Scientific name: Pterocarpus soyauxii
Origin: Central and Tropical West Africa
Other names: Vermillion, Palo rojo
Average density: 47lbs/ft3 – 745kg/m3
Uses: Guitar back and sides, fingerboards, bridges, electric guitar tops and bodies, turnery
The heartwood color can vary, ranging from a pale pinkish orange to a deep brownish red. Most pieces tend to start reddish orange when freshly cut, darkening substantially over time to a reddish/purplish brown. It is easy to work; turns, glues and finishes well. Tearout may occur during planing wood with interlocked grain. For its weight and hardness, is close to Indian rosewood, making it ideal for guitar backs and sides. It has good stability, tone and appearance.