Cocobolo
Botanical Name: (Dalbergia Retusa)
Cocobolo rosewood grows from Mexico through Central America. Some people consider cocobolo to be the most beautiful of the rosewoods. With it's many shades of browns, reds, orange, yellow and black colors it can be very striking. Cocobolo has a fair amount of natural oil in the wood. The sapwood is cream colored and desired by some acoustic guitar builders. Freshly cut cocobolo exhibits purple and yellow hues which over a short period of time will oxidize to a rich brown-red color with black streaks. Cocobolo is as close to Brazilian Rosewood in beauty and tonal qualities as any wood and makes Cocobolo a premium choice for many builders.
Care must be used when cutting Cocobolo, as the wood's oils can induce allergic reactions if inhaled or exposed to unprotected skin and eyes. A dust collection system, coupled with the use of personal protective equipment such as respirators, is highly recommended when machining this wood.
