Brazilian Rosewood

An endangered and carefully protected species, Brazilian rosewood (Dalbergia nigra) is the most precious of tonewoods. Simply called “rio” by Brazilians, it is highly regarded among luthiers and collectors for its magical tonal character and deep, rich beauty – and it is vigorously regulated; it is protected with the same level of regulation as ivory.  Brazil – recognizing  the value of its rosewood trees – outlawed the exportation of  Brazilian rosewood logs in the late ‘60s. The ban was a blow to luthiers and guitar manufacturers worldwide, since it was widely believed that there was no better combination for acoustic guitars than Brazilian rosewood paired with spruce. From that point onward, fewer and fewer players would have the chance to own a Brazilian rosewood guitar, and most would have to settle for other rosewood substitutes… and if you’ve ever played an acoustic guitar crafted from Brazilian rosewood, you know there is no substitute.

Brazilian rosewood produces a loud, warm, rich tone, with full deep bases, brilliant trebles, delivering excellent sustain and clarity. Its appearance varies from brick red and burnt orange to shades of dark brown to violet color with black spidery streaks.