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Blackwood – African
Species Description: Wood Species
Without question, the densest and most un-rosewood-like of the Dalbergia’s (for our money, at least!), African Blackwood is a consistent favorite with acoustic guitar luthiers, wood turners, carvers and fine furniture craftsmen, alike; it remains one of the world’s most coveted musical woods. African Blackwood often appears almost completely black, with its grains hardly discernible. (… thus the name. After sanding, a deep, very dark chocolate color emerges.)
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Sustainability: This species is listed in CITES Appendix II and the IUCN reports it as being “near threatened.”
Common Uses: Musical instruments (guitars, clarinets, oboes, etc.), inlay, carving, tool handles, and other turned objects.
Comments: Given its trees’ very small profile and the fact that they also commonly grow somewhat twisted (rather than straight up), finding long, straight boards of African Blackwood is a daunting task. It is so dark and dense, it’s almost inconceivable that it is a true Dalbergia-genus rosewood. Expect exceptional pieces to command a premium, as prices have increased — while supplies have drastically decreased — over the last several years.
R0.00
Available on backorder
| Botanical Name | Dalbergia melanoxylon |
|---|---|
| Other Names | African Blackwood, Mpingo |
| Main Color Group | Black |
| Grain Pattern | Even |
| Workability | Challenging |
| Avg Dry Weight - LB/FT3 | 79 |
| Avg Dry Weight - KG/M3 | 1270 |
| Janka Hardness - LBF | 3670 |
| Janka Hardness - N | 16320 |
| Image | Price | Grade | Dimensions | SKU | Buy | Description | hf:att:pa_grade | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | R230.00 | A | 12.7 × 3.8 × 0.95 cm | KNIFEBLAF1001 |
| African Knife Scales – Bookmatched set Limited stock available. Get them while you can. Minimum size 12.7 x 3.8 x 0.95 cm | a |
Although we don't have any listed pieces for this species available in our online store, add this species to your Quote Request and we'll get back to you with availability in our warehouse.