Double Bass Alternatives to Ebony

[BRIDGE]

I am seeking alternatives to ebony, for fingerboards, tailpieces, etc. Although I like the look and the feel of ebony, as an animal lover, I cannot support the use of ebony after seeing the following, which was posted on Facebook:

Conservationists estimate that the increased demand for ebony has reduced the population of the Asian Black-Tusked Elephant around 75% over the past fifty years. The Asian Black-Tusked Elephant is the only source for the coveted ebony which is used for a variety of decorative arts, and to make fingerboards and other components for stringed instruments such as the violin, cello, and double bass. The World Wildlife Federation has placed the Asian Black-Tusked Elephant on the "Critically Endangered" list, and predicts its complete extinction by 2050 if ebony harvesting continues at its current rate. Please SHARE if you care about animals. I bet 90% of you won't.

 

[gerry grable]

I am seeking alternatives to ebony, for fingerboards, tailpieces, etc. Although I like the look and the feel of ebony, as an environmentalist, I cannot support the use of ebony after seeing the following, which was posted on Facebook:

Ha ha ha. And April is the cruelest month!

 

[keiranohara]

Should Woodworkers Say Goodbye to Ebony? - videos - Fine Woodworking

You had better keep looking.

 

[LouisF]

The Marvin wire tailpiece is an excellent improvement on most bass; and I know some people use the Wittner ultra-light made from some "space age" material. Moses guitars were making carbon fiber bass fingerboards (and bridges, I believe) at one time, but I'm not sure if they still do

 

[mpdd]

my ebony board was black paint on rosewood, which i found out after the neck replaning

 

[MostlyBass]

The Marvin wire tailpiece is an excellent improvement on most bass; and I know some people use the Wittner ultra-light made from some "space age" material. Moses guitars were making carbon fiber bass fingerboards (and bridges, I believe) at one time, but I'm not sure if they still do

I love the Marvin tailpiece on my Rumano Solano bass!

 

[Eric Hochberg]

My guess is that ebony tailpieces have been the exception to lighter wood species for years. You don't have to go from ebony straight to wire or "space age plastic". My track record with the Marvin is 50%, good on one bass, not so on another.