Macassar Ebony is one of the most used woods in order to make marquetry and cabinetmaking during years. But luthiers have also discovered its great sound qualities, so they are also using this wood in musical instruments.
The mix of its parallel dark lines with the brown and black of this wood gives and exotic touch to classic guitars. However, we can’t forget that acoustically, it’s very similar to African Ebony.
Classic guitar backs made of Macassar Ebony are a great option for your instrument: hardness, good sound and beauty in the same piece.
BOTANIC NAME: Diospyros Celebica
COMMON NAMES: Macassar Ebony , Striped Ebony
ORIGIN: Asia.
DESCRIPTION: Density 1000-1300 Kg/m3 .Heartwood has a striped appearance, somewhat similar to Zebrawood. Yellow to reddish brown body with darker brown or black stripes. Sharply demarcated sapwood is pale gold colour. Grain is usually straight, but can sometimes be interlocked; fine uniform texture and good natural luster.
RECOMMENDATIONS: Tends to be rather difficult to work, due to its high density, blunting effect on cutters, and its occasionally interlocked grain. Humidity must be controlled during storage. Machining must be sharp.
DRYING: Drying process is slow. Wooden parts can crack or become deformed after drying.
USES: Guitar backs and sides and also fingerboards.
