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Brazilian Rosewood

Dalbergia nigra

Also known as: Bahia Rosewood, Jacarandá da Bahia, Rio Rosewood, Piano Wood, Caviuna

Technical Spec Sheet

2026-07-14

Brazilian Rosewood wood grain

Reference grain swatch

Janka Hardness
2,790 lbf (12,411 N)
Avg. Dried Weight
835 kg/m³ (52 lb/ft³)
Specific Gravity
0.84
Type
Hardwood
Grain
Straight to wavy or spider-webbed. Flatsawn wood features famous landscape figure.
Texture
Medium to Coarse
Durability
Very Durable
Region
South America
Sustainability
Endangered — CITES Appendix I (Prohibited). IUCN: Vulnerable. International trade is banned.

Overview

Brazilian Rosewood is the mythical standard of the woodworking world—a material so revered for its acoustic brilliance and visual drama that it was harvested to the brink of extinction. It possesses a bell-like tap tone and a sweet, floral perfume that lingers for decades, making it the most sought-after timber in the history of lutherie.

Workshop Notes

Blunting Effect

Moderate; the wood is hard but cuts cleanly.

Gluing

Difficult; natural oils act as a resist. Acetone wipe and special glues (epoxy/resorcinol) recommended.

Finishing

Challenging; oils can inhibit curing of varnish. Seal coats of shellac are mandatory.

Steam Bending

Good; bends well for guitar sides despite its density.

Scent

Strong, unmistakable fragrance of roses.

Assessment

Strengths

  • The Holy Grail of tonewoods (unsurpassed acoustic properties)
  • Incredible aesthetic depth and figure
  • Distinctive sweet rose scent
  • Polishes to a glass-like finish without film

Weaknesses

  • Illegal to trade across borders without pre-convention certification
  • Extremely expensive and scarce
  • High oil content interferes with gluing and finishing
  • Can be brittle in thin sections

Common Uses

High-end acoustic guitars (backs/sides) · Fine furniture (historical) · Knife handles · Turned objects · Marquetry