Rosewood Rio

Botanic name: Dalbergia nigra

Family: Leguminosae

Grows: Brazil

Volumeweight: 0,90

Other names: not known

Usage: Rio rosewood belongs to one of the most valuable woods in the world. Its has been used throughout the years to make very luxury articles like furniture, cabinet making, hair brushes, handles for knives etc.Because of the very heavy logging the wood it now very rare and expensive.

In musical instrument making Rio rosewood is used for several parts. In guitars for back and sides, purfling, head veneer and many other parts. In lutes as ribs for the belly and inlay strips, neck veneer etcetera. In baroque guitars it is used as ribs for back and sides, neck veneer and head veneer. Cut into veneer it is used in rosette making and for al kind of inlay work.

Back to letter R.

Back to woods.

Send mail to with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: April 17, 2006, © John J. van Gool