The Ebony family (Diospyrus family) consists of a large number of very hard and dense woods. Predominantly, the black species of Ebony is used in instrument making for fingerboards. It is less known, that this type represents only about 15% of all Ebony. In recent times, some of the figured species, e.g. Macassar-Ebony (bottom picture) have established themselves as suitable material for back and sides.

origin:
Central Africa, South-East Asia, Central America

used for:
fingerboard, bridge, back and sides (Macassar E.)

tonal properties:
close to Cocobolo, round and mellow