Official Luthiers Forum!

I see everyone talking about the Mahogany supply dwindling. My question is which are we talking about? I see african, cuban and honoduran and wondered are we referring to all or just a specific one? Thanks in advance.

All of them... but the best are the most depleted, Honduran and Cuban.

_________________
"I want to know what kind of pickups Vince Gill uses in his Tele, because if I had those, as good of a player as I am, I'm sure I could make it sound like that.
Only badly."

Frank, Honduran is actually the same in many South American countries, the name is Tropical American Mahogany. I can't speak for Cuban.

But the nine bundles a year ago at my hardwood supplier are gone. In their place African Khaya, which is called African Mahogany. It's more coarse, streaked with darker grain lines randomly. But probably what most nice guitars will sport in the near future.

I would think importing Cuban is still banned unless it comes from somewhere besides Cuba. Mostly what I've seen looks more plantation grown.

Sapele is also a great back and side wood from Africa, ribbon striping is the norm. It can also come in some fairly nice figure, Bob C and I too have some for sale, maybe some of the other tonewood guys too. I sometimes see Sapele called African mahogany, but I'm sure in reality it's Sapele. Confusing ain't it?

Any thoughts/experience on sapele as a neck wood?

_________________
CVT Inc.
A tour of our shop (Somewhat outdated)
My Personal eBay profile. BCWoodBug

Jason: Sapele would make a rather heavy neck, if that is what you or your customers prefer. I haven't seen it offered in neck stock but it's probably available if you look?

_________________
tim...
http://www.mcknightguitars.com

I know one local-ish luthier who prefers Sapele to other African Mahoganies (Khaya, Sipo) as a neck wood.