Scientific name: Microberlinia brazzavillensis
Origin: West Africa
Other names: Zingana, Zebrano
Average density: 50lbs/ft3 – 805kg/m3
Uses: Back and sides, bodies, tops
The heartwood is a light brown or cream color with dark blackish brown streaks vaguely resembling a zebra’s stripes. Depending on whether the wood is flatsawn or quartersawn, the stripes can be either chaotic or wavy (flatsawn), or somewhat uniform (quartersawn). It has a fairly coarse texture and open pores. Grain is usually wavy or interlocked. One of the most appealing features of this tonewood, is the exotic appearance of the colorful grain, black and golden lines make this an appealing tonewood choice. Similar workability as Indian Rosewood with a tone similar to Tasmanian Blackwood and Mahogany although a bit brighter.