African Mahogany (likely Khaya)
Khaya ivorensis • Hardwood / Exotic
Grain Pattern
Interlocked grain, providing a ribbon-stripe appearance when quarter-sawn. This sample shows a fairly straight but coarse texture typical of flat-sawn Khaya with some light wavy figure.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a pale pink to a deeper reddish brown. Sapwood is a yellowish-white. It exhibits a distinct golden luster and often darkens significantly to a rich deep brown when exposed to light and age.
Hardness Rating
830 lbf (Soft to Medium-Soft classification)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; offers some resistance to rot but is susceptible to insect attack compared to Genuine Mahogany (Swietenia).
Common Uses
Electric guitar bodies, furniture, cabinetry, veneer, boatbuilding, and interior trim.
Geographic Origin
West Tropical Africa (from Liberia to Angola).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$8.00 - $12.00 per board foot.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern/New. The wood appears freshly sanded or planed with minimal oxidation, suggesting it is a contemporary guitar blank or project piece.
Sustainability Status
Listed on the IUCN Red List as Vulnerable due to a population reduction of over 20% in the last three generations caused by a decline in its natural range.
Workability
Generally easy to work with tools, though the interlocked grain can cause tear-out during planing. It glues and finishes very well, though grain filling is often required for a smooth surface.
Notable Features
Lightweight for a hardwood; lacks a characteristic scent compared to Cedrela; prized in luthiery for its resonant acoustic properties and balanced tone.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes or nitrocellulose lacquer are common for instruments. Due to its open pores, a grain filler is recommended if a high-gloss finish is desired.
Identification Confidence
High. The pinkish-tan hue, open-pore structure, and context (used for a guitar body) are classic indicators of African Mahogany (Khaya).