Sonokeling

BOTANIC NAME: Dalbergia latifolia

COMMON NAMES: Sonokeling. East Indian Rosewood.

ORIGIN: Indonesia.

DESCRIPTION: Density 820 kg/m3. Heartwood can vary from a golden brown to a deep purplish brown, with darker brown streaks. The wood darkens with age, usually becoming a deep brown. Has a medium texture and fairly small pores. The grain is usually narrowly interlocked.

RECOMMENDATIONS: It can be difficult to work with tools because of its interlocked grain and density. The wood can sometimes contain chalky deposits that will rapidly dull cutting edges. Glues and finishes well, though colour from the wood’s natural resins can inadvertently bleed onto surrounding surfaces when applying a finish, so care must be taken on the initial seal coats.

DRYING: Low drying speed. Risk of deformations and cracks.

USES: Fingerboards, bridges, headplates and bindings.