Wenge

The timber of Millettia laurentii, a very dense African hardwood with a coarse texture and striking dark grain over pale stripes.

It is hard and stiff and is often chosen for laminated necks, where alternating strips of wenge and a lighter wood add rigidity as well as a striped appearance, and for fingerboards where its coarseness gives a distinctive matte feel. Its open pores need filling for a gloss finish, and its splinters are notorious, so it is worked with care. The weight makes it less suitable for whole bodies.

Example: a bass with a laminated wenge and maple neck has a stiff, stable neck and a visible stripe that players either love or dislike.

typical use: Fretboards, laminated necks and occasional body tops.

Wenge

See also