Scientific name: Swietenia macrophylla
Origin: Central South America
Other names: Honduran Mahogany, Genuine Mahogany, Big-Leaf Mahogany, Caoba Americana
Average density: 37lbs/ft3 – 590kg/m3
Uses: Guitar necks, heels, bodies, back and sides.
The heartwood color can vary a fair amount with Honduran Mahogany, from a pale pinkish brown, to a darker reddish brown. Color tends to darken with age. Grain can be straight, interlocked, irregular or wavy. Its texture is medium and uniform, with moderate natural luster. Typically It is very easy to work with hand tools and machines well. Sections with figured grain can tearout or chip during machining. It turns, glues, stains, sands and finishes well.
The History of Rock and Folk music, is written with acoustic and electric guitars built with American mahogany. It is appreciated for its sound rich in mid frequencies, punch, balanced bass and sustain. Guitars built with this wood perform excellently in both live and studio situations.