Wenge

Wenge wood is attracting more luthiers and instruments builders every day. Originally, in the world of lutherie, Wenge was mostly used in necks and fingerboards. But with the pass of time, luthiers have amplified its use to other parts of the guitar thanks to its great qualities.

Wenge is a hard, stable and rigid wood, which offers warm low tones and mid tones very pronounced. Like it happens with heavy, dense and hard woods, Wenge offers a brilliant sound and a deeper resonance.

We can’t neither forget about the similarity of Wenge with Tulipwood: both of them reduce the highest nuances.

Get surprised with the beauty and the quality of Wenge backs for classic guitar of Maderas Barber.

BOTANIC NAME: Milettia laurentii.

COMMON NAMES: Wengue, Panga-Panga

ORIGIN: Central Africa

DESCRIPTION: Density 830 kg/m3. Heartwood is medium brown, sometimes with a reddish or yellowish hue, with nearly black streaks. Upon application of a wood finish the wood can become nearly black. Grain is straight, with a very coarse texture. Low natural luster.

RECOMMENDATIONS Can be difficult to work with hand and machine tools. Blunts tool edges. Sands unevenly due to differences in density between light and dark areas. Very large pores can be difficult to fill if a perfectly smooth/level finish is desired.

DRYING: Slow drying speed. Low risk of deformations.

USES: Guitar fingerboards, bridges, headplates, backs and sides. Bodies for electric and bass guitars.