Views: 222 Author: Rebecca Publish Time: 2025-04-21 Origin: Site
Content Menu
● Introduction to Ovangkol Wood
● Ovangkol Wood in Guitar Construction
● The Tonal Characteristics of Ovangkol Wood Guitars
● Ovangkol vs. Other Popular Tonewoods
● Advantages and Disadvantages of Ovangkol Wood Guitars
>> Advantages
● Sustainability and Availability
>> Durability
>> 1. What makes ovangkol wood guitars different from rosewood guitars?
>> 2. Are ovangkol wood guitars suitable for all playing styles?
>> 3. Is ovangkol a sustainable choice for guitar construction?
>> 4. How does the durability of ovangkol compare to other tonewoods?
>> 5. Are ovangkol wood guitars more affordable than those made from traditional tonewoods?
Ovangkol wood has emerged as a compelling alternative to traditional guitar tonewoods, especially as concerns about sustainability and cost have grown. While still not as widely recognized as rosewood or mahogany, ovangkol wood guitars have steadily gained a reputation among luthiers and players for their unique tonal palette and versatility. This article explores the characteristics, tonal impact, advantages, and considerations of ovangkol wood in guitar construction, providing a thorough guide for musicians and enthusiasts alike.
Ovangkol, scientifically known as *Guibourtia ehie*, is a tropical hardwood native to West Africa, particularly found in countries such as Cameroon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Nigeria[5][7]. Known by various names—including amazique, hyedua, and shedua—ovangkol has been used in furniture, flooring, and joinery, but its role in guitar making is relatively recent compared to traditional tonewoods[5].
The surge in ovangkol's popularity in lutherie can be traced back to the late 1990s, when guitar manufacturers like Taylor and Martin began seeking sustainable alternatives to endangered woods like rosewood. Ovangkol's physical and tonal properties made it a natural candidate for this role[7][8].
Ovangkol is most commonly used for the back and sides of acoustic guitars, though it can occasionally be found as a material for necks and fretboards[5][3]. Its density and strength make it suitable for these applications, though its weight usually precludes it from being used as a solid electric guitar body[5].
- Sustainability: Ovangkol is not listed under CITES, making it a more environmentally responsible choice compared to many traditional tonewoods[5][7].
- Cost: It is generally less expensive than rosewood, making ovangkol wood guitars more accessible to a broader range of players[5].
- Aesthetics: Ovangkol features attractive grain patterns, often resembling walnut or rosewood, with a natural luster that takes well to high-gloss finishes[8].
Ovangkol wood guitars are celebrated for their well-rounded, harmonically rich sound. The tone is often described as a blend between rosewood and mahogany, with some unique properties that set it apart[3][2][4]:
- Bass: Comparable to rosewood, ovangkol offers a strong, rich low end that provides depth and warmth[3][8].
- Mids: Unlike rosewood's “scooped” midrange, ovangkol features a noticeable boost in the mid frequencies, lending clarity and presence to chords and single notes[1][2][3].
- Treble: The high end is bright and articulate, but not as sharp as maple. Some players describe the treble as “chirpy” or “shimmering,” reminiscent of koa or maple, but with more warmth[2][8].
- Overtones: Ovangkol is more overtone-rich than mahogany, giving it a complex, layered sound that records well and projects clearly in ensemble settings[2][1].
Players often note that ovangkol wood guitars have a unique “twang” or “voice” that distinguishes them from other tonewoods. While its tonal spectrum is broad, the midrange boost gives it a slightly different character than rosewood, making it especially suitable for fingerstyle and versatile playing styles[1][4].
> “Ovangkol is not another Rosewood. It really is its own thing. It's interesting and not too common, but maybe should be a little more common. It's a slightly different, but very nice sound.”[1]
To better understand ovangkol's place in the world of guitar tonewoods, it's helpful to compare it directly with its most common counterparts.
| Tonewood | Bass Response | Midrange | Treble | Overtones | General Tone | Sustainability | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ovangkol | Strong, rich | Pronounced, clear | Bright, warm | Complex, layered | Balanced, versatile | High | Lower than rosewood |
| Rosewood | Deep, powerful | Scooped | Sparkling, clear | Rich, lush | Warm, lush, with clarity | Low (endangered) | High |
| Mahogany | Focused, tight | Strong, woody | Subdued | Fundamental-focused | Warm, dry, with punch | Moderate | Moderate |
| Maple | Tight, controlled | Subtle | Very bright | Minimal | Bright, clear, articulate | Moderate | Moderate |
| Koa | Balanced | Warm, sweet | Sparkling, airy | Moderate | Sweet, musical | Moderate | High |
- Ovangkol shares rosewood's bass and overtone richness but fills in the midrange, resulting in a more balanced sound across the spectrum[2][3][8].
- The midrange boost gives ovangkol wood guitars clarity and articulation, making them suitable for a wide range of musical styles[1][4].
- The treble response is lively but less harsh than maple, and the overall tone is described as “great at everything,” even if not the absolute best at any one thing[4].
- Well-Rounded Tone: Ovangkol wood guitars deliver a sound that is both rich and balanced, making them suitable for strumming, fingerstyle, and flatpicking[5][3].
- Clarity and Sustain: The wood's physical properties contribute to excellent note separation and sustain[5].
- Sustainability: Ovangkol is more readily available and less environmentally problematic than many traditional tonewoods[5][7].
- Cost-Effective: Generally less expensive than rosewood, ovangkol makes high-quality guitars more accessible[5].
- Aesthetic Appeal: Attractive grain patterns and finishes enhance the visual appeal of ovangkol wood guitars[8].
- Less Familiar: Some players may be hesitant to try ovangkol due to its relative rarity and lack of historical pedigree compared to rosewood or mahogany[5].
- Weight: Ovangkol is a heavy wood, which may affect comfort for some players, especially in larger-bodied guitars[5].
- Brightness: The high-end can be brighter than rosewood, which may not suit all tonal preferences[5].
- Durability: While strong and stable, ovangkol is not as hard as rosewood, though it is significantly harder than mahogany[5].
One of the driving forces behind ovangkol's rise in popularity is its sustainability. Ovangkol is not currently subject to CITES restrictions, making it a responsible choice for environmentally conscious musicians and manufacturers[5][7]. Major brands such as Taylor and Martin have embraced ovangkol, particularly in their mid- and upper-range models, and its use is expected to grow as the market seeks alternatives to endangered woods[5][7][8].
Ovangkol ranks as a moderately durable wood, with a Janka hardness of 1,330 lbs—less than rosewood but more than mahogany[5]. This means ovangkol wood guitars are resistant to dents and warping, provided they are properly cared for.
- Clean ovangkol bodies with appropriate guitar polish and store them in a case when not in use[5].
- For ovangkol fretboards, use a damp cloth followed by a small amount of mineral or lemon oil, or a suitable wax to enhance the grain and color[5].
Ovangkol wood guitars offer a unique blend of tonal qualities, combining the warmth and depth of rosewood with a pronounced midrange and lively treble reminiscent of mahogany and maple. As a sustainable and cost-effective alternative, ovangkol is increasingly recognized for its versatility, clarity, and aesthetic appeal. While it may not have the storied history of rosewood or mahogany, ovangkol stands on its own as a superb tonewood, worthy of consideration by any guitarist seeking something distinct yet familiar.
Whether you are a fingerstyle player, a strummer, or someone who values both environmental responsibility and tonal excellence, an ovangkol wood guitar is a compelling choice. As the guitar world continues to evolve, ovangkol's role is only set to grow, offering musicians new possibilities and a fresh voice in the ever-expanding world of acoustic tone.
Ovangkol wood guitars share many tonal characteristics with rosewood guitars, such as strong bass and rich overtones, but ovangkol features a more pronounced midrange. This gives ovangkol guitars a more balanced and articulate sound, whereas rosewood guitars tend to have a “scooped” midrange and a slightly brighter treble[2][3][7].
Yes, ovangkol wood guitars are known for their versatility. The balanced tonal spectrum makes them suitable for strumming, fingerstyle, and flatpicking. The clarity and sustain also make them a good choice for recording and live performance[1][3][7].
Ovangkol is considered a sustainable alternative to endangered tonewoods like rosewood. It is not listed under CITES, is widely available, and is increasingly used by manufacturers who prioritize ethical sourcing and environmental responsibility[5][7].
Ovangkol is moderately durable, with a hardness greater than mahogany but less than rosewood. It is resistant to dents and warping when properly cared for, making it a reliable choice for guitar backs, sides, and occasionally necks or fretboards[5].
Generally, yes. Ovangkol is less expensive than rosewood, which helps keep the cost of ovangkol wood guitars lower. However, as its popularity grows and it appears in more mid- and upper-range models, prices may vary based on brand and craftsmanship[5].
[1] https://www.reddit.com/r/AcousticGuitar/comments/udha0q/this_is_what_ovangkol_sounds_like/
[2] https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=627160
[3] https://www.guitarkind.com/ovangkol-guitars/
[4] https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=595434
[5] https://findmyguitar.com/blog/materials/ovangkol/
[6] https://umgf.com/ovangkol-t3091.html
[7] https://www.taylorguitars.com/guitars/acoustic/features/woods/body-woods/ovangkol
[8] https://www.maurysmusic.com/maury_s_blog/view/197462/ovangkol_aka__the_cinderella_of_tonewoods__
[9] https://www.taylorguitars.com/guitars/acoustic/features/woods/body-woods
[10] https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18406
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[16] https://rockininstruments.com/blogs/rockin-instruments/guitar-tonewoods-explained
[17] https://exoticwoodzone.com/products/ovangkol-classical-guitar-back-side-set-49
[18] https://www.wood-database.com/ovangkol/
[19] https://www.reddit.com/r/Guitar/comments/93rue7/question_anybody_familiar_with_the_martin_d/
[20] https://umgf.com/ovangkol-t3091.html
[21] https://www.unofficialtaylorguitarforum.com/index.php?topic=3768.0
[22] https://www.harmonycentral.com/forums/topic/1140423-ovangkol-what-do-you-think-of-that-wood/
[23] https://www.reddit.com/r/martinguitar/comments/1gcbwxh/am_i_crazy_and_qs_about_the_omcd16e_ovangkol_is/
[24] https://www.harmonycentral.com/forums/topic/1175302-what-do-you-think-of-ovangkol-back-and-sides-on-an-acoustic/
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[26] https://maderasbarber.com/tonewood/en/917-ovangkol
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[28] https://breedlovemusic.com/instruments/acoustic-guitars/tonewoods/ovangkol
