Indian Rosewood

Indian Rosewood is one of the most treasured and used woods by luthiers in musical instrument building. Thanks to its great qualities, this wood is used in many parts of the classic guitar.

When you are choosing Indian Rosewood for your classic guitar, you are making a good choice: Because of its straight grain, its high resistance to tears and its ease to shape, this kind of wood is a completely success. Besides, we can’t forget the warm and dark sound of this tonewood, and its amazing appearance.

BOTANIC NAME: Dalbergia latifolia.

COMMON NAMES: Indian Rosewood, East Indian Rosewood.

ORIGIN: India.

DESCRIPTION: Density 870-900 kg/m3. Heartwood can vary from a golden brown to a deep purplish brown, with darker brown streaks. The wood darkens with age, usually becoming a deep brown. Has a medium texture and fairly small pores. The grain is usually narrowly interlocked.

RECOMMENDATIONS:  It can be difficult to work with tools because of its interlocked grain and density. The wood can sometimes contain chalky deposits that will rapidly dull cutting edges. Glues and finishes well, though colour from the wood’s natural resins can inadvertently bleed onto surrounding surfaces when applying a finish, so care must be taken on the initial seal coats.  Can cause skin irritation

DRYING: Dries slowly. There is no risk of deformation but it can crack. The wood colour improves with the drying.

USES: Guitar tops , backs, fingerboards, bridges, headplates and Zanfoña pieces.