Blackwood

African Blackwood

African Blackwood (which is a Dalbergia, a member of the Rosewood family) has long been recognized by classical guitar builders as the "holy grail" of tonewoods. With a strong responsive taptone that surpasses even Brazilian Rosewood, it can contribute great volume, power and brilliance to a guitar.
Cypress

Spanish Cypress

Spanish Cypress might be more accurately called Mediterranean Cypress than Spanish, as it was introduced to Spain centuries ago from Asia Minor. Most flamenco makers prefer this traditional wood, but it's becoming scarce and expensive. It has been used since the 16th century for all kinds of musical instruments including lute ribs and harpsichord soundboards. Most of our Spanish Cypress comes out of Italy and Turkey.
Ziricote

Ziricote

Ziricote is most striking in appearance, similar to Brazilian Rosewood but in shades of greys and olive greens with black rather than reds with black. Heavier than most Rosewoods, it works somewhat like Ebony, and tends to be brittle, but what is lacks in workability it more than makes up for in tonality. The special grade sets feature strong black line figure. Some sets have 'spider-webbing' and a few will have sapwood centers. Call for availability.
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Myrtle

Myrtle

Oregon Myrtle, also known as California Bay Laurel or Pepperwood, ranges in color from blonde-yellow to taupe and makes very nice guitars. No two sets look alike, thus each guitar built is an original! Tonally it is similar to Maple, clear and bright with nice projection.
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Maple

Maple

Maple is the traditional wood for instruments of the violin family, and is well known for its use in carved back instruments as well as flat back instruments. It is prized for figured specimens, particularly "curly" or "flamed" wood exhibiting the tight even curls of "fiddleback" figure, as well as "birds-eye" and "quilted" or "blister" figure.

Guitar and Ukulele woods of the world

Malaysian Blackwood

Malaysian Blackwood is a premium tonewood that is well suited for all sorts of guitars. It has become a favorite of many well known players and it's popularity is growing. Denser than most rosewoods, the sustaining, glassy tap tone draws comparisons to African Blackwood. It is slightly less brittle though, and unlike African Blackwood, most sets have attractive dark streaks (also, African Blackwood is a true rosewood, Malaysian Blackwood is not). The overall coloring is similar to Ziricote, with black and dark gray colors highlighted by subtle reddish brown and/or green hues.

Ovangkol

Ovangkol is from West Africa, the figure is similar to Indian Rosewood, with dark grey straight lines over a golden-brown or olive-brown background. It comes from the same family as Bubinga and has a similar interlocking grain pattern. It is reasonably easy to bend and plane and it finishes well.

Macassar Ebony

With alternating bands of black and light tan, our striped Macassar Ebony is one of our most striking woods. From Celebes and Sulawesi Island in East Indonesia, Macassar Ebony offers good stability and superb, Rosewood-like tonality. Supply of this wood is erratic, especially in the higher grades, and demand has grown steadily over the years, so backorders are often necessary. Pair it with a nice white Engelmann Spruce top for an instrument of striking visual and sonic quality.

Walnut

With its rich brown color and occasional black streaks, Walnut produces a striking instrument with a crisp, dry tone and a strong fundamental. Walnut works well in all respects, has a pleasant scent, and once it has been dried is very stable.

Brazilian Rosewood

The Holy Grail of instrument woods, Brazilian Rosewood is the coveted hardwood by which all other tone woods in the World are judged. It is known for its sweet, fragrant aroma and incredible acoustical qualities. The rich, even color of Brazilian Rosewood can range from dark brown, brick red, orange, and even black.

There are roughly a dozen species of true rose woods in the world. (Yes, they smell like roses when cut with a saw.) A partial list would include Tulip wood, King wood, Cocobolo, East Indian Rose wood, and Brazilian Rose wood.

Blackwood

African Blackwood

Cypress

Spanish Cypress

Ziricote