Sapele is an African wood very similar to Mahogany, both physically and in timbre qualities, the difference is that Sapele is a cheaper alternative. Besides, this wood also has a higher density and a more brilliant sound.
This wood presents a good finish, an attractive aesthetic and also projects a good guitar sound, as well as having a good price-quality ratio. It’s a very sustainable wood, which makes it a great option for making our instrument. Sapele highlights mid tones and has a similar tonality to Hard Maple, but warmer.
Let yourself persuade by the balance of Maderas Barber’ Sapele rings for acoustic guitar.
BOTANICAL NAME: Entandrophragma cylindricum Sprague
COMMERCIAL NAMES: Spele, Abebay
ORIGIN: Central Africa
DESCRIPTION:650 Kg/m3 density. The Sapwood colour goes from pale grey to cream and the heartwood goes from pink, fresh cut, to brown red. The grain is intertwined and changes from thin to medium.
SUGGESTIONS: Saw is easy and has no difficulties for hand work. The main defect is the possible presence of barley seeds.
DRYING: Regular drying speed, with important risk of deformation.
USES: Plywood boards, furniture and cabinetmaking, musical instruments.
