Views: 222 Author: Rebecca Publish Time: 2025-04-21 Origin: Site
Content Menu
● Introduction to Ovangkol Wood
● Origins and Botanical Profile
● Physical Properties of Ovangkol
● Ovangkol Wood Wiki: Common Names and Uses
● Ovangkol in Musical Instruments
● Tonal Characteristics: Ovangkol vs. Other Tonewoods
● Sustainability and Availability
● Ovangkol Wood Wiki: Pros and Cons
>> Pros
>> Cons
● Comparative Table: Ovangkol vs. Other Popular Tonewoods
>> 1. What is ovangkol wood and where does it come from?
>> 2. How does ovangkol wood sound compared to rosewood and mahogany?
>> 3. Is ovangkol wood sustainable and environmentally friendly?
>> 4. What are the main uses of ovangkol wood?
>> 5. Are there any drawbacks to using ovangkol wood?
Ovangkol wood, often referred to by its botanical name Guibourtia ehie, is steadily gaining recognition in the world of musical instruments, fine furniture, and specialty woodworking. Though long overshadowed by more traditional tonewoods like rosewood and mahogany, ovangkol is now celebrated for its unique blend of tonal, aesthetic, and practical qualities. This article explores the characteristics of ovangkol wood, its origins, its use in lutherie, and how it compares to other popular tonewoods. We'll also address frequently asked questions and provide a comprehensive analysis for musicians, luthiers, and wood enthusiasts alike.
Ovangkol is a tropical hardwood that has become increasingly popular in recent decades, particularly in the manufacture of acoustic guitars and high-end furniture. Its unique combination of tonal warmth, visual appeal, and structural stability makes it a compelling alternative to more established tonewoods. While it may have once been considered the "Cinderella of the tonewood world," ovangkol is now stepping into the spotlight as a versatile and sustainable choice for discerning woodworkers and musicians[1][6].
Ovangkol, botanically known as *Guibourtia ehie*, is native to the tropical regions of West Africa, including countries such as Cameroon, Gabon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Nigeria[2][6][7]. The tree can reach impressive heights and yields a dense, heavy hardwood with a characteristic golden-brown to dark chocolate color, often streaked with darker lines. Ovangkol is also known by several other names, including shedua, amazique, hyedua, and Mozambique wood[3][6][7].
Color and Appearance:
Ovangkol heartwood ranges from yellowish-brown to deep chocolate-brown, frequently accented with gray, black, or even greenish streaks. The sapwood is pale yellow and clearly demarcated from the heartwood[3][4]. The grain is usually straight but can be interlocked or wavy, with a moderately coarse to medium texture and a natural luster[2][3].
Density and Hardness:
Ovangkol is a heavy and dense wood, typically falling into the medium-hardness category. It offers excellent stability and is resistant to warping, making it suitable for demanding applications such as flooring, stairs, and musical instruments[2][3][4].
Durability:
Classified as moderately durable, ovangkol is resistant to termites and fungal attack, though it is best suited for interior use unless properly treated for outdoor applications[2][4].
Workability:
Ovangkol is generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though its silica content can dull cutting edges more quickly than some other woods. Interlocked or figured grain may present challenges such as tear-out during planing, but the wood turns, glues, and finishes well[3][4].
Ovangkol is known by a variety of names depending on its region and application. In the context of musical instruments, it is most commonly referred to as ovangkol. In furniture and veneer industries, names like shedua, amazique, and Mozambique are frequently used[3][6][7].
Common Uses:
- Acoustic and electric guitar backs, sides, and sometimes necks
- Furniture and cabinetry
- Flooring and staircases
- Veneer and decorative paneling
- Turned objects and specialty woodworking projects[2][3][4][6]
Ovangkol's rise in popularity among luthiers can be attributed to its tonal versatility and visual appeal. It was notably introduced to a wider audience by Taylor Guitars, who sought sustainable alternatives to endangered tonewoods like rosewood[5][6][7]. Ovangkol is now used by several major guitar manufacturers, including Breedlove, Takamine, Lowden, and Avalon.
Why Luthiers Choose Ovangkol:
- Tonal Range: Ovangkol offers a broad frequency response, with strong bass, pronounced midrange, and sparkling trebles—qualities that appeal to a wide spectrum of players[1][5][7].
- Sustainability: Ovangkol is not listed on CITES appendices and is classified as a species of least concern by the IUCN, making it a responsible choice for environmentally conscious manufacturers[3][6].
- Aesthetic Appeal: The wood's striking color and grain patterns add visual interest to instruments, often rivaling more expensive or traditional tonewoods[2][3][6].
Ovangkol is often described as a tonal hybrid, offering characteristics reminiscent of both rosewood and mahogany, with additional qualities that set it apart[1][5][7].
- Similarity: Both are related botanically and share a wide frequency spectrum, with strong lows and highs.
- Difference: Ovangkol has a slightly fuller midrange and a brighter treble response, whereas rosewood is known for its “scooped” midrange and complex overtones[1][5][7].
- Similarity: Ovangkol's midrange presence is comparable to that of mahogany.
- Difference: Ovangkol is more overtone-rich and has greater bass response, while mahogany emphasizes fundamental tones and warmth[1][5].
- Similarity: Both can deliver bright trebles.
- Difference: Ovangkol has a warmer, fuller sound with more pronounced lows and mids, whereas maple is known for its clarity and brightness but less warmth[5][6].
- Similarity: Ovangkol's shimmering trebles are often likened to those of koa.
- Difference: Koa tends to be lighter and more responsive in the upper mids, while ovangkol maintains a more robust low end[1][5].
Workability:
Ovangkol is generally easy to work, though its silica content can dull tools faster than some other woods. Interlocked or figured grain may require careful handling to prevent tear-out. It glues, screws, and finishes well, and can be polished to a high sheen[3][4].
Durability:
Ovangkol is rated as moderately durable, with good resistance to insects and decay. It is best suited for interior applications unless treated for outdoor use[2][4].
Seasoning:
Ovangkol seasons quickly and well, with minimal impact on grade and quality, though kiln-drying can be challenging. The wood exhibits medium movement in service, so proper acclimatization is recommended before use[4].
One of ovangkol's major advantages is its sustainability. Unlike rosewood and other traditional tonewoods that face restrictions due to overharvesting, ovangkol is not listed on the CITES appendices and is considered a species of least concern by the IUCN[3][6]. This makes it an attractive option for manufacturers and consumers concerned about environmental impact.
Availability:
Ovangkol is widely available in both lumber and veneer forms. Unfigured wood is moderately priced among imported hardwoods, while highly figured pieces command higher prices[3][6].
- Well-rounded tonal profile: Strong lows, full mids, and bright highs[1][5][6].
- Attractive appearance: Rich color and dramatic grain patterns[2][3][6].
- Good workability: Easy to machine and finish, with some care[3][4].
- Sustainable and widely available: Not endangered, responsibly harvested[3][6].
- Affordable: Generally less expensive than rosewood[6][7].
- Silica content: Can dull tools more quickly[3].
- Weight: Heavier than some comparable tonewoods[6].
- Outdoor use: Not ideal for exterior applications without treatment[4].
- Less traditional: Still gaining recognition among purists[6].
| Property | Ovangkol | Rosewood | Mahogany | Maple | Koa |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Origin | West Africa | South America, India | Central/South America | North America, Europe | Hawaii |
| Color | Golden to dark brown, streaked | Reddish-brown, purplish | Reddish-brown | Pale, sometimes figured | Golden, curly |
| Grain | Straight/interlocked | Straight, sometimes wavy | Straight, fine | Straight, often figured | Curly, wavy |
| Density | Medium-heavy | Heavy | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| Tonal Profile | Full lows, strong mids, bright highs | Deep lows, scooped mids, sparkling highs | Warm, strong mids, focused lows | Bright, clear, focused | Warm, bright, sweet |
| Workability | Easy, can dull tools | Moderate, can dull tools | Easy | Easy | Moderate |
| Durability | Moderately durable | Highly durable | Durable | Moderate | Moderate |
| Sustainability | Not endangered | Many species endangered | Sustainable | Sustainable | Limited supply |
| Price | Moderate | High | Moderate | Moderate | High |
Ovangkol wood has emerged as a highly versatile and sustainable alternative to traditional tonewoods. Its unique blend of tonal warmth, clarity, and visual appeal makes it a favorite among modern luthiers and woodworkers. While it may not yet have the storied legacy of rosewood or mahogany, ovangkol's practical advantages—sustainability, affordability, and a balanced tonal spectrum—ensure its growing popularity in the years to come. Whether you're a musician seeking a distinctive sound or a craftsman searching for a beautiful and reliable hardwood, ovangkol deserves serious consideration.
Ovangkol wood, botanically known as *Guibourtia ehie*, is a tropical hardwood native to West African countries such as Cameroon, Gabon, Ghana, and Nigeria. It is prized for its attractive appearance, durability, and versatility in applications ranging from musical instruments to fine furniture[2][3][6].
Ovangkol offers a broad tonal spectrum similar to rosewood, with strong lows and sparkling highs, but features a fuller midrange. Compared to mahogany, ovangkol is more overtone-rich and has greater bass response, while mahogany is known for its warmth and fundamental-focused sound[1][5][7].
Yes, ovangkol is not listed on CITES appendices and is classified as a species of least concern by the IUCN. It is widely available and responsibly harvested, making it a sustainable choice for manufacturers and consumers[3][6].
Ovangkol is used in acoustic and electric guitars (backs, sides, sometimes necks), furniture, cabinetry, flooring, veneer, and decorative woodworking projects. Its stability and attractive finish make it suitable for a wide range of applications[2][3][4][6].
Some challenges include its silica content, which can dull tools, and its relatively heavy weight. It is also less established in tradition compared to woods like rosewood or mahogany, though its popularity is growing rapidly[3][6].
[1] https://www.maurysmusic.com/maury_s_blog/view/197462/ovangkol_aka__the_cinderella_of_tonewoods__
[2] https://www.denderwood.com/en/wood-types/ovangkol/
[3] https://www.wood-database.com/ovangkol/
[4] https://www.anyonewood.com/ovangkol/
[5] https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=627160
[6] https://findmyguitar.com/blog/materials/ovangkol/
[7] https://tonewooddatasource.weebly.com/wood-details-n-q.html
[8] https://www.taylorguitars.com/guitars/acoustic/features/woods/body-woods/ovangkol
[9] https://maderasbarber.com/tonewood/en/772-ovangkol
[10] https://www.guitarkind.com/ovangkol-guitars/
[11] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIlt9Ur1yj8
[12] https://www.wood-database.com/ovangkol/
[13] https://www.harmonycentral.com/forums/topic/1140423-ovangkol-what-do-you-think-of-that-wood/
[14] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qH44AT1SXxY
[15] https://woodbin.com/ref/wood-species/ovangkol/
[16] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gt189JFWx4Q&lc=UghY4pKjHXxShngCoAEC
[17] https://maderasbarber.com/tonewood/en/1538-ovangkol
[18] https://www.denderwood.com/swfiles/files/ovangkol-en.pdf
[19] https://www.zanusolegno.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Ovangkol-Material-Data-Sheet-Zanusolegno.pdf
[20] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guibourtia_ehie
[21] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guibourtia
[22] https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ovangkol.jpg
[23] https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=595434
[24] https://www.mikeouds.com/messageboard/viewthread.php?tid=17476
[25] https://www.maurysmusic.com/maury_s_blog/view/197462/ovangkol_aka__the_cinderella_of_tonewoods__
[26] https://umgf.com/ovangkol-t3091.html
[27] https://www.reddit.com/r/AcousticGuitar/comments/udha0q/this_is_what_ovangkol_sounds_like/
[28] https://maderasbarber.com/tonewood/en/917-ovangkol
[29] https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/ovangkol
[30] https://www.denderwood.com/en/wood-types/ovangkol/
[31] https://findmyguitar.com/blog/materials/ovangkol/
[32] https://woodyworks.shop/en/products/ovangkol
[33] https://www.sweetwater.com/insync/ovangkol/
[34] https://forum.warwickforum.com/threads/ovangkol-vs-bubinga-what-is-the-tonal-difference-for-neck-wood.13625/
