Ebony is common on musical instruments and bows, it has become traditional, and expected. Makers choose their materials carefully with an eye for straight grain that is easy to work, an absence of knots and splits, and a good surface finish. Speaking as a maker myself, I am always on the lookout for top quality materials, including ebony, which is the particular subject of this little ramble. Due to its weight and instability, demand for ebony is relatively small, and a signi