Hawaiian Koa is easily one of the most sought after tonewoods available, with colors ranging from brown to gold, with rich and varying grain. Koa looks as exotic as the region its from. With an open pore structure like Mahogany, it needs to be filled, but works well in all respects with the usual care taken for curly figure.
Curl or flame has been exhibited in Koa trees less than 20 years old and these trees grow fast. Instrument size and grade wood is rare because most of the old growth has been cut down. Luckily, Hawaiians are making an effort to plant Koa along with other native trees to help assure they will be available in the future. But until then, good wood is scarce and the rising prices reflect that. Still, we get the best available.
Here is how the grading for Koa goes. Grading is based primarily on the amount of figure within the pattern area. We grade the backs and match the sides to the backs after, so the figure on the sides may be slightly greater or weaker than the backs, but will be a good color match. Figure may be tight or broad (we do not grade higher for tight curl).
WK2 - No figure.
WK1- Subtle figure or excellent color .
WKS -Nice figure, but not throughout the whole back. Figure will more apparent under finish.
WKXSPECIAL -Strong apparent figure, may fade out at the edge of the board.
WKP -Strong figure throughout the entire board.
