Tomadachi means friend in Japanese. My friend asked me to make him a "not so sneaky" out of ebony. He wanted it simple, strong, and bumperless. Well - the Ivorine 4 joint against the black of the ebony, makes a statement. Sometimes simple cries out as loud as a deafening silence... This combination makes a great playing cue with an audible "ping". I am very happy with the way this one plays. I hope my friend likes it too.