Okoume

The timber of Aucoumea klaineana, a pale African hardwood used as a light, cheap substitute for mahogany.

It machines very cleanly and is light, which makes it attractive as a body core and as a laminate layer, and its plain appearance means it usually disappears under paint or veneer. Tonally it is generally described as brighter and less complex than genuine mahogany, with a softer low end, so it works for mid-priced instruments rather than as a tonal upgrade. It is also useful for acoustic necks, where its lightness and stability help.

Example: an acoustic with an okoume neck and layered back and sides is light, tough and predictable, which is what a mid-priced instrument needs.

typical use: Body cores and laminate layers on mid-priced instruments, and necks.

Okoume

See also