Ziricote

A dense Central American hardwood with black web-like figure, sold for fingerboards and premium back and sides.

It grows in Mexico and Central America and is closely related to bocote, sharing the same hard, oily character, but its grain usually shows black lines drawn over a grey-brown ground rather than stripes. It polishes without finish, resists wear and stays stable, so it suits fingerboards and bridges, while its figure is striking enough for the backs and sides of high-end acoustics. It is commonly described as dark and complex, with rosewood-like depth and a tight, well-defined bass. It is scarce, expensive, hard on tooling, and its dust is a known irritant.

Example: An instrument with ziricote back and sides has rosewood-like depth under a web of black figure that makes a clear finish worthwhile.

typical use: Fretboards, bridges and premium acoustic backs and sides.

Ziricote

See also