Madagascar Rosewood (CITES)

If you want a tonewood similar to Brazilian Rosewood, Madagascar Rosewood is what you are looking for. That’s why it is very demanded by luthier worldwide.

This wood has a special sound and appearance: its surface usually has black grain which creates attractive and different figures.

In Maderas Barber we are in love with this wood and its proprieties, and we offer you them in different qualities for your classic guitar backs.

BOTANIC NAME: Dalbergia baronii.

COMMON NAMES: Madagascar Rosewood, Palisander.

ORIGIN: Madagascar.

DESCRIPTION: Density 920 kg/m3. Heartwood generally ranges from a light yellow-brown to a darker orange or reddish brown. Darker black streaks are common, and can produce a grain figure known as “spider-webbing” .Pale yellow sapwood is clearly demarcated from heartwood. Grain is usually straight, with a uniform medium-fine texture.

RECOMMENDATIONS: Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though depending on the species, it can blunt cutting edges rapidly. Care should be taken in gluing and finishing, due to natural oils in the wood that can disrupt the drying process. Turns and polishes well.

DRYING: Dries slowly . Natural oils  can interrupt the process.

USES: Guitar tops , backs, fingerboards, bridges, headplates.