LMI Help Center

Ebony Grading

Premium Grade African Ebony Fingerboards

Premium grade boards are the very darkest available in this species, though few will be “jet black”. About 2 to 4 percent of the Ebony we receive will fall into this grade. No quantity discounts are given and they are often out of stock.

 

1st Grade Boards

1st-grade boards will commonly exhibit grey streaks and/or grey mottling. This is the grade we are shipping to high-end guitar manufactures and luthiers. If there is a defect, it will be a  small one on a nice board (a few small pinholes or a very small knot). Additional quantity discounts are available for purchases of 25 or more units. Please inquire.

2nd Grade Boards

2nd-grade boards usually have broad grey patches. Some small pinholes are allowed as are irregularities in the grain orientation (twists or knots with no voids).