Ovangkol Wood

Ovangkol is one of those woods that doesn't need much of an introduction, just look at it. Guibourtia ehie, native to the tropical forests of West Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Cameroon, has an immediately recognizable look: a golden yellow or reddish-brown background crossed by dark streaks, grey and black, running across the surface like lines of ink on old paper. No two pieces are alike. The grain can be straight, wavy, or interlocked, and in some pieces develops figure, tiger stripe, fiddleback, that makes it visually comparable to the rarer, more expensive woods.

In instrument making it has become the noble substitute for Indian rosewood: same botanical family, Guibourtia, like bubinga, a similar tone, deep bass, present mids, bright highs, but available, sustainable, and free of CITES restrictions. Taylor Guitars adopted it for its 400 Series for exactly this reason, and from there it became a recognized standard used by Martin, Warwick, Yamaha, and many other builders. A Janka rating of 1,330 lbf makes it hard enough for necks and fretboards, not just backs and sides.

With the laser it handles fine lines well, and its density gives a precise mark. The challenge is color: the wood's natural dark streaks can absorb the engraving and reduce contrast in certain areas of the piece. On well-structured designs with enough breathing room, though, the result is striking, the burned mark plays off the grain instead of fighting it.