Is Brazilian rosewood better than Indian?

Yes there's a difference, but it's pretty subtle, and neither is better than the other IMO. Few (if any) listeners would be able to tell a difference in a blind test. Brazilian rosewood is harder to get (particularly quarter sawn), much more expensive, and is more prone to cracking.

Is Brazilian rosewood better than Indian rosewood?

To most, Brazilian has better clarity in the bottom and a almost bell like tone in the trebles. Indian rosewood has become the general substitute for Brazilian rosewood. Generally speaking, this wood is not as attractive as Brazilian and It has a noticeably purple color and the grain markings are coarser.

Is Brazilian rosewood good?

Brazilian rosewood is highly desirable, exceptionally rare and heavily regulated. It is regarded as one of the finest tonewoods; hard, stiff, and highly resonant with a glass-like ring that sustains; it has a floral scent, similar to roses, thus the name.

How can you tell Brazilian rosewood from Indian rosewood?

Brazilian is mostly dark brown with some black grain lines, occasionally being close to black on wider areas, and with some with tan areas. Some very old sets can be a lighter brown. Indian has again a dark brown base color, but not as dark as Brazilian, and with a lot of purple overtones.

Which is the best rosewood?

Is Brazilian Rosewood Better Than Indian Rosewood? Lets Find Out!

Is Brazilian rosewood expensive?

The prestige of Brazilian rosewood, an expensive material to begin with, rocketed once production was halted. Rarity, coupled with the cachet of authentic Danish modern designs (and the names attached to them), has made mid-century Brazilian rosewood furniture one of today's most coveted grails.

What happened Brazilian rosewood?

In 1967, Brazilian rosewood had become so popular for instruments and other wood products that the Brazilian government became concerned that this precious hardwood could be wiped out, so the government outlawed the export of rosewood logs.

What wood is closest to Brazilian rosewood?

There are various other woods that can be used as alternatives to rosewood. These woods include: Macassar ebony, ziricote, bubinga, grenadillo and pau ferro. Macassar ebony and ziricote are higher end woods whereas bubinga, grenadillo and pau ferro are more moderately priced.

What does Brazilian rosewood look like?

Color/Appearance: Brazilian rosewood can vary in color from a darker chocolate brown to a lighter purplish or reddish brown, with darker contrasting streaks. The black streaks can sometimes form a unique grain pattern that is sometimes referred to as “spider-webbing” or “landscape,” very similar to ziricote.

Does Gibson still use Brazilian rosewood?

Since 1991, Brazilian Rosewood has been listed as an endangered species and has therefore been used sparingly by guitar makers. However, there have been some small runs here and there of Gibson guitars that do have Brazilian fingerboards, particularly during 2001-2003.

When did they stop using Brazilian rosewood in guitars?

Supplies grew extremely thin in the late 1960s, however, and Martin and others stopped using Brazilian rosewood in 1969, moving over to Indian rosewood, then other varieties. In 1992, Brazilian rosewood was added to the CITES treaty, strictly banning its exportation.

Why is Brazilian rosewood endangered?

Brazilian rosewood is threatened by illegal logging and habitat loss.

Where does the best rosewood come from?

rosewood, any of several ornamental timbers, products of various tropical trees native to Brazil, Honduras, Jamaica, Africa, and India. The most important commercially are the Honduras rosewood, Dalbergia stevensoni, and the Brazilian rosewood, principally D.

What wood has the best tone?

Spruce. This evergreen, found in northern temperate regions of the globe, is literally top choice: the ideal wood for the soundboard, or top, of an acoustic guitar. Its look — light in color, even in grain — is appealing though somewhat plain; what sets it apart is its beautiful tonal properties.

What kind of rosewood does Gibson use?

North American rosewood is also used by Gibson — it's a trustworthy source and sustainable. Madagascan and Amazonian Rosewood is also widely used. * Brazilian Rosewood is unusual these days, because of rarity and exorbitant cost.

How do I know if my guitar has Brazilian rosewood?

Bring the container under the blacklight and observe the results: true Brazilian Rosewood (Dalbergia nigra) will not fluoresce or show any appreciable change of color under the blacklight, while most other rosewoods will glow a pale blue/green color.

How can I tell if my rosewood is real?

Even texture with an orange/yellow-red to deep purple with black bars color range: Even if artificial dyes can reproduce the color, if with an uneven texture it can be confirmed the product is not made of rosewood. Fake rosewoods products have a thick color or light colors with white color in some space.

Where does Brazilian rosewood come from?

D. nigra, commonly known as Brazilian rosewood, is native to the Atlantic coast of Brazil. It is one of the most highly valued hardwoods, well-known for its durability, pest resistance, beauty, acoustic properties, and distinct rose scent.

What wood is best for guitar fretboard?

How fast does Brazilian rosewood grow?

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Seedlings develop slowly, but should be ready to plant out within 6 - 7 months[ 419 ]. Like many species within the family Fabaceae, once they have been dried for storage the seeds of this species may benefit from scarification before sowing in order to speed up germination.

Is Indian rosewood hard?

Janka Hardness is 2,440 pounds of force. Drying and Shrinkage: Indian Rosewood dries well but it is recommended to dry the wood slowly to avoid checking and end splitting. Average reported shrinkage values are 2.7% radial, 5.9% tangential, 8.5% volumetric.

Is rosewood banned in India?

Rosewood is available only in three Indian states, the southern states of Kerala, Karnataka and, Tamil Nadu. However, Tamil Nadu has banned any sale of the East Indian Rosewood for the past 25 years. That leaves Kerala and Karnataka.

Is Indian rosewood a good tonewood?

Indian rosewood's sweeping frequency range at both ends of the tonal spectrum has made it one of the most popular and musically rich tonewoods. Its deep lows can assert a throaty growl, while bright, sparkling treble notes ring out with bell-like, high-fidelity clarity.

Can you import Brazilian rosewood?

Brazilian rosewood products may be imported and exported commercially only if they are: Presented with a USDA-APHIS Protected Plant Permit; Presented with documentation from CITES certifying that it was acquired prior to June 11, 1992; Imported and exported through designated ports.