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With all the import/export mumbjo jumbo going on lately, I was wondering if anyone had played with Persimmon wood as an alternative to African Ebony? I haven't heard African Ebony being a big deal import/export-wise, but it might be a good way to avoid the hassel and deal with local woods. (FYI, Persimmon is in the same family as Ebony.)

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Adam

Seems like this was discussed here (or at MIMF, or both) a couple of weeks ago. Look back through the archives. I'm sure there was a discussion with favorable comments, tips on dying, etc.

I've used persimmon a lot. It makes a good fingerboard wood, if you stain it so it won't show the dirt as much. It's about as good a bridge plate material as any wood could be, IMO. The one guitar I made with persimmon B&S was a bit heavy, but sounded good, and if I were playing in one of those clubs where they put chicken wire between yuo and the audience, that's the guitar I'd want. It was a real 'street fighting' instrument.