Making an obsidian ebony fretboard

[@thecluelessluthier6520]

I had not thought of using the fretboard itself to make binding. Probably because I tried to create a contrast with another wood, but I like it. I have been interested in using Thermalwood in the future. It looks great!

[@CMRWoodworks]

Thanks! Yeah, I saw someone do that somewhere using the same fretboard material for binding. Can’t remember where, but it works pretty well!

[@SweetTGuitars]

We use the exact same slotting rig😂 Awesome job brother. I love your channel! ✌️&💙

[@CMRWoodworks]

Thanks man! I knew we had the same slotting jig. I remember seeing in your videos when you started using it. It‘s too bad the company that made them went out of business.

[@MrDaveKC]

That's an interesting wood, for sure. The coloring is very ebony, and I'm sure it'll look really good, and probably cost a lot less than real ebony.

[@CMRWoodworks]

It looks pretty much exactly like my ebony headplate. Crazy

[@MrDaveKC]

@@CMRWoodworks that's awesome. I looked up the website, maybe someday.

[@CMRWoodworks]

@@MrDaveKCI think they are trying to get where it‘s easier to buy from them, like online and such, instead of having to go to one of their distributors, which for people like me in the states is not feasible.

[@MrDaveKC]

​@@CMRWoodworksI'll look forward to that. I would definitely be tempted to try one of these.

[@nisselarson3227]

But why not use actual ebony? Price? Difficult to procure in smaller amounts? I have an Ovation bass made from mahogany and ebony on the fretboard. Absolutely brutal sound.

[@CMRWoodworks]

Well, the company that makes the obsidian ebony from maple wood is doing it as a way to provide an alternative for ebony since some species of ebony are endangered or threatened due to unsustainable harvesting of the wood. I guess there is a lot more maple still available in the world than ebony? Not too sure, but I’ve heard that it is threatened.

[@nisselarson3227]

@@CMRWoodworks I didn't give that a thought :/ but yes. Of course. It's an ancient process and not a modern industry. There are only so many of the Diospyros ebenum trees and they're very popular for both fruit and wood since ancient times. Hardwood grows sloowly.