Malaysian Blackwood
Diospyros ebonasea
Country of origin
Malaysia
Malaysian blackwood is a premium tonewood well-suited for all guitar types, offering a glassy, sustained tone often compared to that of African blackwood. However, it is considered to be slightly less brittle than African blackwood and features attractive dark streaks, known as “landscape” or “spiderwebbing,” similar to patterns found in ziricote or cocobolo. The color ranges from intense brown with reddish tones to greyish green with many shades, crossed by dark lines that add variety and appeal. Additionally, some pieces may exhibit a light pinkish hue from the trunk’s center. Malaysian blackwood’s exceptional density contributes to its remarkable tonal qualities, providing a rich and sustained sound. Its unique visual and acoustic properties make it a highly sought-after material for crafting exquisite, high-quality guitars.