Mpingo

[Particle Physics]

Mpingo has been well discussed recently, under hot debate about whether browney-black ebony was good enough as a 'black' wood for splicing butts, especially on expensive cues. Well, looks like a cue maker (link below) has cottoned on to Mpingo, the choice wood for making high end musical instruments of all kinds; think those expensive looking clarinets in the orchestra. Denser than ebony (adds more natural weight), harder, and with a warm resonance about it, Mpingo is a luxury wood that naturally glosses when buffed up due to more oil being present in the fibres. Unfortunately, just 10% of any cut is usable so prices ain't gonna be cheap.

Have a look at some on a snooker cue here. Sorry the photo isn't very big. Just look at how black and glossy that baby shines up to be.

http://www.bandwbilliards.co.uk/cues_detail.php?ID=24

[jonnylovessn8ker]

you mean african blackwood? i've always wondered the difference between ebony and african blackwood (AB).
it seeems that US pool cues are more accustomed to using AB than ebony. perhaps some professionals/expert can offer insight.

[Particle Physics]

you mean african blackwood? i've always wondered the difference between ebony and african blackwood (AB).
it seeems that US pool cues are more accustomed to using AB than ebony. perhaps some professionals/expert can offer insight.

Apparently, it's harder to work with than ebony. Ebony and blackwood (Mpingo to give it it's proper African name) are from different tree families. Colour gets them confused with each other, but they are different beasts; as different as ash is to maple.

I wonder what it feels like under the chin compared to ebony and other woods, in it's buffed up shiny state?