I think ebony is bright sounding, but it doesn't sound like maple (which is also bright). There is a difference, and i think it is best heard if you hear it through fretlesses, in which more fretboard sound comes through. I am a newbie and haven't played fretlesses, so hopefully someone else can help you more. I do know that I love the way Ebony fretboards feel, sound, and look. It, along with birdseye maple and brazilian rosewood (REALLY EXPENSIVE BUT AMAZING LOOKING AND SOUNDS GREAT TOO ), is one of my favorite fretboard woods. Hope i could help.
