Best Ebony Fretboard Thinline Guitars in 2025

Here you'll find the best Ebony fretboard Thinline 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. Takamine TSP158C

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Takamine TSP158C
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Playability 80
Sound 84
Build quality 84
Value for money 73
Overall Score 83

What our users think

  • Neck profile shape: Asymmetrical (5 votes)
  • Neck speed (thickness): Fast (5 votes)
Own it? Share your opinion
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  • 1 Prices - New from $2,399 >
  • From Takamine's 2020 Thinline series
  • Made in Japan
  • 6 strings
  • 24.8"'' scale
  • 12" Fretboard Radius
  • Solid Spruce top
  • Arched Maple back
  • Maple sides
  • Maple neck
  • Ebony fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: CT-3N (Preamp/Active)
  • Fixed bridge
  • Acoustic Asymmetrical C Set neck
  • 20 Medium frets
  • Takamine tuners
  • Side-By-Side Comparison
Show Overview
  • 1 Prices - New from $2,399 >
  • From Takamine's 2020 Thinline series
  • Made in Japan
  • 6 strings
  • 24.8"'' scale
  • 12" Fretboard Radius
  • Solid Spruce top
  • Arched Maple back
  • Maple sides
  • Maple neck
  • Ebony fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: CT-3N (Preamp/Active)
  • Fixed bridge
  • Acoustic Asymmetrical C Set neck
  • 20 Medium frets
  • Takamine tuners
  • Side-By-Side Comparison
Show All Specs
Takamine TSP158C Specifications
Takamine TSP158C
General
Brand: Takamine
Year: 2020
Configuration: N/A
Strings: 6
Made in: Japan
Series: Thinline
Colors: Black
Left-Handed Version: No
Body
Type: Hollowbody
Body Material: Solid Spruce
Sides Material: Maple
Back Material: Maple
Bridge: Fixed
Neck
Neck Joint: Set
Tuners: Takamine
Fretboard: Ebony
Neck Material: Maple
Decoration: Abalone custom
Scale Size: 24.8"
Shape: Acoustic Asymmetrical C
Frets: 20 Medium
Fretboard Radius: 12"
Nut: Bone
Nut Width: 42.5mm (1.673'')
Electronics
Pickups: CT-3N (Preamp / Active)
Hardware
Strap Lock: No
Hardware Color: Gold
Strengths & Weaknesses
Takamine TSP158C
  • Made in Japan
  • Expensive Wood
  • Bone Nut
  • Top Brand Pickups
  • Electronics
  • Bone Saddle
  • Solid Top Wood
  • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
  • No Locking Tuners
  • Laminated Side Wood
  • Laminated Back Wood
  • No Compound Radius Fretboard
  • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • No Strap Lock

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2. Ibanez JSA20

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Ibanez JSA20
FIND IT ON:
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Playability 73
Sound 84
Build quality 74
Value for money 77
Overall Score 77
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  • From Ibanez's 2017 JSA series
  • Made in China
  • 6 strings
  • 25.6"'' scale
  • 12" Fretboard Radius
  • Solid Engelmann Spruce top
  • Solid Pau Ferro back
  • Solid Pau Ferro sides
  • Nyatoh neck
  • Ebony fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: Fishman Acoustic Matrix (Preamp/Active)
  • Ebony bridge
  • Acoustic JSA Set neck
  • 20 Medium frets
  • Ibanez tuners
  • Side-By-Side Comparison
Show Overview
  • From Ibanez's 2017 JSA series
  • Made in China
  • 6 strings
  • 25.6"'' scale
  • 12" Fretboard Radius
  • Solid Engelmann Spruce top
  • Solid Pau Ferro back
  • Solid Pau Ferro sides
  • Nyatoh neck
  • Ebony fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: Fishman Acoustic Matrix (Preamp/Active)
  • Ebony bridge
  • Acoustic JSA Set neck
  • 20 Medium frets
  • Ibanez tuners
  • Side-By-Side Comparison
Show All Specs
Ibanez JSA20 Specifications
Ibanez JSA20
General
Brand: Ibanez
Year: 2017
Configuration: N/A
Strings: 6
Made in: China
Series: JSA
Colors:
Left-Handed Version: No
Body
Type: Hollowbody
Body Material: Solid Engelmann Spruce
Sides Material: Pau Ferro
Back Material: Pau Ferro
Bridge: Ebony
Neck
Neck Joint: Set
Tuners: Ibanez
Fretboard: Ebony
Neck Material: Nyatoh
Decoration: Abalone dot inlay
Scale Size: 25.6"
Shape: Acoustic JSA
Thickness: 1st Fret: 0.787'' (20mm) - 12th Fret: 0.827'' (21mm)
Frets: 20 Medium
Fretboard Radius: 12"
Nut: Plastic
Nut Width: 43mm (1.693'')
Electronics
Pickups: Fishman Acoustic Matrix (Preamp / Active)
Hardware
Strap Lock: No
Hardware Color: Black & Chrome
Strengths & Weaknesses
Ibanez JSA20
  • Expensive Wood
  • Top Brand Pickups
  • Electronics
  • Solid Top Wood
  • Solid Side Wood
  • Solid Back Wood
  • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
  • No Locking Tuners
  • Made in China
  • No High-Quality Nut
  • Low-Quality Material Saddle
  • No Compound Radius Fretboard
  • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • No Strap Lock

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    3. Yamaha APX1200II

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    Yamaha APX1200II
    FIND IT ON:
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    Playability 73
    Sound 86
    Build quality 72
    Value for money 77
    Overall Score 77

    What our users think

    • Neck profile shape: C (18 votes)
    • Neck speed (thickness): Fast (17 votes)
    Own it? Share your opinion
    FIND IT ON:
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    • From Yamaha's 2015 APX series
    • Made in China
    • 6 strings
    • 25.6"'' scale
    • 15.75" Fretboard Radius
    • Solid Spruce top
    • Solid Rosewood back
    • Solid Rosewood sides
    • African Mahogany neck
    • Ebony fretboard
    • Bridge pickup: SYSTEM63 (SRT System) + SRT Piezo Pickup (Preamp/Active)
    • Ebony bridge
    • Acoustic C Set neck
    • 20 Medium frets
    • Die-Cast Gold w/Black Buttons (TM29GB) tuners
    • Side-By-Side Comparison
    Show Overview
    • From Yamaha's 2015 APX series
    • Made in China
    • 6 strings
    • 25.6"'' scale
    • 15.75" Fretboard Radius
    • Solid Spruce top
    • Solid Rosewood back
    • Solid Rosewood sides
    • African Mahogany neck
    • Ebony fretboard
    • Bridge pickup: SYSTEM63 (SRT System) + SRT Piezo Pickup (Preamp/Active)
    • Ebony bridge
    • Acoustic C Set neck
    • 20 Medium frets
    • Die-Cast Gold w/Black Buttons (TM29GB) tuners
    • Side-By-Side Comparison
    Show All Specs
    Yamaha APX1200II Specifications
    Yamaha APX1200II
    General
    Brand: Yamaha
    Year: 2015
    Configuration: N/A
    Strings: 6
    Made in: China
    Series: APX
    Colors: Natural
    Left-Handed Version: No
    Body
    Type: Hollowbody
    Body Material: Solid Spruce
    Sides Material: Rosewood
    Back Material: Rosewood
    Bridge: Ebony
    Neck
    Neck Joint: Set
    Tuners: Die-Cast Gold w/Black Buttons (TM29GB)
    Fretboard: Ebony
    Neck Material: African Mahogany
    Decoration: Pearloid Dots
    Scale Size: 25.6"
    Shape: Acoustic C
    Frets: 20 Medium
    Fretboard Radius: 15.75"
    Nut: Plastic
    Nut Width: 43mm (1.693'')
    Electronics
    Pickups: SYSTEM63 (SRT System) + SRT Piezo Pickup (Preamp / Active)
    Hardware
    Strap Lock: No
    Hardware Color: Gold
    Strengths & Weaknesses
    Yamaha APX1200II
    • Expensive Wood
    • Electronics
    • Solid Top Wood
    • Solid Side Wood
    • Solid Back Wood
    • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
    • No Locking Tuners
    • Made in China
    • No High-Quality Nut
    • No Top Brand Pickups
    • Low-Quality Material Saddle
    • No Compound Radius Fretboard
    • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
    • No Strap Lock

    All Prices

      4. Takamine TSP158C-12

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      Takamine TSP158C-12
      FIND IT ON:
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      Playability 80
      Sound 84
      Build quality 82
      Value for money 77
      Overall Score 82

      What our users think

      • Neck profile shape: Asymmetrical (5 votes)
      • Neck speed (thickness): Fast (5 votes)
      Own it? Share your opinion
      FIND IT ON:
      Amazon logoSweetwater logoMusician's Friend logo
      • 1 Prices - New from $1,799.99 >
      • From Takamine's 2020 Thinline series
      • Made in Japan
      • 12 strings
      • 24.8"'' scale
      • 12" Fretboard Radius
      • Solid Spruce top
      • Arched Maple back
      • Maple sides
      • Maple neck
      • Ebony fretboard
      • Bridge pickup: CT-3N (Preamp/Active)
      • Fixed bridge
      • Acoustic Asymmetrical C Set neck
      • 20 Medium frets
      • Takamine tuners
      • Side-By-Side Comparison
      Show Overview
      • 1 Prices - New from $1,799.99 >
      • From Takamine's 2020 Thinline series
      • Made in Japan
      • 12 strings
      • 24.8"'' scale
      • 12" Fretboard Radius
      • Solid Spruce top
      • Arched Maple back
      • Maple sides
      • Maple neck
      • Ebony fretboard
      • Bridge pickup: CT-3N (Preamp/Active)
      • Fixed bridge
      • Acoustic Asymmetrical C Set neck
      • 20 Medium frets
      • Takamine tuners
      • Side-By-Side Comparison
      Show All Specs
      Takamine TSP158C-12 Specifications
      Takamine TSP158C-12
      General
      Brand: Takamine
      Year: 2020
      Configuration: N/A
      Strings: 12
      Made in: Japan
      Series: Thinline
      Colors: Black
      Left-Handed Version: No
      Body
      Type: Hollowbody
      Body Material: Solid Spruce
      Sides Material: Maple
      Back Material: Maple
      Bridge: Fixed
      Neck
      Neck Joint: Set
      Tuners: Takamine
      Fretboard: Ebony
      Neck Material: Maple
      Decoration: Abalone custom
      Scale Size: 24.8"
      Shape: Acoustic Asymmetrical C
      Frets: 20 Medium
      Fretboard Radius: 12"
      Nut: Bone
      Nut Width: 45mm (1.77'')
      Electronics
      Pickups: CT-3N (Preamp / Active)
      Hardware
      Strap Lock: No
      Hardware Color: Gold
      Strengths & Weaknesses
      Takamine TSP158C-12
      • Made in Japan
      • Expensive Wood
      • Bone Nut
      • Top Brand Pickups
      • Electronics
      • Bone Saddle
      • Solid Top Wood
      • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
      • No Locking Tuners
      • Laminated Side Wood
      • Laminated Back Wood
      • No Compound Radius Fretboard
      • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
      • No Strap Lock

      All Prices

      5. Takamine TSP178AC

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      Takamine TSP178AC
      FIND IT ON:
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      Playability 80
      Sound 81
      Build quality 82
      Value for money 71
      Overall Score 81

      What our users think

      • Neck profile shape: Asymmetrical (5 votes)
      • Neck speed (thickness): Fast (5 votes)
      Own it? Share your opinion
      FIND IT ON:
      Sweetwater logoMusician's Friend logo
      • From Takamine's 2019 Thinline series
      • Made in Japan
      • 6 strings
      • 24.8"'' scale
      • 12" Fretboard Radius
      • Figured Maple top
      • Arched Maple top
      • Arched Maple back
      • Flame Maple sides
      • Mahogany neck
      • Ebony fretboard
      • Bridge pickup: CT-3N (Preamp/Active)
      • Fixed bridge
      • Acoustic Asymmetrical C Set neck
      • 20 Medium frets
      • Takamine tuners
      • Side-By-Side Comparison
      Show Overview
      • From Takamine's 2019 Thinline series
      • Made in Japan
      • 6 strings
      • 24.8"'' scale
      • 12" Fretboard Radius
      • Figured Maple top
      • Arched Maple top
      • Arched Maple back
      • Flame Maple sides
      • Mahogany neck
      • Ebony fretboard
      • Bridge pickup: CT-3N (Preamp/Active)
      • Fixed bridge
      • Acoustic Asymmetrical C Set neck
      • 20 Medium frets
      • Takamine tuners
      • Side-By-Side Comparison
      Show All Specs
      Takamine TSP178AC Specifications
      Takamine TSP178AC
      General
      Brand: Takamine
      Year: 2019
      Configuration: N/A
      Strings: 6
      Made in: Japan
      Series: Thinline
      Colors: Sunburst
      Left-Handed Version: No
      Body
      Top: Figured Maple
      Type: Hollowbody
      Body Material: Arched Maple
      Sides Material: Flame Maple
      Back Material: Maple
      Bridge: Fixed
      Neck
      Neck Joint: Set
      Tuners: Takamine
      Fretboard: Ebony
      Neck Material: Mahogany
      Decoration: Abalone Blocks
      Scale Size: 24.8"
      Shape: Acoustic Asymmetrical C
      Frets: 20 Medium
      Fretboard Radius: 12"
      Nut: Bone
      Nut Width: 42mm (1.654'')
      Electronics
      Pickups: CT-3N (Preamp / Active)
      Hardware
      Strap Lock: No
      Hardware Color: Gold
      Strengths & Weaknesses
      Takamine TSP178AC
      • Made in Japan
      • Expensive Wood
      • Bone Nut
      • Top Brand Pickups
      • Electronics
      • Bone Saddle
      • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
      • No Locking Tuners
      • Laminated Top Wood
      • Laminated Side Wood
      • Laminated Back Wood
      • No Compound Radius Fretboard
      • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
      • No Strap Lock

      All Prices

        6. Takamine TSP100

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        Takamine TSP100
        FIND IT ON:
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        Playability 80
        Sound 81
        Build quality 83
        Value for money 66
        Overall Score 81

        What our users think

        • Neck profile shape: Asymmetrical (5 votes)
        • Neck speed (thickness): Fast (5 votes)
        Own it? Share your opinion
        FIND IT ON:
        Sweetwater logoMusician's Friend logo
        • From Takamine's 2021 Thinline series
        • Made in Japan
        • 6 strings
        • 24.8"'' scale
        • 12" Fretboard Radius
        • Quilted Maple top
        • Arched Maple top
        • Arched Maple back
        • Quilted Maple sides
        • Maple neck
        • Ebony fretboard
        • Bridge pickup: CT-3N (Preamp/Active)
        • Fixed bridge
        • Acoustic Asymmetrical C Set neck
        • 20 Medium frets
        • Takamine tuners
        • Side-By-Side Comparison
        Show Overview
        • From Takamine's 2021 Thinline series
        • Made in Japan
        • 6 strings
        • 24.8"'' scale
        • 12" Fretboard Radius
        • Quilted Maple top
        • Arched Maple top
        • Arched Maple back
        • Quilted Maple sides
        • Maple neck
        • Ebony fretboard
        • Bridge pickup: CT-3N (Preamp/Active)
        • Fixed bridge
        • Acoustic Asymmetrical C Set neck
        • 20 Medium frets
        • Takamine tuners
        • Side-By-Side Comparison
        Show All Specs
        Takamine TSP100 Specifications
        Takamine TSP100
        General
        Brand: Takamine
        Year: 2021
        Configuration: N/A
        Strings: 6
        Made in: Japan
        Series: Thinline
        Colors: Blue
        Left-Handed Version: No
        Body
        Top: Quilted Maple
        Type: Hollowbody
        Body Material: Arched Maple
        Sides Material: Quilted Maple
        Back Material: Maple
        Bridge: Fixed
        Neck
        Neck Joint: Set
        Tuners: Takamine
        Fretboard: Ebony
        Neck Material: Maple
        Decoration: Custom
        Scale Size: 24.8"
        Shape: Acoustic Asymmetrical C
        Frets: 20 Medium
        Fretboard Radius: 12"
        Nut: Bone
        Nut Width: 42.5mm (1.673'')
        Electronics
        Pickups: CT-3N (Preamp / Active)
        Hardware
        Strap Lock: No
        Hardware Color: Gold
        Strengths & Weaknesses
        Takamine TSP100
        • Made in Japan
        • Expensive Wood
        • Bone Nut
        • Top Brand Pickups
        • Electronics
        • Bone Saddle
        • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
        • No Locking Tuners
        • Laminated Top Wood
        • Laminated Side Wood
        • Laminated Back Wood
        • No Compound Radius Fretboard
        • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
        • No Strap Lock

        All Prices

          7. Takamine TSP178ACK

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          Takamine TSP178ACK
          FIND IT ON:
          Sweetwater logoMusician's Friend logo
          Playability 80
          Sound 81
          Build quality 80
          Value for money 70
          Overall Score 80

          What our users think

          • Neck profile shape: Asymmetrical (5 votes)
          • Neck speed (thickness): Fast (5 votes)
          Own it? Share your opinion
          FIND IT ON:
          Sweetwater logoMusician's Friend logo
          • From Takamine's 2019 Thinline series
          • Made in Japan
          • 6 strings
          • 24.8"'' scale
          • 12" Fretboard Radius
          • Arched Koa top
          • Arched Koa back
          • Koa sides
          • Mahogany neck
          • Ebony fretboard
          • Bridge pickup: CT-3N (Preamp/Active)
          • Fixed bridge
          • Acoustic Asymmetrical C Set neck
          • 20 Medium frets
          • Takamine tuners
          • Side-By-Side Comparison
          Show Overview
          • From Takamine's 2019 Thinline series
          • Made in Japan
          • 6 strings
          • 24.8"'' scale
          • 12" Fretboard Radius
          • Arched Koa top
          • Arched Koa back
          • Koa sides
          • Mahogany neck
          • Ebony fretboard
          • Bridge pickup: CT-3N (Preamp/Active)
          • Fixed bridge
          • Acoustic Asymmetrical C Set neck
          • 20 Medium frets
          • Takamine tuners
          • Side-By-Side Comparison
          Show All Specs
          Takamine TSP178ACK Specifications
          Takamine TSP178ACK
          General
          Brand: Takamine
          Year: 2019
          Configuration: N/A
          Strings: 6
          Made in: Japan
          Series: Thinline
          Colors: Natural
          Left-Handed Version: No
          Body
          Type: Hollowbody
          Body Material: Arched Koa
          Sides Material: Koa
          Back Material: Koa
          Bridge: Fixed
          Neck
          Neck Joint: Set
          Tuners: Takamine
          Fretboard: Ebony
          Neck Material: Mahogany
          Decoration: Abalone Blocks
          Scale Size: 24.8"
          Shape: Acoustic Asymmetrical C
          Frets: 20 Medium
          Fretboard Radius: 12"
          Nut: Bone
          Nut Width: 42mm (1.654'')
          Electronics
          Pickups: CT-3N (Preamp / Active)
          Hardware
          Strap Lock: No
          Hardware Color: Gold
          Strengths & Weaknesses
          Takamine TSP178ACK
          • Made in Japan
          • Expensive Wood
          • Bone Nut
          • Top Brand Pickups
          • Electronics
          • Bone Saddle
          • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
          • No Locking Tuners
          • Laminated Top Wood
          • Laminated Side Wood
          • Laminated Back Wood
          • No Compound Radius Fretboard
          • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
          • No Strap Lock

          All Prices

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