African Mahogany
Khaya anthotheca · Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Type
- Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Origin
- West and Central Africa (tropical regions).
- Hardness
- 830 lbf (Soft to Medium-Hard)
- Durability
- Indistinct to Moderately Durable; offers some resistance to rot but is susceptible to insect attack. Common in indoor applications.
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Grain Pattern
Interlocked grain producing a subtle ribbon stripe on quartersawn surfaces, generally coarse texture with open pores and a fairly straight aesthetic on this specific cut.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood ranges from a pale pinkish brown to a deeper reddish brown; tends to darken with age and exposure to light. Moderate natural luster with some chatoyancy.
Hardness (Janka)
830 lbf (Soft to Medium-Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Indistinct to Moderately Durable; offers some resistance to rot but is susceptible to insect attack. Common in indoor applications.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $8.00 - $12.00 per board foot.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Modern (5-10 years based on the condition of the guitar body and hardware bushings).
- Sustainability Status
- Listed on the IUCN Red List as Vulnerable due to a population reduction of over 20% in the last three generations.
Common Uses
Electric guitar bodies (as seen here), furniture, cabinetry, boat building, veneers, and interior trim.
Geographic Origin
West and Central Africa (tropical regions).
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though interlocked grain can cause tearout during planing. Glues and finishes well.
Finish Recommendations
Grain filler is highly recommended due to the large, open pores before applying lacquer or polyurethane for a smooth finish. High gloss enhances the ribbon figure.
Notable Features
Lacks the characteristic scent of Spanish Cedar; known for its acoustic resonance and light weight compared to Honduran Mahogany.
