Honduran Rosewood has grown difficult to obtain. Denser than Indian Rosewood, Honduran Rosewood is well known for its tonal properties being the preferred wood for Marimba bars. It compares well to Brazilian Rosewood, and many claim it is superior, producing a well-balanced sounding guitar with great projection and strong lows and highs. In fact, during the 50’s and 60’s the great Spanish makers considered it to be the only acceptable substitute to Brazilian Rosewood! The grain lines are unusually tight and straight. The color ranges from a rich mauve to a brownish brick red with tight growth rings and occasional dark brown to black ink lines. Some sets have attractive sapwood centers. Small (about 3mm or less), stable pin knots (without voids) are not uncommon and occasionally they look a little like the birdseye figure sometimes seen in maple. Honduran Rosewood bends fine and is quite stable. It is non-porous and finishes nicely.
