Ebony Chess Pieces

Are ebony chess pieces more likely to crack in a warm, humid environment? Or less likely?

I'm thinking about buying an ebony set. But I'd hate to see it crack!

I like the idea of an ebony set too.

I do!

Since all but the most expensive ebony sets are actually ebonized (painted) in order to get that jet black color, I see no reason to spend the extra $100-$175 more than ebonized boxwood, when (as the old hair color commercials used to say) only you and your hairdresser know for sure.

If you're going to spend the extra bucks, why not make a splash! I think striped ebony, with its beautiful streaks of brown, is a lot more natural and interesting than black painted chess pieces. Most of us were programmed into preferring jet black because were learned to play the game with black plastic chess pieces.

For musical instruments, striped ebony has become much sought after for acoustic guitars.

you might browse here...

https://www.chess.com/forum/search?keyword=ebony

https://www.chess.com/forum/view/chess-equipment/chess-set-restoration-repairing-cracks-in-ebony

I own both kinds of sets - ebony and ebonized (black stained).  In my experience it is very difficult to tell the difference between an ebony piece and a well-executed ebonized piece.  

Definitely Not! The problem with some Ebony,used in chess sets ,is the lack of true quality wood.

Btw,cracks appear if wood is under hydrated...Humid environments have other issues,but not cracking.....I'd recommend a Boveda humidity control packet be placed in the storage box....Best thing is they're cheap.

 

I have two sets only and I chose ebony for both - a calculated risk because I love the feel and look of the wood.... I’ll let you know if the risk pays off in a few years! 😉 That’s said, it may help to consider guitars and the advise of acoustic guitar manufacturers (in your region) and apply that advice to your chess sets. I have two guitars with ebony fretboards and they have not cracked or warped in ten years - I keep them out of direct sunlight and the temperature stable. Clearly chess pieces have a different use pattern and will be clunked together more (in use) and have weights in the base which may effect the pieces over time .... I know it sounds weird but perhaps ask a local guitar retailer or look online at manufactures like Taylor (who manufacture guitars with Macassar Ebony as noted by Lou above). They usually have good advice on looking after wood of all types... but again it’s only an idea - tread warily with my thoughts. I am new to chess and I am not an experienced chess set collector.... better to listen to the advice of those with more experience.

My HoS Zagreb 2.875 was ebonized. It was beautiful. Most of current sets are ebony and I really can't see the stripes unless I look really closely or put it under an LED light. Ebonized as well as ebony pieces look the same when the pieces are on the board. Ebony is well known for cracking. Boxwood seems more stable in this regard. Ebonized seems like the way to go. However, if I were to be honest and had a choice between ebonized and ebony I will always opt for ebony. I just think boxwood/ebony is the standard like maple walnut boards. This is just my opinion of course.

Either way,I'm not particularly worried about it and I have a few sets with the wood.My feelings are,definitely scrutinize the pieces when you first get them and then don't look at them so closely anymore.

Goodbye to stress.