Best Ebony Fretboard Dreadnought Guitars in 2024

Here you'll find the best Ebony fretboard Dreadnought style guitars. This is one of the most expensive woods there is, which is why it's mostly used for fretboards. It is dense, heavy, highly resistant and comes in a really dark color that gives any guitar a classy touch. Tone wise, it helps the high side of the spectrum and provides good sustain.

After comparing the 2000+ guitars in our database, these are the best scoring ones with these characteristics. You can use our filters to the left to narrow down these results, or click on "Compare" to get a deep comparison between them. Our automated scoring system takes into account the ratings from ours users who own the guitar, and dozens of parameters to determine the build quality, playability, pickups quality, value for money, and more.

There are affiliate links on this page that may earn us a commission if you purchase after clicking. We are members of the Amazon Associates Program, and many others. However, we compare each guitar against each other under the same parameters, so this doesn't influence our scoring.

1. Gibson Custom Hummingbird Deluxe

Compare
Gibson Custom Hummingbird Deluxe
FIND IT ON:
Sweetwater logo
Playability 78
Sound 88
Build quality 92
Value for money 71
Overall Score 86

What our users think

  • Tuning stability: Won't get out of tune (1 vote)
  • Pickups noise: Noiseless (3 votes)
  • Pickups power: Clean (3 votes)
Own it? Share your opinion
FIND IT ON:
Sweetwater logo
  • From Gibson Custom's 2020 Modern Collection series
  • Made in United States
  • 6 strings
  • 24.75"'' scale
  • 12" Fretboard Radius
  • Solid Sitka Spruce top
  • Solid Rosewood back
  • Solid Rosewood sides
  • Mahogany neck
  • Ebony fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: LR Baggs VTC (Preamp/Active)
  • Traditional belly up bridge
  • Acoustic Rounded Set neck
  • 20 Medium frets
  • Grover Rotomatic w/ kidney buttons tuners
  • See all specs and compare >
Show all Specs
  • From Gibson Custom's 2020 Modern Collection series
  • Made in United States
  • 6 strings
  • 24.75"'' scale
  • 12" Fretboard Radius
  • Solid Sitka Spruce top
  • Solid Rosewood back
  • Solid Rosewood sides
  • Mahogany neck
  • Ebony fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: LR Baggs VTC (Preamp/Active)
  • Traditional belly up bridge
  • Acoustic Rounded Set neck
  • 20 Medium frets
  • Grover Rotomatic w/ kidney buttons tuners
  • See all specs and compare >
Strengths & Weaknesses
Gibson Custom Hummingbird Deluxe
  • Made in United States
  • Expensive Wood
  • Bone Nut
  • Top Brand Pickups
  • Electronics
  • Bone Saddle
  • Solid Top Wood
  • Solid Side Wood
  • Solid Back Wood
  • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
  • No Locking Tuners
  • No Compound Radius Fretboard
  • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • No Strap Lock

All Prices

    2. Guild D-55E Dreadnought Acoustic

    Compare
    Guild D-55E Dreadnought Acoustic
    FIND IT ON:
    Sweetwater logo
    Playability 77
    Sound 88
    Build quality 92
    Value for money 71
    Overall Score 86
    FIND IT ON:
    Sweetwater logo
    • 1 Prices - New from $4,199 >
    • From Guild's 2019 Guild Usa series
    • Made in United States
    • 6 strings
    • 25.625"'' scale
    • 12" Fretboard Radius
    • Solid Sitka Spruce top
    • Solid Indian Rosewood back
    • Solid Indian Rosewood sides
    • Mahogany with Walnut Center Strip neck
    • Ebony fretboard
    • Bridge pickup: LR Baggs Anthem with Volume, Mix, and Phase Controls (Preamp/Active)
    • Ebony bridge
    • Acoustic C Shape Set neck
    • 20 Medium frets
    • Gotoh SE700 Open-Gear in Gold tuners
    • See all specs and compare >
    Show all Specs
    • 1 Prices - New from $4,199 >
    • From Guild's 2019 Guild Usa series
    • Made in United States
    • 6 strings
    • 25.625"'' scale
    • 12" Fretboard Radius
    • Solid Sitka Spruce top
    • Solid Indian Rosewood back
    • Solid Indian Rosewood sides
    • Mahogany with Walnut Center Strip neck
    • Ebony fretboard
    • Bridge pickup: LR Baggs Anthem with Volume, Mix, and Phase Controls (Preamp/Active)
    • Ebony bridge
    • Acoustic C Shape Set neck
    • 20 Medium frets
    • Gotoh SE700 Open-Gear in Gold tuners
    • See all specs and compare >
    Strengths & Weaknesses
    Guild D-55E Dreadnought Acoustic
    • Made in United States
    • Expensive Wood
    • Bone Nut
    • Top Brand Pickups
    • Electronics
    • Bone Saddle
    • Solid Top Wood
    • Solid Side Wood
    • Solid Back Wood
    • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
    • No Locking Tuners
    • No Compound Radius Fretboard
    • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
    • No Strap Lock

    All Prices

    3. Gibson Dave Mustaine Songwriter

    Compare
    Gibson Dave Mustaine Songwriter
    FIND IT ON:
    Reverb logoSweetwater logo
    Playability 75
    Sound 90
    Build quality 92
    Value for money 71
    Overall Score 86

    What our users think

    • Neck profile shape: C (1 vote)
    • Neck speed (thickness): Fast (1 vote)
    • Pickups noise: Noiseless (3 votes)
    • Pickups power: Clean (3 votes)
    Own it? Share your opinion
    FIND IT ON:
    Reverb logoSweetwater logo
    • 1 Prices - New from $4,499 >
    • From Gibson's 2022 Artist Collection series
    • Made in United States
    • 6 strings
    • 24.75"'' scale
    • 16" Fretboard Radius
    • Solid Sitka Spruce top
    • Solid Walnut back
    • Solid Walnut sides
    • Mahogany neck
    • Ebony fretboard
    • Bridge pickup: LR Baggs VTC (Preamp/Active)
    • Traditional Belly Up, Ebony bridge
    • Acoustic Advanced Response Set neck
    • 24 Medium frets
    • Grover Rotomatic tuners
    • See all specs and compare >
    Show all Specs
    • 1 Prices - New from $4,499 >
    • From Gibson's 2022 Artist Collection series
    • Made in United States
    • 6 strings
    • 24.75"'' scale
    • 16" Fretboard Radius
    • Solid Sitka Spruce top
    • Solid Walnut back
    • Solid Walnut sides
    • Mahogany neck
    • Ebony fretboard
    • Bridge pickup: LR Baggs VTC (Preamp/Active)
    • Traditional Belly Up, Ebony bridge
    • Acoustic Advanced Response Set neck
    • 24 Medium frets
    • Grover Rotomatic tuners
    • See all specs and compare >
    Strengths & Weaknesses
    Gibson Dave Mustaine Songwriter
    • Made in United States
    • Expensive Wood
    • Ivory Tusq Nut
    • Top Brand Pickups
    • Electronics
    • Ivory Tusq Saddle
    • Solid Top Wood
    • Solid Side Wood
    • Solid Back Wood
    • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
    • No Locking Tuners
    • No Compound Radius Fretboard
    • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
    • No Strap Lock

    All Prices

    4. Martin HD12-28

    Compare
    Martin HD12-28
    FIND IT ON:
    Sweetwater logo
    Playability 80
    Sound 88
    Build quality 88
    Value for money 70
    Overall Score 85

    What our users think

    • Neck access to high frets: Easy (1 vote)
    • Fret edges: Smooth (1 vote)
    • Tuning stability: Holds tune well (1 vote)
    • Weight: Lightweight (1 vote)
    • Neck profile shape: C (3 votes)
    • Neck speed (thickness): Balanced (3 votes)
    • Pickups noise: Slightly Noisy (2 votes)
    • Pickups power: Clean (2 votes)
    Own it? Share your opinion
    FIND IT ON:
    Sweetwater logo
    • 2 Prices - New from $3,499 >
    • From Martin's 1931 Standard series
    • Made in United States
    • 12 strings
    • 24.9"'' scale
    • 16" Fretboard Radius
    • Solid Spruce top
    • Solid East Indian Rosewood back
    • Solid East Indian Rosewood sides
    • Select Hardwood neck
    • Ebony fretboard
    • Bridge pickup: Fishman (Preamp/Active)
    • Ebony bridge
    • Acoustic Performing Artist Set neck
    • 20 Medium frets
    • Chrome Enclosed Gear tuners
    • See all specs and compare >
    Show all Specs
    • 2 Prices - New from $3,499 >
    • From Martin's 1931 Standard series
    • Made in United States
    • 12 strings
    • 24.9"'' scale
    • 16" Fretboard Radius
    • Solid Spruce top
    • Solid East Indian Rosewood back
    • Solid East Indian Rosewood sides
    • Select Hardwood neck
    • Ebony fretboard
    • Bridge pickup: Fishman (Preamp/Active)
    • Ebony bridge
    • Acoustic Performing Artist Set neck
    • 20 Medium frets
    • Chrome Enclosed Gear tuners
    • See all specs and compare >
    Strengths & Weaknesses
    Martin HD12-28
    • Made in United States
    • Expensive Wood
    • Bone Nut
    • Top Brand Pickups
    • Electronics
    • Compensated Saddle
    • Solid Top Wood
    • Solid Side Wood
    • Solid Back Wood
    • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
    • No Locking Tuners
    • No Compound Radius Fretboard
    • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
    • No Strap Lock

    All Prices

    5. Alvarez DYM70CESHB

    Compare
    Alvarez DYM70CESHB
    FIND IT ON:
    Sweetwater logo
    Playability 73
    Sound 88
    Build quality 92
    Value for money 69
    Overall Score 84
    FIND IT ON:
    Sweetwater logo
    • 1 Prices - New from $3,299 >
    • From Alvarez's 2022 Yairi series
    • Made in Japan
    • 6 strings
    • 25.512"'' scale
    • 15.75" Fretboard Radius
    • Solid AAA Sitka Spruce top
    • Solid East Indian Rosewood back
    • Solid East Indian Rosewood sides
    • One piece mahogany, 50/50 Semi gloss finish, Extended neck joint neck
    • Ebony / 12th Fret Inlay fretboard
    • Bridge pickup: LR Baggs VTC Element System (Preamp/Active)
    • Ebony Direct Coupled bridge
    • Acoustic Alvarez Set neck
    • 20 Medium frets
    • Gotoh 510's Gold with Ebony Buttons tuners
    • See all specs and compare >
    Show all Specs
    • 1 Prices - New from $3,299 >
    • From Alvarez's 2022 Yairi series
    • Made in Japan
    • 6 strings
    • 25.512"'' scale
    • 15.75" Fretboard Radius
    • Solid AAA Sitka Spruce top
    • Solid East Indian Rosewood back
    • Solid East Indian Rosewood sides
    • One piece mahogany, 50/50 Semi gloss finish, Extended neck joint neck
    • Ebony / 12th Fret Inlay fretboard
    • Bridge pickup: LR Baggs VTC Element System (Preamp/Active)
    • Ebony Direct Coupled bridge
    • Acoustic Alvarez Set neck
    • 20 Medium frets
    • Gotoh 510's Gold with Ebony Buttons tuners
    • See all specs and compare >
    Strengths & Weaknesses
    Alvarez DYM70CESHB
    • Made in Japan
    • Expensive Wood
    • Ivory Tusq Nut
    • Top Brand Pickups
    • Electronics
    • Ivory Tusq Saddle
    • Solid Top Wood
    • Solid Side Wood
    • Solid Back Wood
    • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
    • No Locking Tuners
    • No Compound Radius Fretboard
    • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
    • No Strap Lock

    All Prices

    6. Yamaha A5M ARE

    Compare
    Yamaha A5M ARE
    FIND IT ON:
    Reverb logoSweetwater logoAmazon logoMusician's Friend logo
    Playability 73
    Sound 90
    Build quality 87
    Value for money 78
    Overall Score 83

    What our users think

    • Neck profile shape: C (14 votes)
    • Neck speed (thickness): Fast (15 votes)
    • Pickups noise: Noiseless (3 votes)
    • Pickups power: Clean (3 votes)
    Own it? Share your opinion
    FIND IT ON:
    Reverb logoSweetwater logoAmazon logoMusician's Friend logo
    • 5 Prices - New from $1,499.99 >
    • From Yamaha's 2017 A series
    • Made in Japan
    • 6 strings
    • 25.6"'' scale
    • 15.75" Fretboard Radius
    • Solid Sitka Spruce A.R.E. w/Scalloped Bracing top
    • Solid Mahogany back
    • Solid Mahogany sides
    • African Mahogany (3-ply) neck
    • Ebony fretboard
    • Bridge pickup: SYSTEM71(SRT2 System) + SRT Piezo Pickup (Preamp/Active)
    • Ebony bridge
    • Acoustic C Set neck
    • 20 Medium frets
    • Open Gear Chrome (Gotoh) tuners
    • See all specs and compare >
    Show all Specs
    • 5 Prices - New from $1,499.99 >
    • From Yamaha's 2017 A series
    • Made in Japan
    • 6 strings
    • 25.6"'' scale
    • 15.75" Fretboard Radius
    • Solid Sitka Spruce A.R.E. w/Scalloped Bracing top
    • Solid Mahogany back
    • Solid Mahogany sides
    • African Mahogany (3-ply) neck
    • Ebony fretboard
    • Bridge pickup: SYSTEM71(SRT2 System) + SRT Piezo Pickup (Preamp/Active)
    • Ebony bridge
    • Acoustic C Set neck
    • 20 Medium frets
    • Open Gear Chrome (Gotoh) tuners
    • See all specs and compare >
    Strengths & Weaknesses
    Yamaha A5M ARE
    • Made in Japan
    • Expensive Wood
    • Ivory Tusq Nut
    • Electronics
    • Ivory Tusq Saddle
    • Solid Top Wood
    • Solid Side Wood
    • Solid Back Wood
    • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
    • No Locking Tuners
    • No Top Brand Pickups
    • No Compound Radius Fretboard
    • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
    • No Strap Lock

    All Prices

    7. Ibanez AAD400CE

    Compare
    Ibanez AAD400CE
    FIND IT ON:
    Sweetwater logo
    Playability 73
    Sound 88
    Build quality 85
    Value for money 72
    Overall Score 82
    FIND IT ON:
    Sweetwater logo
    • 1 Prices - New from $2,300 >
    • From Ibanez's 2019 Advanced Acoustic series
    • Made in Japan
    • 6 strings
    • 25.5"'' scale
    • 15.748" Fretboard Radius
    • Solid Sitka Spruce top
    • Solid African Mahogany back
    • Solid African Mahogany sides
    • Thermo Aged African Mahogany / Pau Ferro neck
    • Macassar Ebony fretboard
    • Bridge pickup: Ibanez AP11 Magnetic & Contact (Preamp/Active)
    • Macassar Ebony scalloped bridge
    • Low Oval Grip with Rounded Fretboard Edge Set neck
    • 20 Medium frets
    • Ibanez tuners
    • See all specs and compare >
    Show all Specs
    • 1 Prices - New from $2,300 >
    • From Ibanez's 2019 Advanced Acoustic series
    • Made in Japan
    • 6 strings
    • 25.5"'' scale
    • 15.748" Fretboard Radius
    • Solid Sitka Spruce top
    • Solid African Mahogany back
    • Solid African Mahogany sides
    • Thermo Aged African Mahogany / Pau Ferro neck
    • Macassar Ebony fretboard
    • Bridge pickup: Ibanez AP11 Magnetic & Contact (Preamp/Active)
    • Macassar Ebony scalloped bridge
    • Low Oval Grip with Rounded Fretboard Edge Set neck
    • 20 Medium frets
    • Ibanez tuners
    • See all specs and compare >
    Strengths & Weaknesses
    Ibanez AAD400CE
    • Made in Japan
    • Expensive Wood
    • Bone Nut
    • Electronics
    • Bone Saddle
    • Solid Top Wood
    • Solid Side Wood
    • Solid Back Wood
    • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
    • No Locking Tuners
    • No Top Brand Pickups
    • No Compound Radius Fretboard
    • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
    • No Strap Lock

    All Prices

    8. Takamine P7DC

    Compare
    Takamine P7DC
    FIND IT ON:
    Sweetwater logo
    Playability 73
    Sound 88
    Build quality 87
    Value for money 73
    Overall Score 83

    What our users think

    • Neck profile shape: Asymmetrical (3 votes)
    • Neck speed (thickness): Fast (2 votes)
    • Pickups noise: Noiseless (1 vote)
    • Pickups power: Slightly Hot (1 vote)
    Own it? Share your opinion
    FIND IT ON:
    Sweetwater logo
    • From Takamine's 2013 Pro Series 7 series
    • Made in Japan
    • 6 strings
    • 25.4"'' scale
    • 12" Fretboard Radius
    • Solid Spruce top
    • Solid Rosewood back
    • Solid Rosewood sides
    • Mahogany neck
    • Ebony fretboard
    • Bridge pickup: CTP-3 CoolTube (Preamp/Active)
    • Rosewood bridge
    • Acoustic Asymmetrical C Set neck
    • 20 Medium frets
    • Takamine Gold tuners
    • See all specs and compare >
    Show all Specs
    • From Takamine's 2013 Pro Series 7 series
    • Made in Japan
    • 6 strings
    • 25.4"'' scale
    • 12" Fretboard Radius
    • Solid Spruce top
    • Solid Rosewood back
    • Solid Rosewood sides
    • Mahogany neck
    • Ebony fretboard
    • Bridge pickup: CTP-3 CoolTube (Preamp/Active)
    • Rosewood bridge
    • Acoustic Asymmetrical C Set neck
    • 20 Medium frets
    • Takamine Gold tuners
    • See all specs and compare >
    Strengths & Weaknesses
    Takamine P7DC
    • Made in Japan
    • Expensive Wood
    • Bone Nut
    • Top Brand Pickups
    • Electronics
    • Bone Saddle
    • Solid Top Wood
    • Solid Side Wood
    • Solid Back Wood
    • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
    • No Locking Tuners
    • No Compound Radius Fretboard
    • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
    • No Strap Lock

    All Prices

      9. Washburn D100SWCE

      Compare
      Washburn D100SWCE
      FIND IT ON:
      Sweetwater logo
      Playability 73
      Sound 90
      Build quality 80
      Value for money 81
      Overall Score 81
      FIND IT ON:
      Sweetwater logo
      • From Washburn's 2020 Heritage series
      • Made in China
      • 6 strings
      • 25.5"'' scale
      • 12" Fretboard Radius
      • Torrefied Solid Sitka Spruce top
      • Solid Mahogany back
      • Solid Mahogany sides
      • Satin Mahogany with Walnut Rails & 2-way Truss Rod neck
      • Ebony fretboard
      • Bridge pickup: Fishman Presys+ Blend EQ with built in mic & tuner. (Preamp/Active)
      • Ebony bridge
      • Acoustic Washburn Heritage Set neck
      • 20 Medium frets
      • Graphtech Ratio Tuned w/Black buttons tuners
      • See all specs and compare >
      Show all Specs
      • From Washburn's 2020 Heritage series
      • Made in China
      • 6 strings
      • 25.5"'' scale
      • 12" Fretboard Radius
      • Torrefied Solid Sitka Spruce top
      • Solid Mahogany back
      • Solid Mahogany sides
      • Satin Mahogany with Walnut Rails & 2-way Truss Rod neck
      • Ebony fretboard
      • Bridge pickup: Fishman Presys+ Blend EQ with built in mic & tuner. (Preamp/Active)
      • Ebony bridge
      • Acoustic Washburn Heritage Set neck
      • 20 Medium frets
      • Graphtech Ratio Tuned w/Black buttons tuners
      • See all specs and compare >
      Strengths & Weaknesses
      Washburn D100SWCE
      • Locking Tuners
      • Expensive Wood
      • Bone Nut
      • Top Brand Pickups
      • Electronics
      • Bone Saddle
      • Solid Top Wood
      • Solid Side Wood
      • Solid Back Wood
      • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
      • Made in China
      • No Compound Radius Fretboard
      • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
      • No Strap Lock

      All Prices

        10. Taylor Builder's Edition 717e

        Compare
        Taylor Builder's Edition 717e
        FIND IT ON:
        Sweetwater logoMusician's Friend logo
        Playability 73
        Sound 88
        Build quality 85
        Value for money 67
        Overall Score 82

        What our users think

        • Neck profile shape: D (8 votes)
        • Neck speed (thickness): Fast (8 votes)
        • Pickups noise: Noiseless (7 votes)
        • Pickups power: Clean (6 votes)
        Own it? Share your opinion
        FIND IT ON:
        Sweetwater logoMusician's Friend logo
        • 3 Prices - New from $3,499 >
        • From Taylor's 2019 700 series
        • Made in United States
        • 6 strings
        • 25.5"'' scale
        • 15" Fretboard Radius
        • Solid Sitka Spruce top
        • Solid Indian Rosewood back
        • Solid Indian Rosewood sides
        • Tropical Mahogany neck
        • West African Crelicam Ebony fretboard
        • Bridge pickup: Expression System 2 Electronics (Preamp/Active)
        • West African Crelicam Ebony bridge
        • Acoustic Taylor Standard Set neck
        • 20 Medium frets
        • Taylor Nickel tuners
        • See all specs and compare >
        Show all Specs
        • 3 Prices - New from $3,499 >
        • From Taylor's 2019 700 series
        • Made in United States
        • 6 strings
        • 25.5"'' scale
        • 15" Fretboard Radius
        • Solid Sitka Spruce top
        • Solid Indian Rosewood back
        • Solid Indian Rosewood sides
        • Tropical Mahogany neck
        • West African Crelicam Ebony fretboard
        • Bridge pickup: Expression System 2 Electronics (Preamp/Active)
        • West African Crelicam Ebony bridge
        • Acoustic Taylor Standard Set neck
        • 20 Medium frets
        • Taylor Nickel tuners
        • See all specs and compare >
        Strengths & Weaknesses
        Taylor Builder's Edition 717e
        • Made in United States
        • Expensive Wood
        • Black Tusq XL Nut
        • Electronics
        • Synthetic Bone Saddle
        • Solid Top Wood
        • Solid Side Wood
        • Solid Back Wood
        • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
        • No Locking Tuners
        • No Top Brand Pickups
        • No Compound Radius Fretboard
        • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
        • No Strap Lock

        All Prices

        Filter ResultsClear all filters×
        Price
      • General
        Brand
        Country of Origin
        For Hand Size
        Great for
        Handedness
        Max Weight
        • Type desired range in pounds (lbs):
        String Material
        Strings
        Body
        Back Wood
        Body Finish
        Body Shape
        Body Type
        Top Wood
        Comfortability
        Decorative Top
        Saddle Material
        Sides Wood
        Neck
        Custom 12th Fret Inlay
        Fret Material
        Fret Size
        Fretboard Radius
        Fretboard Wood
        Headstock
        Inlay Material
        Inlay Position
        Inlay Shape
        Luminescent Sidedots
        Neck Joint
        Neck Profile
        Neck Thickness at 12th Fret
        • Type desired range in inches:
        Neck Thickness at 1st Fret
        • Type desired range in inches:
        Neck Wood
        Number of Frets
        Nut Material
        Nut Width
        Playstyle
        Scale Length
        Electronics
        Bridge Pickups Brand
        Neck Pickups Brand
          Pickup Mods
          Pickups Power
          Hardware
          Hardware Color
          Strap Lock
            Tuners Type
            By Score
            Build Quality Score
              Build Quality Score
            • Type desired score
            Features Score
              Features Score
            • Type desired score
            Material Quality Score
              Material Quality Score
            • Type desired score
            Pickups Quality Score
              Pickups Quality Score
            • Type desired score
            Playability Score
              Playability Score
            • Type desired score
            Quality Control Score
              Quality Control Score
            • Type desired score
            Sound Score
              Sound Score
            • Type desired score
            Value for Money Score
              Value for Money Score
            • Type desired score
            Versatility Score
              Versatility Score
            • Type desired score