Cocobolo (CITES)

The famous Cocobolo is a tropical wood, very dense and hard, which adds a brilliant tone to the instrument. Regarding to the sound, this wood has a higher resonance in low or bass frequencies, and a quick and dynamic answer with a clear tone. That’s why this wood has become with the pass of time in one of the most treasured ones by luthiers.

The amazing timber that this wood provides is due to its high density, something very desirable in classic guitar backs.

About its appearance, this wood is comparable to Rosewoods. The difference is that Cocobolo is less available than Rosewoods.

Discover the best tonewoods of the market thanks to this classic guitar Cocobolo backs that we offer in Maderas Barber, a wood very similar to Brazilian Rosewood in its sound.

BOTANIC NAME: Dalbergia retusa.

COMMON NAMES: Cocobolo, Granadilla, Cocobola.

ORIGIN: Nicaragua.

DESCRIPTION: Density 990-1250 Kg/m3. Cocobolo can have different colours, ranging from yellow, orange, red, and shades of brown with streaks of black or purple. Sapwood is typically a very pale yellow. Colours are lighter when freshly sanded/cut, and darken with age. Grain is straight to interlocked, with a fine even texture. Good natural luster.

Notoriously allergenic.

RECOMMENDATIONS:  Due to the high oil content found in this wood, it can occasionally cause problems with gluing. Also, the wood’s colour can bleed into surrounding wood when applying a finish, so care must be taken on the initial seal coats not to smear the wood’s colour/oils into surrounding areas. Tear out can occur during planning if interlocked grain is present; the wood also has a moderate blunting effect on cutting edges/tools due to its high density. Cocobolo has excellent turning properties.

DRYING: Slow drying wood. Risk of deformation or cracks.

USES:  Guitar backs and sides, fingerboards, bridges, headplates. Wind instruments.

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