We found out pretty early that Ebony was ideal for most fingerboards from a durability and ease of repair perspective. With the exception of fretless basses where fingerboard wood choice does impact the tone significantly, Ebony is always the best. We still do just about any wood that's durable enough for fingerboards, but I do think they are all compromises compared to Ebony, and I will always try to talk you into Ebony!
While fingerboard woods are more standard now, I can't agree that builds are more standard in general. But of course, I get to see every Alembic made. I'm pretty sure we have made more Maple fingerboard in the last few years than in the entire history of the company.
