Scientific name: Guibourtia demeusei
Origin: Equatorial Africa
Other names: Bubinga, Kevazingo
Average density: 56lbs/ft3 – 890kg/m3
Uses: Guitar back and sides, tops, necks, drum shells, harps, etc.
The heartwood ranges from pinkish red to darker reddish brown with darker purple or black streaks. Sapwood has a pale straw color and it is clearly demarcated from the heartwood. Its grain goes from straight to interlocked. It has a fine to medium texture with moderate natural luster. Easy to work overall, depending upon the species it can have silica present, which can prematurely dull cutting edges. On pieces with figured or interlocking grain, tearout can occur during planing or other machining operations. Gluing can occasionally be problematic due to Bubinga’s high density and natural oils. It turns and finishes well. An immensely popular imported African hardwood, Bubinga may be loved as much for its quirky name as it is for its strength and beauty. Harder and heavier than either Brazilian or Indian Rosewood, it is sometimes known as African Rosewood, but it does not belong to the Dalbergia family. It can feature a host of stunning grain figures, such as flamed, quilted, pommele, waterfall and has an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, which makes this wood truly unique. It is often use in place of more expensive woods, when building a custom and eye catching unique instrument.