african blackwood vs ebony

[bbb]

im thinking about ordering a cue using one or the other as a forearm and butt with amboyna points/ivory joint
how would they compare with regard to "feel"/"playability" /"hit"??
are they more similar than dissimillar in their charcteristics in the performance of a cue??
im not a cue maker
i know the shaft and tip play a huge role in the "hit" of a cue
but im curious what these wood combinations would offer
thanks for your opinions
:thumbup:

 

[stevel]

Either will work just fine with the burl. Most are cored anyway.The African blackwood prob. won't be as black as the ebony.Both look good with the burls as I have used both combinations in cues.

Best Wishes,

 

[97Buick22]

They are very similar in density and weight. Depending on your preference in looks, the African Blackwood had a nice grain pattern with some varing color. Either combo would make a killer looking cue.

 

[cueman]

You might want to core them. But either way both will play very similar. Just decide which looks best to you and go with it. African Blackwood tends to be more brown in color than most Ebony. Some African Blackwood has nice figure to it and other does not have much figure. If you want more figure you might consider a Striped Ebony.

 

[snipershot]

My African blackwood turned out black as night. To me, it hits as well or better than ebony. The main reason i tried it was because i read that they use it in musical instruments, so i figured it had to have some good tone to it.

Joe

 

[poolplayer2093]

i think the african black wood give the cue that nice crisp "tonk" sounds when you hit a ball well with it. i really like it. way better than ebony

 

[Sloppy Pockets]

My African blackwood turned out black as night. To me, it hits as well or better than ebony. The main reason i tried it was because i read that they use it in musical instruments, so i figured it had to have some good tone to it.

Joe

With top quality Brazilian Rosewood almost unobtainable now, a lot of guitar makers are using African Blackwood in its place and making outstanding sounding guitars with it. Some luthiers claim it is actually superior in tone (but of course they're gonna say that). Since BR is considered to be the very best cue wood by many makers, I'd be willing to bet AB would be a great substitute in cues as well.