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