![]() Honduras Rosewood, raw here body for acoustic guitars |
![]() Amazon Rosewood Square 30x30 mm |
![]() Madagaskar Rosewood |

East Indian Rosewood
Names and distribution: The term "Rosewood" is used for many timbers. Strictly speaking, only timbers of the genus Dalbergia deserve that name. The best known examples are: Rio rosewood (Dalbergia nigra), East Indian rosewood = indon. Sonokeling (Dalbergia latifolia), Amazon Rosewood (Dalbergia spruceana) and Honduras rosewood (Dalbergia stevensonii). Other Dalbergia species carry their own name without the "Rosewood". Examples: the estimated Grenadill = East African Blackwood (Dalbergia melanoxylon), Cocobolo (Dalbergia retusa), Kingwood (Dalbergia cearensis) or Rosewood of Bahia (Dalbergia decipularis). Most of these species are native to Latin America.
Appearance: The ground color varies from wood to wood considerably. Together, the Dalbergias have relatively large pores, in contrast to ebony with numerous, very fine pores. Sapwood and heartwood are also sharply demarcated, ingredients occurring, sometimes visible in the pore grooves in longitudinal section. Overall, very decorative.
Properties: The density at u = 12% is about 0.80 t/m3 with Indian rosewood, otherwise well above 1.00 t/m3. In the drying of large cross-sections, there is the risk of cracking and deformations. Otherwise, the woods are easy to dry. Processing is easy. Smooth and dense surfaces are generated without much effort. Mucous membrane irritation may occur when machining, especially with Cocobolo.
Use: Decorative veneers, high quality turnery goods, musical instruments
Reference objects: |
Lounge Chair by Charles and Ray Eames "Anniversary Edition", 999 pcs. Flute headjoint, Honduras Rosewood, Flute Fairy, GB & Munich |
References: |
ATIBT (1990): Atlas de Maderas Tropicales de América Latina GOTTWALD (1970) Holzbestimmung der wichtigsten Handelshölzer RICHTER, H.G. (1988) Holz als Rohstoff für den Musikinstrumentenbau, Moeck-Verl. |
Note: according to the latest findings, but without any warranty