Bolivian Rosewood

Bolivian Rosewood shares many characteristics of true rosewoods including its colors, working properties, and density. Colors range from violet streaks to coffee browns and black. The trees grow in Bolivia and some of the surrounding countries. Logs are small and usually only produce lumber 3-6" wide. Only a small percentage of logs are large enough to cut high quality wide boards (boards 8” are considered wide for this species). Bolivian Rosewood makes a nice choice for acoustic and electric guitars but is also used for anything from high end veneers for corporate jets to jewelry boxes and everything in between. Other common names are Pau Ferro, Santos Rosewood, and Morado. Bolivian Rosewood glues better and is less expensive than other true rosewoods. Though Rosewood is in its name, it is not a true Rosewood as the scientific name does not have Dalbergia in it; rather it is a Machaerium spp.
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