Honduran Mahogany (Central American Mahogany)
Swietenia macrophylla • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Predominantly straight to slightly interlocked grain with a medium texture; displays characteristic rift-sawn appearance common in instrument blanks with visible longitudinal pores.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a pinkish-brown to a deeper reddish-brown, which darkens upon exposure to light. It displays a moderate natural luster and classic golden-brown undertones when oxidized.
Hardness Rating
800 lbf (Soft to Medium-Hard)
Durability Rating
Durable; excellent resistance to termites and steady resistance to rot and decay, though typically used indoors for premium applications.
Common Uses
Musical instruments (especially electric guitar bodies and necks), high-end furniture, cabinetry, boat building, and fine veneers.
Geographic Origin
Central and South America (ranging from Mexico to Brazil); widely grown on plantations in Southeast Asia.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$15.00 - $30.00 per board foot for instrument-grade blanks.
Wood Age Estimate
The raw slab shows signs of superficial oxidation and drying checks, suggesting it has been air-dried or stored for 3 to 10 years after milling.
Sustainability Status
CITES Appendix II listed; IUCN Red List status Vulnerable due to historical over-harvesting; FSC certified sources are preferred.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; planes and sands easily. Interlocked grain may occasionally cause minor tearout, but it glues, stains, and finishes exceptionally well.
Notable Features
Famous for its acoustic resonance and stability. It has a very mild, characteristic scent when worked and a high strength-to-weight ratio.
Finish Recommendations
Requires grain filler for a glass-smooth surface. Responds beautifully to nitrocellulose lacquer (traditional for guitars), tung oil, or shellac to enhance chatoyance.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the reddish-golden hue, specific pore structure, and the fact that it has been traced for a single-cut electric guitar body (Les Paul style) strongly indicates Swietenia macrophylla.