BRAZILIAN ROSEWOOD WOOD
Brazilian Rosewood is the most revered lumber of all time. Due to uncontrolled harvesting, the tree is now protected by the Cites Treaty and can not be internationally traded. The heartwood is orange brown and it holds onto its color as it oxidizes. This is the species used on the finest Steinway pianos, Martin guitars and Bentleys prior to the Cites ban. If you are fortunate to find some pre-ban stock you will probably be shocked by the price and underwhelmed by the available board quality, these boards would have been sorted hundreds of times over the last forty years by those wanting to make that special guitar or piece of heirloom furniture. The quest for the Holy Grail of lumber continues…
- Most highly prized lumber
- Protected by the Cites III Treaty
- Finest tonewood
- Treasured for veneer
Characteristics of Brazilian Rosewood
| Origin of Wood Type | Brazil |
| Botanical Name | Dalbergia nigra |
| Specific Gravity | 0.85 |
| Avg. Weight Per BF | 4.42 lb/ bf |
| Color Range | Red – Dark Brown |
| Rarity / Availability | NOT AVAILABLE (Very Rare, cites ban of 1967 protects this species making this material illegal to export.) |
| Typical Avg. Width | 2″ to 10″ |
| Typical Avg. Length | 1′ to 6′ |
| Avg. Waste Factor | Not Applicable |
| Wood Uses | Fine Furniture, Cabinetry, Architectural Millwork, Guitar Building / Instrument making, Wood Turning ,Wood Carving, Inlaying, Box Making, Veneer and automotive / aircraft |
| Lumber Grades | Unselected, Blocks, Guitar Sets |
| Other Trade Names | Bahia Rosewood, Rio Rosewood, Jacaranda, Palissander |