Cocobolo

A dense, oily hardwood of the rosewood family from central America, ranging from orange-red to deep brown with black streaks.

Its hardness and self-lubricating oils make it an excellent fingerboard and bridge material, and its colour and figure make it a favourite for back and sides where appearance is as important as tone. The voice sits close to rosewood, warm and complex with a strong low end. Working it is unpleasant, since the dust is a recognised skin and respiratory sensitiser, and its trade is restricted, so documentation applies when an instrument crosses a border.

Example: a small-bodied instrument with cocobolo back and sides has the depth of rosewood with a figure that makes it worth leaving the finish clear.

typical use: Fretboards, acoustic backs and sides, and decorative parts.

Cocobolo

See also