I've had both and prefer the Pau Ferro, but that's not a knock on the Brazilian Ebony. It's a close call. The Pau is slightly slicker, but I'd probably decide it on aesthetics. My all-time favorite is still Gabon (black) Ebony over Pau Ferro. Matches anything and feels incredible, especially burnished and with big, fat stainless or gold frets. Same thing with Bloodwood as a neck meat feels just as good, but it's tougher to get that to match well with many finishes.