Okoume
Aucoumea klaineana • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly interlocked grain with a uniform, diffuse-porous texture. It occasionally displays wavy or curly figure, though this sample appears relatively straight-grained.
Color Description
Heartwood is a pale pinkish-brown to light reddish-brown. It has a high natural luster and can exhibit chatoyance. Color tends to darken slightly with age and UV exposure, moving toward a deeper golden brown.
Hardness Rating
400 lbf (Very Soft)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; poor resistance to decay and highly susceptible to insect attack. Not suitable for outdoor use without treatment.
Common Uses
Musical instrument bodies (especially electric guitars), boat building (marine plywood), veneer, interior cabinetry, and lightweight furniture.
Geographic Origin
Central Africa (primarily Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, and Republic of Congo)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 to $10.00 per board foot
Wood Age Estimate
The wood appears freshly milled or recently manufactured into a guitar body, indicated by the clean, light color and lack of deep oxidation or polyurethane ambering.
Sustainability Status
Listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to a population reduction of over 20% in the last three generations. Widely available but sourcing FSC-certified stock is recommended.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though its low density can lead to 'fuzzing' during sanding. Requires very sharp blades to avoid tearout on interlocked grain sections. Glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Extremely lightweight for a hardwood, known for its resonant acoustic properties in instruments similar to Mahogany but with more high-end clarity. Scent is indistinct.
Finish Recommendations
Requires a grain filler if a high-gloss glass-like finish is desired. Works well with nitrocellulose lacquer, polyurethane, or penetrating oils like Tru-Oil which enhance its natural luster.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of pinkish hues, high luster/silkiness, grain structure, and its specific application as a solid-body electric guitar material strongly supports Okoume.