Like Mediterranean Cypress, South America Cypress is a wood very soft and light, but resistant at the same time. Mainly used in Flamenco and Classic Guitars, South America Cypress has a percussive and brilliant sound, very treasured by flamenco artists.
But there are differences between this wood and Mediterranean Cypress. South America Cypress has a subdued colour, more irregularities and it’s not aromatic. But, for all that, it is a more economical wood.
In Maderas Barber we have South America Cypress sides for Classic Guitar, a wood very easy to work which is great for this part of the instrument.
BOTANIC NAME: Cupressus sempervirens.
COMMON NAMES: Cypress, South American Cypress
ORIGIN: South America
DESCRIPTION: Density 400-600 Kg/m3. Heartwood is a pale yellowish or reddish brown. Narrow sapwood is paler and usually clearly demarcated from the heartwood. Grain is usually straight, though small knots are sometimes present, creating a more irregular grain pattern. Fine, medium texture . This Cypress is not as aromatic as the Mediterranean one.
RECOMMENDATIONS: Sawing is difficult because of the knots. Smooth machining. Glues, stains, and finishes well.
DRYING: Drying process must be careful.
USES: Guitar backs and sides.
