u/Abandoned_Entity

I was recommended to make a post here after posting in the woodworking group 😅

Basically I'm trying to find a durable hardwood alternative to ebony to replace the finger board of a beat up cello I got a few years ago. I haven't really done enough woodworking to have the experience to figure out what could be used. Admittedly, I am pretty inexperienced with doing anything on an instrument (though I've done other projects). I would love to actually make this cello playable again, considering that the alternative was likely it being thrown away.

Unfortunately, the original finger board was beyond salvaging so I took it off but that's as far as I've gotten. In my area I can get oak, maple, and walnut. I have tried doing some digging but I really haven't been able to narrow down a popular alternative. I was leaning towards walnut, but I would appreciate any input from anybody who's also chosen less conventional woods for their instruments.

I got a broken cello like 2-3 years ago and I'm finally trying to work on it. It's mostly a 'for fun' thing, since I figured the alternative for it was being thrown away. But, if I can get it to a half-decent state I'll be pretty stoked.

So, basically, the fingerboard was busted and beyond salvage so I removed it completely before putting it away because I was too intimidated to get started beyond that. I'm looking for a durable alternative to replace the broken fingerboard. I thought about trying to source ebony online but I figured it could be interesting to try a different wood altogether. Aiming for something durable in case it actually ends up being playable again so it lasts a while. \

Honestly, I find the hardness charts a little hard to understand since I'm pretty new to working with wood and I've ended up being more indecisive than before. Locally, I can find Walnut, Oak, and Maple somewhat readily. I'm personally leaning towards Walnut but I would appreciate some input so I can narrow down my choices. I just haven't had a lot of hands-on experience to know which one holds up better over time.

Any input is greatly appreciated!