Honduras Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) is also known as South American mahogany, baywood, Central American mahogany and is rather scarce today. 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 as Sapelli, Sipo, Khaya or Tiama are of inferior quality, not even genuine mahoganies. The colour ranges from pinkish yellow to salmon red, darkening to deep reddish brown with sun exposure. It ist most suitable for nearly any purpose as it show nearly no shrinkage or warping, it is extremely stable and durable whilst light weighted and has excellent tonewood qualities. Used for boats, fine furniture, frames and windows it also was an important wood in guitar making, nearly all early Martin and Gibson guitar bodies and necks were made from this wood.
