Brazilian Rosewood, known worldwide as Rio Rosewood or Dalbergia nigra, is one of the most iconic and sought-after woods in the construction of classical and flamenco guitars. Its prestige among luthiers and musicians is due to a unique combination of physical, acoustic, and aesthetic properties, making it the historical benchmark for high-end instruments.
Brazilian Rosewood
Brazilian Rosewood originates from the Atlantic Forest, a tropical coastal region in eastern Brazil, especially in the state of Bahia, which is why it is also known as Bahia Rosewood. This wood has been used for centuries by the best guitar makers and remains the favorite for those seeking the highest level of quality and tradition.
Physical characteristics
Density and color
Brazilian Rosewood is a very hard and heavy wood, with a density that can exceed 1,000 kg/m³. This condition changes once it is dried over time.
Its color ranges from deep red to various shades of dark brown, sometimes almost black. It is common to find black streaks forming distinctive patterns, known as “spider webs” or “landscapes,” which provide unmatched visual beauty.
Structure
It generally features a straight or slightly interlocked grain and a fine to medium texture. Once sanded and polished, its surface offers a great natural shine. Although it is a dense and oily wood, which can make gluing difficult, its workability is appreciated by experienced luthiers.
Acoustic properties
Deep and crystal-clear sound
Brazilian Rosewood is renowned for its extraordinary resonance and its ability to produce a deep, rich, and crystal-clear tone. It offers exceptional tonal balance, with powerful bass, brilliant trebles, and great richness of nuances. This sonic character makes it the preferred choice for concert guitars, both classical and flamenco, where projection, sustain, and definition are sought.
Tonal Response
Its ability to enhance the nuances and expressiveness of the performer has led legendary guitarists and renowned builders, such as Torres, Esteso, and Santos, to choose this wood for their most iconic instruments.
Technical aspects
Drying
Drying Brazilian Rosewood is a slow and careful process due to its high density and oil content. This treatment is essential to ensure the structural stability and durability of the instrument over the years.
Durability
It is an extremely fragile wood; the older and drier it gets, the more difficult it is to work with and preserve as an instrument, as it becomes as delicate as glass.
Practical considerations
Advantages
- Deep, rich, and crystal-clear sound, ideal for concert guitars.
- Great structural stability and resistance over time.
- Unmistakable aesthetics thanks to its unique streaks and colors.
Ideal Applications
- Construction of backs and sides in high-end classical and flamenco guitars.
- Instruments aimed at professional performers and collectors.
Sustainability and availability
Due to overexploitation and the reduction of its natural habitat, Brazilian Rosewood is included in Appendix I of CITES and on the IUCN Red List as a vulnerable species. Its international trade is highly restricted, which has increased its value and difficulty of access. For this reason, most current guitars made with this wood come from old stocks or wood cut and dried decades ago.
In our guitar workshop, we have a stock of about 300 sets (backs and sides) with natural drying ranging from 30 to 50 years.
Brazilian Rosewood in classical and flamenco guitars
In summary, Brazilian Rosewood represents excellence in the construction of classical and flamenco guitars, combining majestic aesthetics, outstanding durability, and unsurpassed acoustic properties, provided it is properly cared for. Its deep, nuanced sound, along with its natural beauty and stability, make it the preferred choice of luthiers and musicians seeking instruments of the highest quality and tradition.
Iconic models with Brazilian Rosewood at Mariano Conde
In our guitar workshop, Brazilian Rosewood has historically been used for the backs and sides of concert and flamenco guitars, consolidating its status as the reference wood for elite instruments.
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