Ebonol (material)

For modern black oxide metal coatings, see Black oxide. For high-sulfur black rubber, see Ebonite.

Ebonol is a synthetic material whose name derives from its similarity in appearance, hardness, and stability to ebony wood. Ebonol is used as a substitute for ebony in the construction of stringed and woodwind instruments (specifically clarinets). The material is particularly well suited for the fingerboards of fretless bass.

Ebonol fingerboard of a fretless electric bass. Note the shiny color, and the lack of a wood grain.

Ebonol is technically known as "XXX Paper Phenolic" and is a high-pressure laminate made from layers of black paper and phenolic resin.

See also

• Richlite
• Micarta