Manchinga has an interesting spalt-like figure on a light-tan to grayish-tan field. The grain of this unusual wood ranges from a fine-grained texture that is similar to a light-colored mahogany, to smooth fields of tan or grey-tan. Manchinga has small pores and is a medium weight wood that weights 47 pounds per cubic foot. It has moderate flexibility which helps this wood to deliver a medium to bright tone when used for backboards and rims.
Cachimbo is a small-pore hardwood of a medium tan color. Weighing approximately 39 pounds per cubic, Cachimbo is a relatively stiff wood with similar tonal and structural properties to red maple. Cachimbo lends itself to those instruments where tonal brightness is more important than elaborate figure or grain.
Higuerilla is a richly colored hardwood ranging from light coffee to mid orange brown with dark brown stripes. When book matched, Higuerilla presents a strong and colorful linear figure for backboards. Higuerilla weighs 45 pounds per cubic foot and has moderate stiffness similar to Koa. When used for backboard and ribs, Higuerilla imparts a generally bright tone with good clarity. The long open pores will require moderate filling prior to finishing.
Our highest grade Higuerilla is called “Sacha Rosewood”. This tropical hardwood from Peru is not a rosewood species but closely resembles a rosewood in color, density, and lutherie quality.