TONEWOOD
Cocobolo
Dalbergia Retusa Quick Facts Scientific name: Dalbergia retusa Trade names: Cocobolo Janka: 1136 Uses: Backs, veneer Availability: Steady CITES status: Not listed. No restrictions
Natural History Dalbergia retusa is the most common rosewood sold as Cocobolo. It grows in the drier elevations of Central America, from Panama to southwestern Mexico. It is a small to medium tree with heights of 45 to 60 feet (13 to 18 m) and trunk diameters of 20 to 24 inches (50 to 60 cm). Status Populations of Cocobolo have been reduced through logging although populations are protected in reserves and parks. Physical properties Cocobolo has variable heartwood coloration from bright orange to dark brown and purple. Oxidation darkens the lighter colors and merges them with the darker which can produce a deep red with irregular markings of purple or black.. GUITARBENCH MAGAZINE ISSUE 5 PAGE 1
Figured Cocobolo Wren Guitar Photos courtesy of D. Wren
GUITARBENCH P LAY E R S | LU T H I E R S | C O LLE C T O R S
ACOUSTIC&CLASSICAL
Issue 5 2013
GUITARBENCH EDITOR: Terence Tan CO-EDITOR: Jessica Pau SALES/MARKETING: Jessica Pau PROOFREADER: Doug Shaker Contributing Writers: El McMeen, Ken Bonfield, Jose Bernardo WEBSITES: guitarbench.com Our Online Magazine: www.guitarbench. com
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WE HOPE YOU ENJOYED THIS ARTICLE! Please consider supporting us by subscribing. Just $8 for all 4 full Issues in 2013 EDITORSNOTE Thank you for viewing our free article from Issue 5 of Guitarbench! Our magazine focuses on acoustic & classical guitars with the odd ukulele and lap slide.
Issue 5 Published by: T.TAN
We have an emphasis on gear features, and in depth interviews with luthiers and players.
Photograph/ Art Work: T.Tan, J.Olson, D.Wren, M.Doolin, SCGC, E.McMeen, B.Virts, D.MacCubbin, F.Alberico, L.Robinson, E.Skye, K.Bonfield, J.Bernardo, A.Green. H.Emerson, A.Miller.
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As a tonewood… Cocobolo is a common option in most luthier’s lists, with its own beauty and tone. The density and its ability to take a fine finish. Subjective tone… Cocobolo back and sides characteristically have an abundance of low overtones resulting in a complex bottom end and strong upper register. The overall effect is also a bell-like tone with clear, slow decaying harmonics. Cocobolo Doolin Guitar Photos courtesy of M. Doolin
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WE HOPE YOU ENJOYED THIS ARTICLE! Please consider supporting us by subscribing. Just $8 for all 4 full Issues in 2013 EDITORSNOTE Thank you for viewing our free article from Issue 5 of Guitarbench! Our magazine focuses on acoustic & classical guitars with the odd ukulele and lap slide. We have an emphasis on gear features, and in depth interviews with luthiers and players. Our lessons section is maturing with many professionals contributing tab and articles. We’d love to keep producing content like this, and would like to appeal for your help. By subscribing, we can keep these articles coming! Just click on this link. Warmest Regards and happy reading, Terence Tan, Editor.
PREVIEW Stay tuned for Issue 6 of Guitarbench Magazine. With our usual mix of great guitars, vintage and contemporary...
and with different perspectives...
interviews with luthiers..
and lessons from professionals....
GUITARBENCH MAGAZINE ISSUE 5 PAGE 14
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