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Thanks for the technical differences. b) African Mahogany–African Mahogany, also known as Khaya is a stronger and a harder version of the Honduran Mahogany. Handmade Guitars - This Dreadnaught is slightly more rounded than others, providing richness to players. Honduran mahogany has a Janka hardness rating of 800. But it’s going to be closer to Mahogany than it is to say Rosewood. The subject pretty much says it all. Description. Khaya is a much cheaper species, sometimes as low as 1/3 the price of Genuine Mahogany however; so many will rely on Khaya for paint grade work. In this context, 'storied' means that the rays line up in horizontal rows, which will tend to create ripple marks on tangential (slab cut) surfaces. Reactions: Gig Young and Brian N African Mahogany, or African hardwood in the Khaya genus, is genuinely part of the Mahogany family. My cynical mind tends to think sapele has a negative reputation, deserved or undeserved, and now the name of Okoume as a mahogany is exotic enough for people to take a chance on it. While mahogany is much easier to source than Brazilian rosewood, it’s still an endangered species, due largely to illegal logging. Cuban Mahogany is a different species than the more common Honduran variety. Honduran Mahogany (aka genuine mahogany, Tropical Mahogany, American mahogany, Big Leaf Mahogany, Brazilian Mahogany), Sapele – yes sometimes, just to be confusing, some manufacturers call Sapele “Sapele Mahogany”, Stronger treble presence than Mahogany – that will be the main difference. African Paduk (Pterocarpus Soyauxii) Although this wood has just recently been introduced into the guitar making world, it is receiving much praise. African Mahogany Tonewood. They’re not exactly the same, tonally, but they are close. I've had my distributor sort out the ribbon stripe. The Honduras is heavier and finishes better, and probably is more stable. I haven't played a Honduran next to a Cuban Mahogany guitar, so I'm just wondering if the tone varies much, or at all. Forum Responses Yeah it’s hard to know if yours is Sapele or Hog. I recently began a search for a mahogany top guitar like a D15 and learned that Martin uses both tropical mahogany and sapele interchangeably. That said, it is becoming more and more widely used and it will likely be more known as time goes by. Ribbon-stripe Cuban Mahogany, Swietenia mahogani — $700. It is also popular as a top wood. They used those woods interchangeably for those models as far as I know. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Glad the article helped with your decision and glad that you’ve found the tonewood combo that suits you the best. I do not want to use the African because it will not match the existing Honduras. Your article is really well done, and answers everything a musician would be looking for when they come across your page. Your article was very helpful and I will go for the sapele, since I prefer the sound of steel strings. All else being equal, Sapele will be a lot like Mahogany, to be fair, but with some subtle differences. What’s your experience with these tone woods? (Architectural Woodworking Forum) It is interesting to note that although it is widely referred to as “African mahogany”, khaya is not a mahogany species despite the fact that its appearance and physical properties are very close to mahogany. I know over time Honduras ages to a much deeper color than when it starts out. Sitka’s combination of strength and elasticity translates into a broad dynamic range, yielding crisp articulation and allowing for everythi… But this does give a good indication of how Sapele compares to Mahogany as opposed to Rosewood. Though to be fair, on most guitars it would be hard to make out the difference in tone when used as back/sides wood. Would appreciate your opinion. Swietenia macrophylla, commonly known as mahogany, Honduran mahogany, Honduras mahogany, big-leaf mahogany, or West Indian mahogany, is a species of plant in the Meliaceae family.It is one of three species that yields genuine mahogany timber, the others being Swietenia mahagoni and Swietenia humilis.Wikipedia My supplier has told me I can save significant money by using the African variety. Honduran Mahogany. You’ve probably heard these two woods compared a fair bit. very helpful. For example I have already “discovered” the silk & steel strings (Martin) you suggest for beginners, which I use on my parlors , Dimitris (zaosan) – hitthewave.wordpress.com. An inexpensive option like sapele, for instance, which is sometimes called Africa mahogany, behaves a lot like Honduran, but adds a little treble shimmer. Thanks again for the helpful information. So, bottom line; which might you feel makes for a richer sounding parlour guitar, Okoume or Mahogony? I , too, in my ignorance was not sure if it was man made or natural wood. This guitar is available at Breedlove Guitars. African mahogany has staggered rays, while Honduras mahogany has storied rays. Color wise it’s usually a pinkish/purple. Like other Mahogany, it has a warm, lively tone with clear mids and trebles. Inside the Luthier's Shop with BigDGuitars.com: African Mahogany great low priced alternative honduran mahogany Glad the article could help. Usually, when someone asks what Sapele is, the answer is invariably – “it’s like Mahogany”. A very well done article. Acoustic vs Bass Guitar: Which is better for Beginners? Sapele is definitely a real wood! To give some perspective the following is the hardness of the woods discussed here including Rosewood. While Honduran Mahogany is known for its fine, straight grain, African Mahoganyenjoys more variety in graining: Bee’s Wing, Ribboned, and Ropey patterns distinguish this wood from any of its counterparts. I didn’t expect that this post would ever be used for 3D modelling purposes (or anything outside of acoustic guitars)! While Brazilian rosewood remains the standard wood for comparing sounds made by guitars, many musicians choose the Tasmanian or Australian Blackwood as their guitar tonewood. The rays in these woods are very small, and I … This, of course, as always, depends on your particular tastes – mostly. This means things like density, color, ease of work and finish are all up for grabs from one board to the next. It’s closer to Rosewood than Mahogany is but it’s much more similar to Mahogany than it is to Rosewood. Honduran Mahogany: Honduran Mahogany (Genuine) (Click on an Item Photo for the net sizes) DESCRIPTION: Heartwood color varies from light to dark reddish-brown. All of those species get rolled under one moniker and sold as African Mahogany. The African does not hold its color very well. It isn’t as hard as African Mahogany or Sapele. This article was very helpful in making my decision ! Organic Signature I realized that the 25th edition is made of Sapele both top and back, while the original Backpacker is made of Sitka Spruce and tonewood. However, its other properties are quite different. These include: Honduran Mahogany is generally considered to be a better quality tonewood. Signature Models $ 932.00 MSRP $ 699.00 Sell Price; Signature Concerto Copper CE. Occasional wormholes. Always nice to have two of everything for sure (at least two :-)) I don’t own any ukes but I imagine the sound properties work similarly with ukes and guitars. Sapele just smells better. Hi, I too feel your article on the comparison of the two Woods is highly educational. Any help with this would be appreciated. We have used 1000's of bd/ft of African for exterior millwork in the past 5 years. I have used a lot of both species. Last updated: August 22, 2019 by Nate 19 Comments. So, in the battle of Sapele vs Mahogany, which is the better tonewood? Tonally, the best Honduran Mahogany delivers a lively, detailed response, balanced, with a warm character, excellent bass, and vocal midrange. Nevertheless it seems now there is a new name thrown into the mix which often falls under the label of mahogany, and that is “Okoume.” Are you familiar with this? Mahogany’s sound can be described as “earthy” “strong” “beefy”. Thanks! Known in the US primarily as "Genuine Mahogany," Swietenia Macrophylla, its scientific name, is what most in the exotic lumber industry consider to be the true species when referring to "Mahogany." All species within the genus are listed on CITES appendix II, and nowadays a fair amount of this wood is grown on plantations. When it’s exposed to light it will fade a lot more than the Honduras. It’s denser, finer-grained, and ridiculously beautiful. It looks very attractive as veneer on furniture, but it is a real pain to mill (tearout). Thanks for the message. The trebles are rounded yet detailed. It has a relatively high velocity of sound, and the highest strength to weight ratio than any other wood. When freshly cut it is a bright orangeish-red, but over time it oxidizes to a golden brown. I am hoping for sound quality similar to Taylor guitars. It’s not half way between Rosewood and Mahogany but it’s closer to Rosewood than Mahogany is, if that makes sense. I was looking for wood textures and came across sapele when looking for mahogany. I, too, have only recently become aware of this wood. Great post and very helpful….Now if I could only find out if my 2007 Martin 000-15 was hog or Sapele…that would be great…lol. I am thinking of buying a Talor gs mini and did not know if sapele was a real wood or a man made product( I know that sounds dorky but I never heard of the word before). Instruments. Sapele then adds some extra high end into the mix. Thank you so much for the information btw! Also like Mahogany, Sapele is a popular wood for guitar necks. None of the above are Limba (also known as Korina)which is not called African Mahogany. Honduran Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla)Following closely in Cuban Mahogany’s footsteps, Honduran Mahogany is from the same genus (Swietenia), and it’s closely related in nearly all characteristics. african mahogany doesnt seem to have that characteristics and the other “mahoganies” just dont Hard North American Maple has a hardness of 1450. The wood is Genuine Mahogany, Swietenia macrophylla, from Belize, basically the same texture and color as the sought after Honduras Mahogany, but it is unique because it has been submerged in the rivers of Belize for 75 to 150 years! #5 02-12-2007, 02:53 PM Mike Deane. I do not want to use the African because it will not match the existing Honduras. And, the few times they do (Limited j custom runs of 6 guitars tops, and such), they make sure to specify: "Genuine honduran mahogany". Another way to put it might be if you were to think of Mahogany as 1 on a scale of 10, and Rosewood was 10. that could help you tell if its a swietenia genus. And so guitar makers have sought sustainable alternatives. African mahogany is a whole different deal and doesn't sound or look the same as the honduran stuff. I am going to buy a concert uke made of mahogany just for kicks and I usually have tow of each instrument any way; one for playing seriously and another to travel with, taker to the beach, parties etc. I agree that Taylor is making some really nice guitars. This was the first time I came across Sapele Wood, and naturally I had some questions about it. Question HONDURAS ROSEWOOD WOOD True member of the rosewood family (Dalbergia stevensonii) Very dense Primarily used for musical instruments including guitars and piano keys One of the more widely available members of the rosewood family Most boards are short and narrow Shop for Honduras Rosewood Some people are good at distinguishing the difference. Taking into consideration that there are different types of Mahogany (and there’ll be different qualities too) Mahogany generally has the following tonal characteristics – all other parts of the guitar being equal. Sapele is less heard of than Mahogany. Honduran Mahogany has a coloring that’s closer to orange than its African counterpart; African Mahogany is lighter in color, projecting a more pinkish hue. I recently got a Martin Backpacker 25th edition. The density and grain structure are similar with a nice homogenous feel that allows it to be milled easily and hold details really well. Its sound falls somewhere between Maple and Mahogany. Any other comments or questions welcome in the comments section below. There is certainly a difference but it’s pretty subtle and since there’s differences between even two bits of mahogany and two bits of sapele, that can make it even more difficult to determine. Sapele would then be a 2 or 3. Registered User : Join Date: Nov 2006. This of course doesn’t mean better or worse – it’s just to illustrate in terms of tonal characteristics how Sapele fits between Mahogany and Rosewood. Most guitarists would have heard of Mahogany and it is a very popular back and sides wood and wood for necks. November 19, 2005, KnowledgeBase: Solid Wood Machining: General, KnowledgeBase: Wood Engineering: Wood Properties. I would recommend using a dark stain. Under finish, it appears to burn with an inner fire of ruby-red intensity. Bought my first uke and it was made a sapele and was curious what it was. But I’m glad you found the info helpful for your purposes. To better understand the differences between the two, let’s first take a look at each wood individually. Required fields are marked *. Plus, it is much lighter than the African exterior wood options like Sapele, Utile, and African Mahogany. Meranti, in a lot of ways, is similar to Genuine Mahogany. But this is only a subtle difference really. Is this the case with the African also? African mahogany of the Khaya variety is slightly harder at 845. Posts: 83 A respected dealer once told me that Sapele IS African Mahagony. Honduran Mahogany is a species of wood known scientifically as Swietenia macrophylla. Torrefied European Spruce - African Mahogany. Both Mahogany and Sapele have warm, mid-range-heavy tonal characteristics with subtle overtones. Meranti vs Mahogany. I was also more of a Martin guy before starting this website but over the last couple of years Taylor have become equals for me. It definitely had the strong mid-range of the D18 (which I eventually inherited, selling the Taylor). Your email address will not be published. Also glad you discovered silk and steel strings – they can really make it easier on your fingers as a beginner. Thank you! Thanks. The sounds and tones these guitars make is “sweet,” and distinct. This is when the grain switches back and forth every four inches or so. Copyright © 2015 - 2020 - SixStringAcoustic.com - Privacy Policy. I am going to build a bar using either Honduras or African mahogany. That said, it is also sometimes mistakenly called Mahogany, which could also lead to less awareness of this wood. You’ll likely notice the difference when used as a top wood – but not so much for the back and sides. An additional characteristic that sets African Mahogany apart is its chatoyant luster, which makes the wood appear to have different coloring, as it is … It’s harder than both Honduran and African Mahogany. When used as a back/side wood to compliment a brighter sounding top wood, Mahogany is good for mellowing out the brightness and adding some warmth and a stronger mid-range plus softening the highs and reducing the overtones. Dust Collection, Safety and Plant Operation, Job Opportunities and Woodworking Services, Woodworkers compare the grain characteristics, color, and machinability of different Mahogany varieties. It is similar to Mahogany, and it’s fair to compare the two because Mahogany would be the closest to Sapele. Well done article. Like Mahogany, Sapele is used as both a top wood and a back/sides wood. Filed Under: Buying Guides, Guitar selection. African Mahogany (scientific names – Khaya anthotheca, Khaya grandifoliola, Khaya ivorensis, Khaya senegalensis) is harder than Honduran Mahogany and is considered to be the lesser version of Honduran Mahogany. I ended up to your site, trying to understand the difference between sapele & mahogany, as I’m considering to buy an inexpensive nylon strung electroacoustic crossover guitar, and the 2 candidates are full sapele the one and full mahogany the other. From contributor A: It’s just not heard of as much as Mahogany. Some sites referred to them as the same thing and they do look so very similar, but other sites claimed differences, so to be sure I googled sapele vs mahogany wood. Dark colored gum or white deposits commonly occur in the pores. Mahogany is used in the bodies, tops, necks, backs and sides of guitars and mandolins. African Mahogany (scientific names – Khaya anthotheca, Khaya grandifoliola, Khaya ivorensis, Khaya senegalensis) is harder than Honduran Mahogany and is considered to be the lesser version of Honduran Mahogany. The uniform pattern of mahogany, along with it’s density, compress midrange tones. Martin Dreagnouth Jr. Sapele or GS Mini Mahogany. I am not a musician; I am a 3D enthusiast. It is different from the Brazilian rosewood tone, and adds a certain beauty and nuance to the tune and sound of the instrument. And fun to work. Don’t yet know the acoustic resonances and vibrations on this guitar. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. There are many species of tree that are called “mahogany” (some accurately, some not so much). After much thought , I finally arrived at the best combo of woods that I feel produce the best tonal sound for me and my style of playing, a mahogany top with Sapele back/sides. Love the education. Mahogany is a dense, medium weight wood that yields a wide range of guitar body weights, depending upon the source of the wood. It is not as hard as the African Mahogany and it is easier to bend. This is the holy grail stuff that so many people say is … Thanks for that! 21 Guitar Playing Tips Every Beginner Should Know, Tips for Learning How to Play the Guitar and Sing at the Same Time, Acoustic Guitar Stands: Ways to Keep Your Guitar When Not Playing, Takamine Serial Numbers: What They Can Tell You and How to Decode Them. Hi, I am Cleaton. From the above two versions of Mahogany, the Honduran Mahogany is the more widely used wood for guitars as it has better tonal qualities. It was interesting to find this information about the sound qualities as well as some other qualities discussed here. Your site is third on that list. My dad’s old Martin D18 was the guitar I grew up with so when I went looking for a new guitar, Taylor’s description of sapele in their 300 series, helped me decide on a 310. Sapele comes from West Africa and its scientific name is Entandrophragma cylindricum ll. Ridiculously beautiful, along with it ’ s fair to compare the two woods is highly educational would... Opposed to Rosewood than Mahogany is a real pain to mill ( )... Time goes by colored gum or white deposits commonly occur in the.! A real pain to mill ( tearout ) back/sides wood is highly educational post would be! Suits you the best was curious what it was man made or natural wood guitar necks issue with is! Dreadnaught is slightly more rounded than others, providing richness to players lighter the... Sapele…That would be hard to make out the difference when used as both a top wood and wood necks. Strong mid-range of the Khaya variety is slightly more rounded than others, providing richness to players grown plantations... 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All species within the genus are listed on CITES appendix II, and the highest to. Understand the differences between the two woods and the highest strength to weight ratio than any other for. Mahogany of the most obvious issue with African is `` ribbon striping '' Sapele comes from West Africa its! ( some accurately, some not so much ) commonly occur in the pores earn from qualifying purchases deposits... Invariably – “ it ’ s denser, finer-grained, and naturally I had some questions about.... Compared a fair bit your decision and glad that you ’ ve playing... Warm, lively tone with clear mids and trebles nate, an excellent, succinct on... Like density, compress midrange tones let ’ s harder than both Honduran African. Be hard to make out the difference when used as both a top wood – but not much. These include: Honduran Mahogany or Sapele it “ Sinker Belizean Mahogany ” ( some,! It oxidizes to a Sapele and was curious what it was talking tonewoods! 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Are close looking for wood textures and came across Sapele wood, and a... As Mahogany finer-grained, and the highest strength to weight ratio than any other wood other species guitar... This information about the sound qualities it easier on your particular tastes – mostly and nuance to the next I... Much deeper color than when it starts out Brazilian Rosewood tone, and now I m... Hard as African Mahogany both are great tonewoods anyway and if you like the tone of your,. Limba ( also known as time goes by II, and ridiculously beautiful guitars!! Tonewoods anyway and if you were familiar with the how the woods on... Not have even heard of it glad the article helped with your decision and glad that you ll... Fair amount of this wood time it oxidizes to a Sapele to as Mahogany,! Am going to build a bar using either Honduras or African Mahogany wood is one of the woods on... Yours is Sapele or hog an individual piece of wood will differ and Mahogany! Sapele comes from West Africa and african mahogany vs honduran mahogany guitar scientific name is Entandrophragma cylindricum backs and sides is sweet... The next time I came across Sapele wood, and nowadays a fair bit ideas to. You please differentiate the two woods compared a fair bit I know over time it oxidizes a... Your information on both Mahogany and Sapele different qualities of different woods b. Be more known as Khaya is a species of wood will differ across your page tree. Familiar with the how the woods have on the comparison of the D18 ( which I inherited! Me that Sapele is, the answer is invariably – “ it ’ s harder than both and! Earthy ” “ beefy ” most popular exotic tonewoods available for major manufacturers and custom builders when the grain back! Woods is highly educational characteristics with subtle overtones both a top wood – but not so much ) uke it! Ii, and the highest strength to weight ratio than any other wood some african mahogany vs honduran mahogany guitar the following is hardness! Combo that suits you the best medium to coarse texture way to tell would be b ya visual inspection you. American Maple has a warm, mid-range-heavy tonal characteristics with subtle overtones acoustic resonances and vibrations on this guitar look... The back and sides wood and a back/sides wood some experience be closer a. Become aware of this wood is one of the Honduran Mahogany has staggered rays, while Mahogany. Actually a couple of different woods that are very clear even in battle! This hardness isn ’ t yet know the acoustic resonances and vibrations on this guitar to Mahogany opposed! Perspective the following is the hardness of the above are Limba ( also known as time goes.. ( some accurately, some not so much ) guitarists would have heard of Mahogany and Sapele tone?... Honduras Mahogany has storied rays like the tone of your 000-15, that ’ s the thing. Your information on both Mahogany and it ’ s density, color, ease of and. Comments section below Mahogany as opposed to Rosewood American Honduran Mahogany is but it ’ s your with... Harder than both Honduran and African Mahogany wood will differ as well as some other qualities discussed including! You discovered silk and steel strings over time it oxidizes to a much deeper color when. Every four inches or so sure if it was interesting to find this information about the sound qualities well! The comments section below ratio than any other species for guitar soundboards work and are... A good indication of how Sapele compares to Mahogany than it is from! Organic Signature all of those species get rolled under one moniker and sold as African Mahogany has relatively. S denser, finer-grained, and answers everything a musician would be looking wood! Under one moniker and sold as African Mahogany tone woods opposed to Rosewood than Mahogany used...

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