Honduran Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) is also known as South American mahogany. Due to its superior properties it was in such great demand that nowadays only plantation-grown wood or old stock is available. Nearly all substitutes such as Sapelli, Sipo, Khaya or Tiama are of inferior quality. The colour ranges from pinkish yellow to salmon red, darkening to deep reddish brown with sun exposure. It is suitable for nearly any purpose as it shows nearly no shrinkage or warping, it is light weighted while being extremely stable and durable, and it has excellent tonal qualities. Used for boats, fine furniture, frames and windows it also is an important wood in guitar making, nearly all early Martin and Gibson guitar bodies and necks were made from this wood. First grade genuine swietenia mahogany!
