Khaya ivorensis (African mahogany)

Is African mahogany actually mahogany?

The main difference between African mahogany and its South American counterpart is the wood's color variation, often appearing as a series of light and dark bands or as a ribbon figure. The African species occasionally has interlocked grain, making it more difficult to work with than genuine mahogany.

Is African mahogany also called Sapele?

It is occasionally used as a substitute for Genuine Mahogany, and is sometimes referred to as “Sapele Mahogany.” Technically, the two genera that are commonly associated with mahogany are Swietenia and Khaya, while Sapele is in the Entandrophragma genus, but all three are included in the broader Meliaceae family, so ...

What is African mahogany tree?

K. anthotheca is one of the seven species in the Khaya genus known as the source of true African mahogany. It is a large or very large tree (up to 65 m tall) with a straight trunk that occurs in rainforest, riparian forests, and in savannah transitional zones.

Is African mahogany good wood?

Generally, mahogany wood is known as a hard, rich and warm reddish-brown wood. When used for woodworking projects, such as furniture building, mahogany is regarded as a sturdy, durable material that creates high-quality, long-lasting pieces.

African Mahogany vs Genuine Mahogany Tone: 5 Ways to Identify

What color is African mahogany wood?

African Mahogany heartwood ranges from light to deep reddish-brown in color. Grain is straight to interlocked. It's texture is medium to coarse.

Whats the difference between mahogany and Sapele?

Both Mahogany and Sapele have warm, mid-range-heavy tonal characteristics with subtle overtones. Sapele then adds some extra high end into the mix. They? re not exactly the same, tonally, but they are close.

What mahogany does Martin use?

The Central American mahogany is the species used by Martin on the pre-World War II golden era instruments. This wood is of the same genus, but a different species than the South American mahogany most commonly used today.

Is African mahogany from Africa?

This tree is native to tropical Africa from Sierra Leone eastwards to Uganda and Tanzania and southwards to Angola, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. Within its native range it occurs in riverine, groundwater, lowland and lower montane forests from 0 to 1500m.

Does mahogany grow in Nigeria?

Khaya ivorensis, also called African mahogany or Lagos mahogany, is a tall forest tree with a buttressed trunk in the family Meliaceae. It is found in Angola, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Gabon, Ghana, Liberia, and Nigeria where it grows primarily in lowland tropical rainforests.

What is African hardwood?

African hardwood species are characterised by their high density and very low porosity or even absence of it. Trees of sub-tropical African hardwoods species are typically small in sizes and grow very slowly because of the predominant dry climate where they grow.

Is African mahogany strong?

Rot Resistance: Rated as moderately durable; moderate to poor insect/borer resistance. Workability: Easy to work, glue, and finish. Tearout can sometimes be a problem if the grain is interlocked.

Where does African mahogany come from?

African mahogany is produced on the Ivory Coast, the Gold Coast, and in Nigeria. This type of Mahogany is found in West Africa and in certain parts of East Africa. Woods alleged to be Mahogany, but coming from other than these listed regions, are not genuine Mahogany.

What does Om mean in Martin guitars?

The Martin Orchestra body, (OM) is considered by many to be the ultimate fingerstyle guitar. Models of this style from the 1930s sell for tens of thousands of dollars. OMs are renowned for their power, excellent balance between treble and bass, and superb note definition.

Where does Honduras mahogany come from?

Often referred to in the wood trade as Tropical American mahogany, Honduras mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) grows throughout much of Central and South America, including southern Mexico.

What does 000 mean in Martin guitars?

000 = Auditorium. The 14-fret version introduced 1934 (see below.) 0000 = Grand Auditorium aka size M. Introduced in 1977 as a flattop guitar that uses the body shape from Martin's Size F archtop Jazz guitar from the 1930s.

Is African Mahogany good for guitars?

African mahogany, sometimes called khaya, supports the Performer and Signature Series with warm, midrangy tone and the familiar dry fundamental that has made it a favorite of guitarists for over a century. And all African mahogany Wildwoods offer the classic blues combination at a revolutionary price.

What is the hardest mahogany?

If the naming of Santos Mahogany (Myroxylon balsamum) seemed to push the limits in terms of comparative density with genuine mahogany, then Mountain Mahogany is completely over the top. It is actually one of the densest and hardest woods in the United States—the dried wood is heavy enough to sink in water.

Is African Mahogany good for outdoor furniture?

Less expensive than teak but more expensive than ipe, African mahogany is another top of the line choice for outdoor applications. African mahogany is a durable hardwood that resists decay, infestation, and warping and is easy to work.

Is African Mahogany illegal?

"This wood is illegal as a matter of both U.S. and international law. It is illegal to trade in it, to import it, and to possess it. Even so, the Bush administration has done nothing to stop Peruvian mahogany from entering the country," said Carroll Muffett, director of Defenders of Wildlife's International Program.

Is African Mahogany good for carving?

Both butternut and Honduran mahogany are excellent carving wood for any type of carving - 3-dimensional or relief.

Why is mahogany wood illegal?

Following the path of ivory, in 2003, mahogany was listed on the Convention on Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) as a species in need of strict regulation to prevent its extinction. Because Peruvian mahogany is traded in violation of CITES, it is illegal to trade or possess it under the U.S. Endangered Species Act.