the company's stance on this, they should not charge an upgrade for pure black ebony. It should be luck of the draw. If not, it's simply marketing to remove market barriers at lower price points.
edited: please see rule #1
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I totally agree, but... if that truly is Bob and the company's stance on this, they should not charge an upgrade for pure black ebony. It should be luck of the draw. If not, it's simply marketing to remove market barriers at lower price points.
there is an upcharge for the 'higher grade' woods & other
companies charge more for solid black ebony ( & mahogany necks)
'luck-of-the-draw' (12 years ago)
(http://inlinethumb52.webshots.com/50739/2852515530081788860S600x600Q85.jpg)
this would probably be considered AA quilt maple (400 series guitar) -
it hasn't been available as a 'regular' BTO option for a good 18 months
upcharges for 'higher grade' woods have been done for a while, based on scarcity & availability &
it goes for all companies & wood suppliers, the difference being Taylor is willing to use what
is perfectly good tonewood that other companies would not (mahogany also comes to mind)
i doubt that a restaurant would put steak on the menu for a set price & serve
one customer a filet & another a sirloin, but they also don't utilize just the filet
ymmv
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I think Bob, and Taylor as a company, does a wonderful job trying to educate the public about what actually happens in the wood market. I have learned a ton from Bob's many videos and articles. It makes me proud to own a Taylor, or 3. ;D
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I personally like a little color or striping in a fretboard and won't be a bit disappointed if my BTO arrives in a few weeks with such characteristics. Just think of how much longer the ebony supply in Cameroun will last now that the loggers don't cut down 9 b-grade trees for every 1 a-grade. If someone had taken this kind of responsibility 80 years ago in Brazil, maybe we could still enjoy an abundant supply of Brazilian. Then again, maybe not. The point is that Taylor is stepping up once again and setting a standard for others to follow. One of the many reasons I like them as a company. Nice work, Bob!
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I didn't know that some ebony came striped! I think that variations/striping in the ebony are gorgeous. I personally wouldn't want a guitar with dyed woods etc.
I've always appreciated the way Bob and his company have not taken the tone wood supply for granted.
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I actually prefer the colored striping in the ebony fretboards! The first pic is a GA3 so the striped ebony came on the guitar, but on the second pic, I actually had to pay extra for Macassar Ebony just so I could get the striping!
(http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz235/MusicForumPics/TaylorGA3neck-1.jpg)
(http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz235/MusicForumPics/Taylor%20BTO/071-2.jpg)
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Very, very interesting. I had read a good article about this acquisition in Wood and Steel. The video adds to that story, and spreads the word to those who wouldn't otherwise take the time to read about it.
One of the factors behind my decision to purchase my first Taylor was the company's enlightened strategies with respect to wood supplies.
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Major thumbs up to Bob & Kurt for striking a common sense balance between commercial market demands and the paramount need for forestry stewardship. This is not even mentioning the additional benefit of paying the laborers a decent price for the work they do. Combine this with Taylor's and Martin's efforts in sustainable wood use and efforts in finding suitable man-made materials and more efficient manufacturing processes, and we may actually be able to enjoy these woods for a few extra years. Nice!
Acoustic guitar makers rule...
8) ;D 8)
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I applaud the Taylor company for this effort. I would say that all guitars with grade A ebony have just increased in value.
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I think that Bob has once again hit it out of the park. I love wood in all colors and grains. I don't care if my ebony is pure black or not, as long as it's ebony. Here's some Macassar ebony on my 2011 BTO- so pretty that it needs no inlays:
(http://i1198.photobucket.com/albums/aa445/abpurfling/CustomGA-6.jpg)
and the bridge...
(http://i1198.photobucket.com/albums/aa445/abpurfling/CustomGA-3.jpg)
What's not to love? Go get 'em, Bob!
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Thumbs up for Bob. :) :)
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Wow! Cut 10 to get one good one? :o That is terrible. >:(
Good on ya Bob! I, for one, won't be complaining in any variance in any ebony in my future.
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I knew there was a lot of waste in harvesting ebony, but I had no idea just how much. That's appalling. It's about time someone took the reigns and put a stop to it. Thanks, Bob. In the future we're going going to need the same sort of stances from instrument makers for probably every kind of tonewood used. This was a courageous thing to do. It was a very large investment to protect a resource that was headed for trouble, and to protect it for everyone....it could be a very unpopular one with certain people, but it was one that somebody had to take in order to preserve the sustainable ebony supplies we have left that can still legally be gathered. Without it, in a few years we'd all be sitting around saying "Remember when we could get real ebony for guitarmaking?"
Thanks, Bob...for being willing to step up and put so much of your own skin into the game.
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"Good stewards..."
Yet another of the umpteen reasons I love Taylor guitars, the company, and the business model they live. Bob, Kurt and the legacy they have created and continue to nurture are a real treasure: not just to musicians, not just to the industry, but to big-business at large. A true breath of fresh air in a world of politically-motivated junk-science and eco-extremism. Talk about walking the walk.
Edward
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In my job as a marketing director (who also handles PR and communications), I know the value of a great spokesperson. Bob Taylor is pretty much a PR team's dream. He's got great credibility, he creates a strong sense of approachability, he's great on camera, and his messaging is always well delivered. His team really know how to use him well. Slick job.
Forestry management is extremely important--we all know this. Our consumer habits are still catching up with this awareness. This video--and others--make a valuable contribution to helping us actualize our thinking.
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imho, this is not about marketing or PR, this is fact -
Taylor addressed the need to be able to make better use of dwindling natural resources
starting with the NT neck & concern for the environment (UV finish with much less VOCs/waste)
Taylor was the only company that decided to do something about trying to use/save
this resource, not only for their company but for other makers in the industry as well -
alternative, reclaimed & 'manufactured' woods may be completely acceptable for some, but it's
nice to know that if one would like a solid wood mahogany guitar with mahogany neck & ebony
fretboard & bridge, that it will be available for a while longer (if that means anything at all)
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In my job as a marketing director (who also handles PR and communications), I know the value of a great spokesperson. Bob Taylor is pretty much a PR team's dream. He's got great credibility, he creates a strong sense of approachability, he's great on camera, and his messaging is always well delivered. His team really know how to use him well. Slick job.
Forestry management is extremely important--we all know this. Our consumer habits are still catching up with this awareness. This video--and others--make a valuable contribution to helping us actualize our thinking.
I don't agree that the video in the opening post was a "slick job", a term that tends to have a less than sincere connotation. The video simply had Bob Taylor genuinely telling the viewers about his company's efforts to ensure a renewable source of ebony and improve the lot of the laborers at the source of supply while beginning an effort to change public perception about streaked or figured ebony.
Of course, it is possible that you didn't mean, slick, in the negative sense of the term but most people are likely to interpret it that way.
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Didn't mean slick negatively. Interesting interpretation of my comments.
I meant: the info is very important and they handled it well AND the company is lucky to have such a great spokesperson.
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I was really surprised about all the waste, too. I am glad the are using the ebony with marking in it, I like it.
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What do you guys think of what this luthier is saying - what do we know about Indian plantation Ebony:
"Good for him for stepping up and presenting an honest product rather than either dying the fretboards or lying about how/where they got it.
On the other hand, he's slightly misrepresenting the situation. He neglects to mention Indian plantation ebony (obviously not in his interests to do so) or that other smaller manufacturers have been using streaky and non-black ebony for years. I generally avoid ebony, but when I do use it, more often than not it has some non-black colouring and is never dyed.
A very good and long overdue move, but not quite leading the charge as much as he would have us believe."
please see rule #1
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What do you guys think of what this luthier is saying - what do we know about Indian plantation Ebony:
"Good for him for stepping up and presenting an honest product rather than either dying the fretboards or lying about how/where they got it.
On the other hand, he's slightly misrepresenting the situation. He neglects to mention Indian plantation ebony (obviously not in his interests to do so) or that other smaller manufacturers have been using streaky and non-black ebony for years. I generally avoid ebony, but when I do use it, more often than not it has some non-black colouring and is never dyed.
A very good and long overdue move, but not quite leading the charge as much as he would have us believe."
please see rule #1
I think what he's really saying is "I wish I had done that."
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What do you guys think of what this luthier is saying - what do we know about Indian plantation Ebony:
"Good for him for stepping up and presenting an honest product rather than either dying the fretboards or lying about how/where they got it.
On the other hand, he's slightly misrepresenting the situation. He neglects to mention Indian plantation ebony (obviously not in his interests to do so) or that other smaller manufacturers have been using streaky and non-black ebony for years. I generally avoid ebony, but when I do use it, more often than not it has some non-black colouring and is never dyed.
A very good and long overdue move, but not quite leading the charge as much as he would have us believe."
please see rule #1
imho, it a non-issue because the person is probably misinformed about indian ebony, how difficult it is to procure legally (the only
unfinished ebony allowed to be legally exported from india is veneer), how most large scale builders have gone to using african
ebony & that there is a company that had a good amount of Indian ebony confiscated that was unfinished (too thick to be veneer)
btw, your martin d-28p is spec'd with a solid black ebony fretboard & bridge
(most likely african) & the 716ce has an ebony fretboard/bridge & bridge pins
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He neglects to mention Indian plantation ebony (obviously not in his interests to do so)
I'm puzzled. What is a plantation ebony? Cultivated? I thought these trees take decades and decades to mature hence the rarity.
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What do you guys think of what this luthier is saying - what do we know about Indian plantation Ebony:
"Good for him for stepping up and presenting an honest product rather than either dying the fretboards or lying about how/where they got it.
On the other hand, he's slightly misrepresenting the situation. He neglects to mention Indian plantation ebony (obviously not in his interests to do so) or that other smaller manufacturers have been using streaky and non-black ebony for years. I generally avoid ebony, but when I do use it, more often than not it has some non-black colouring and is never dyed.
A very good and long overdue move, but not quite leading the charge as much as he would have us believe."
please see rule #1
On the first part, I agree. Dying ebony is standard practice among low-rung makes. Everyone knows this. You didn't really believe that instruments running well north of $1.5K shared the same ebony boards as one a third the cost made in China? And of course, the maker is going to advertise "ebony" since that sounds like he's offering the same "good stuff" ...well technically, he is so as to avoid suit, but dying streaked ebony solid black allows him to "play with the big boys" at a fraction of the cost. This luthier is correct in that no one markets the "dyed" part of this equation for obvious reasons.
Where I disagree is the latter part of the post. The key here is "scale." If this luthier is a builder, even one of the "notable" hand builders, he cannot possible compare his need for ebony with that of a major world-supplier of guitars. Sorry, but to suggest that Bob is not "leading the charge as much as he would have us believe" rings too much like sour grapes. To say Taylor is a major force in the industry understates the obvious. What Bob and Co are doing very much leads the charge. Witness the deafening silence of other marques to date on this issue of dwindling ebony and the monumental waste that was the norm. Until someone "exposes" Bob's vidoeo as an "Inconvenient Truth"-like propagandist scam, I will very much believe what Bob states and take him for his word. That's not fanboy talk; that's loyalty based on this guy's experience thus far.
Edward
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I applaud this stance and have full respect for what Bob's trying to do.
What's more, my wife had a maple Baby Taylor with a fretboard similar in colour to Cindy's first picture. In the end it wasn't the right guitar for her, but the subtle vanilla striping made it attractively individual, similar to how the uneven bearclaw on my 414 makes my guitar stand out:)
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I think what makes this a true innovation for Taylor is Bob's attempt to change a worldwide mindset. Everyone knows that for years manufacturers have used streaked ebony on their cheap guitars. They just dye it black. Bob is stepping out of the box and saying that this streaked ebony is just as good as the solid black stuff. It is going to be a hard pill to swallow for a lot of “traditionalists”, but it is the future.
Now, I doubt we will see any 900 or Presentation series come off the production line that aren’t solid black, but I could be very wrong. It will be interesting to see if Bob makes it the luck of the draw for all his guitars.
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I think what makes this a true innovation for Taylor is Bob's attempt to change a worldwide mindset. ...Bob is stepping out of the box and saying that this streaked ebony is just as good as the solid black stuff. It is going to be a hard pill to swallow for a lot of “traditionalists”, but it is the future. ...
Yup, agree 100%. But as with so many other things, from body shape, to electronics, to neck design, Taylor has radically changed the landscape of the acoustic guitar. I KNOW there were many folks waiting to see them sink into obscurity decades back ...afterall, Taylor was like all those "traditional" guitars. LOL, isn't it ironic that it is this very point that has made them the powerhouse they are today; that with each innovation they have brought to market, we have seen/read detractors ...only to witness Taylor continue to thrive.
...Now, I doubt we will see any 900 or Presentation series come off the production line that aren’t solid black, but I could be very wrong. It will be interesting to see if Bob makes it the luck of the draw for all his guitars.
I'd bet that the company will set aside the choice pieces for the 900s and BTOs to come. While Bob is attempting to change how the public "views" ebony, he knows that those wanting to spend the bigger bucks will expect the (ahem) "good stuff."
Edward
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Excellent video - good on Bob Taylor.
Incidently, don't know if it's just my imagination but I feel I'm already seeing more variation in the ebony colouring in the newer guitars coming into the stores compared to a year ago. Last week I got my hands on a mahogany GSmini for the first time (lovely!)... it had some quite pronounced streaking in both the bridge and fretboard, more than I've seen before. Maybe it's already making it's way through...
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Is it not safe to say that if Bob's company, which represents 75% of the Ebony purchase, is going to use the "B" grade wood, then there would be no need to cut down any more trees for the foreseeable future? If they cut down 10 trees to find 1 grade A, and then leave those 9 grade B ones laying there.....are they not just laying there waiting to be harvested? Not just in Camaroon, but would there not also be tons laying in the forests of Madagascar?
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Is it not safe to say that if Bob's company, which represents 75% of the Ebony purchase, is going to use the "B" grade wood, then there would be no need to cut down any more trees for the foreseeable future? If they cut down 10 trees to find 1 grade A, and then leave those 9 grade B ones laying there.....are they not just laying there waiting to be harvested? Not just in Camaroon, but would there not also be tons laying in the forests of Madagascar?
I was wondering the same thing. That would be a good "Ask Bob" question for the next Wood and Steel issue.
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Is it not safe to say that if Bob's company, which represents 75% of the Ebony purchase, is going to use the "B" grade wood, then there would be no need to cut down any more trees for the foreseeable future? If they cut down 10 trees to find 1 grade A, and then leave those 9 grade B ones laying there.....are they not just laying there waiting to be harvested? Not just in Camaroon, but would there not also be tons laying in the forests of Madagascar?
I was wondering the same thing. That would be a good "Ask Bob" question for the next Wood and Steel issue.
Great idea....just submitted.
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I'm not surprised that critics are saying that Taylor's decision didn't go far enough or that it's simply good business to cut waste. True, ebony trees won't grow any faster, and true, it makes good business sense.
I applaud this decision. Cutting waste and making valuable resources last longer is wise, and I hope profitable. And given Taylor's history of innovation, I would not at all be surprised if the company is already on the cutting edge (no pun intended) of finding more sustainable substitutes for either A or B ebony. I would be surprised if such innovations came from most other companies.
cotten
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Is it not safe to say that if Bob's company, which represents 75% of the Ebony purchase, is going to use the "B" grade wood, then there would be no need to cut down any more trees for the foreseeable future? If they cut down 10 trees to find 1 grade A, and then leave those 9 grade B ones laying there.....are they not just laying there waiting to be harvested? Not just in Camaroon, but would there not also be tons laying in the forests of Madagascar?
How long does it take for an Ebony tree to rot? Given how hard it is...I wouldn't be surprised if it lasts a long time...
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Is it not safe to say that if Bob's company, which represents 75% of the Ebony purchase, is going to use the "B" grade wood, then there would be no need to cut down any more trees for the foreseeable future? If they cut down 10 trees to find 1 grade A, and then leave those 9 grade B ones laying there.....are they not just laying there waiting to be harvested? Not just in Camaroon, but would there not also be tons laying in the forests of Madagascar?
How long does it take for an Ebony tree to rot? Given how hard it is...I wouldn't be surprised if it lasts a long time...
I think the ants would get to it before rot. And them African ants are HUGE!
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I recently got a new Taylor 214ce and noticed an "imperfection" of lighter wood on my fret board. I decided I liked it. "It gives it character, " I said. After seeing this video, I decided I don't like it, I love it-- and it gives far more character than I first thought! Kudos to Bob Taylor for doing the right thing!
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I recently got a new Taylor 214ce and noticed an "imperfection" of lighter wood on my fret board. I decided I liked it. "It gives it character, " I said. After seeing this video, I decided I don't like it, I love it-- and it gives far more character than I first thought! Kudos to Bob Taylor for doing the right thing!
I couldn't agree more...I actually think the striped ebony is more unique/gorgeous than the all "boring" black ebony! ;D
I just assumed that all ebony came black! The striping is just stunning! 8)
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I might just ask for streaked ebony on the headstock overlay, fingerboard and bridge of my next BTO. God's "inlay" work can be pretty exhilarating!
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Whoa! I received my issue of W&S and I couldn't believe the beautiful pieces of marbled ebony that they showed! They are going to make stunning fretboards...yes, I know...beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and I happen to LOVE the striping of the ebony! :)
Two thumbs up for Bob Taylor!
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It's been said before in different ways, but I'll say it again: tastes change over years. And at times, there are conditions that force a sea-change, but in time the new may become the norm; time and resources will tell. Perhaps the "new" ebony will be "the new black" ...lol! :)
Is it not funny how we as a market value figured woods, yet devalue striped ebony and prize the solid hue and somehow deem that as "pure"? The marketplace is a funny thing, indeed :D
Edward
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It's been said before in different ways, but I'll say it again: tastes change over years. And at times, there are conditions that force a sea-change, but in time the new may become the norm; time and resources will tell. Perhaps the "new" ebony will be "the new black" ...lol! :)
Is it not funny how we as a market value figured woods, yet devalue striped ebony and prize the solid hue and somehow deem that as "pure"? The marketplace is a funny thing, indeed :D
Edward
And sometimes Bob Taylor tells you to change your tastes which is what appears to be happening here. With enough marketing anything can be turned and made a positive. Microsoft has been doing this for years with enough advertising.
-Dave
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Point taken, Dave ...marketing and its dollar backing represents a major influence on perception, to be sure. But ultimately (and I do mean the final decision), the real say comes from consumers and the value they instill, despite the best/most costly marketing attempts. I can't help but recall the near-death of the Mac in the early days, despite the media blitz, or Microsoft's failed (early) attempt at de-throning the almighty Playstation. And no one can contest that Apple or Microsoft were not kingpins in both dollar and marketing influence. Guess what, the consumer made their choices, and these giants had to rethink their game.
Not saying with certainty at all what will happen to the marketing tastes toward ebony. Heck, if enough folks think Bob and Co are full of marketing spin and are boondoggling players, you can bet it will backfire. But I just don't think the market will perceive it as such, nor do we have any evidence at this point in time that there is a backlash a brewin. I think given the resources, and the general tenor folks have in today's ecology (intentionally avoiding the word "green" ...doh, I said it! ;) ), I feel Bob's direction will simply help shape what is to come; not by nefarious means, but by necessity and good conscience. IMHO, anywhoo. Not a kool-aid drinker of any marque, mind you ...just a observer :)
Edward
EDIT: I meant "x-box" not playstation ...lol, clearly not much of a gamer, now am I?
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Point taken, Dave ...marketing and its dollar backing represents a major influence on perception, to be sure. But ultimately (and I do mean the final decision), the real say comes from consumers and the value they instill, despite the best/most costly marketing attempts. I can't help but recall the near-death of the Mac in the early days, despite the media blitz, or Microsoft's failed (early) attempt at de-throning the almighty Playstation. And no one can contest that Apple or Microsoft were not kingpins in both dollar and marketing influence. Guess what, the consumer made their choices, and these giants had to rethink their game.
Not saying with certainty at all what will happen to the marketing tastes toward ebony. Heck, if enough folks think Bob and Co are full of marketing spin and are boondoggling players, you can bet it will backfire. But I just don't think the market will perceive it as such, nor do we have any evidence at this point in time that there is a backlash a brewin. I think given the resources, and the general tenor folks have in today's ecology (intentionally avoiding the word "green" ...doh, I said it! ;) ), I feel Bob's direction will simply help shape what is to come; not by nefarious means, but by necessity and good conscience. IMHO, anywhoo. Not a kool-aid drinker of any marque, mind you ...just a observer :)
Edward
Edward, I agree. If what you have stated weren't true, why would someone (like this "Fool") pay more for Macassar ebony on the fingerboard and bridge of his BTO?
(http://i1198.photobucket.com/albums/aa445/abpurfling/CustomGA-6.jpg)
(http://i1198.photobucket.com/albums/aa445/abpurfling/CustomGA-3.jpg)
I believe that tastes are changing, with or without Taylor's approval. That's one of the reasons why there are so many more tone wood options today across many builders. Gone is Brazillian, mahogany's supply is dwindling, and someone recently claimed that instrument-grade maple is becoming harder to find. Enter walnut, koa, ovangkol, sapele, cocobolo, etc. IMO, there's nothing but good news here, because guitarists now have more of a variety of options, rather than simply having to pay homage to the "sacred cows". Shifting paradigms are not made purely of marketing spin....
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Not saying with certainty at all what will happen to the marketing tastes toward ebony. Heck, if enough folks think Bob and Co are full of marketing spin and are boondoggling players, you can bet it will backfire. But I just don't think the market will perceive it as such, nor do we have any evidence at this point in time that there is a backlash a brewin. I think given the resources, and the general tenor folks have in today's ecology (intentionally avoiding the word "green" ...doh, I said it! ;) ), I feel Bob's direction will simply help shape what is to come; not by nefarious means, but by necessity and good conscience. IMHO, anywhoo. Not a kool-aid drinker of any marque, mind you ...just a observer :)
As long as things don't affect tone I don't know how much it matters. With regards to looks though, that is all about marketing and the influence that Taylor has over its customers. How many of the messages in this thread include the phrase "Bob says" or something similar. I understand being green and that in the big scheme of things a few streaks (which I don't think look bad either) is not a horrible thing but the clear emphasis on this is to make people feel worse about getting the premium wood and be happy with what they get. Its like everything else if they can't sell you on something they will make you feel bad about what you want.
-Dave
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I'm a believer that no one can make me feel bad unless I allow them to. I'm not going to order a BTO with streaked ebony, because I feel guilty about the limited supply of pure black ebony. I'll order it that way, because I like the look. I'm glad that innovative builders like Taylor have expanded my horizons, rather than limiting my choices to the conventional or the previously acceptable. I wouldn't even have thought of streaked ebony (or ovangkol or sapele, etc.) on a guitar unless someone showed me that it's possible...and I'm not drinking the Kool-aid either.
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...but the clear emphasis on this is to make people feel worse about getting the premium wood and be happy with what they get. Its like everything else if they can't sell you on something they will make you feel bad about what you want.
That strikes me as a rather odd assumption. As someone who would specify a solid black fretboard if I were to order a bespoke guitar, nothing in the Bob Taylor video or anything Taylor Guitar has published on the subject of ebony wood harvesting and availability suggests to me an attempt to make me feel bad about my preference by any stretch of the imagination. On the contrary, I applaud Taylor's efforts in Cameroon and feel very good about it.
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My 314 bought in 2004 has a dime sized "blond" spot on the ebony fret board. It wasn't attractive when I got it and it isn't attractive now post this announcement. I've considered dying it myself but never made the effort.
I do think what Taylor is doing is great and will by all accounts (well at least Taylor's as that is the only data point) truly help the environment. And as some have said, good on them!
However, if they were "all in", I stand by my statement on page 1 that there would be no upgrade option. Now I'm not that naive to think that Taylor can ignore the market place and that they're not a for-profit business first and foremost. Nothing wrong with that!
But if that's not what will happen and I don't expect it to, then I think a reasonable person could conclude that part of the message is simply conditioning the market that you ought to expect something different on your newer purchases, unless you have the means to make it otherwise.
P.S. I don't wear tin foil hats but at the end of the day the old adage "the business of business is business" still holds true :)
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How much difference does the board make anyway? I had a Martin OMCPA4 until recently that had a Richlite fretboard, and I can't imagine that ebony would have made it sound any better. My Seagull SWS Mini-Jumbo has a rosewood board - again, an excellent-sounding guitar. And my little Washburn parlor probably has some of the 'dead' ebony that someone mentioned earlier - feels pretty good and hard to me, and the sound is excellent. I think Ovation has been successfully been using some kind of walnut on its Adamas line for years. The point is that while the demise of ebony may be an ecological shame, does it/will it really make any difference to the production of quality instruments? Looks to me as if there is no shortage of attractive and perfectly functional alternatives.
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How much difference does the board make anyway? I had a Martin OMCPA4 until recently that had a Richlite fretboard, and I can't imagine that ebony would have made it sound any better. My Seagull SWS Mini-Jumbo has a rosewood board - again, an excellent-sounding guitar. And my little Washburn parlor probably has some of the 'dead' ebony that someone mentioned earlier - feels pretty good and hard to me, and the sound is excellent. I think Ovation has been successfully been using some kind of walnut on its Adamas line for years. The point is that while the demise of ebony may be an ecological shame, does it/will it really make any difference to the production of quality instruments? Looks to me as if there is no shortage of attractive and perfectly functional alternatives.
You make a good point. There are alternatives. Ebony's density makes it an excellent choice for a fretboard and bridge, but arguments can be made for other woods that may have similar durability as ebony.
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How much difference does the board make anyway?
Any luthier I have ever asked has stated fretboards made with rosewood, maple or ebony all sound different. Even on a solid-body electric guitar, I have detected tonal differences between Stratocasters with maple and rosewood fingerboards but whether the difference was due to the different fingerboard wood or one of the thousand other variables to which a guitar is heir I can't say. And that brings up the point that the type of wood or other material used for fretboards does affect tone but it doesn't seem that anyone has established how significant the difference may be when compared with other variables.
Perhaps the greater density of ebony contributes more of some tonal quality than rosewood but in any given application, the difference could be masked by the effects of other variables or the difference could shine through.
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Yes, it was a great video and I quoted it in the workshop I gave on guitar sizes and woods in mid-July in my local music store.
Jeff