Blackwood – African
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African Blackwood is native to the seasonally dry regions of Africa, from Senegal eastwards to Eritrea and southwards to the northern parts of South Africa. Without question, the densest and most un-rosewood-like of the Dalbergia’s (for our money, at least!), African Blackwood is a consistent favorite with acoustic guitar luthiers, wood turners, carvers and fine furniture craftsmen, alike. It remains one of the world’s most coveted musical woods. African Blackwood often appears almost completely black, with its grains hardly discernible. (… thus the name. After sanding, a deep, very dark chocolate color emerges.)
Given its trees’ very small profile and the fact that they also commonly grow somewhat twisted (rather than straight up), finding long, straight boards of African Blackwood is a daunting task. It is so dark and dense, it’s almost inconceivable that it is a true Dalbergia-genus rosewood. Expect exceptional pieces to command a premium, as prices have increased, while supplies have drastically decreased over the last several years.
This species is listed in CITES Appendix II and the IUCN reports it as being “near threatened.”
Why We Love This Wood
Hard to get clean sections and hard to work, but the results are totally worth the effort!
Client Creations
Quick Look
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A Popular Choice in
Vital Statistics
Main Color Group | Black |
Grain Pattern | Even |
Avg Dry Weight - LB/BF | 6.6 |
Avg Dry Weight - KG/M3 | 1270 |
Janka Hardness - LBF | 3670 |
Janka Hardness - N | 16320 |
Pricing
Description
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UOM
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3/4 Live-edged S2S boards
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