Tonewood Guide

Should I choose Koa or Tasmanian Blackwood?

It's the question we get asked the most. And it's a testament to just how similar these two cousins are. Both are closely related species of the Acacia family, and both produce remarkably similar tonewood in both appearance and tonal characteristics.

The short answer is to choose the tonewood or instrument that you like the looks of most, because each instrument we build is individually voiced to ensure the best possible tone.

Hawaiian Koa (Acacia koa)

Hawaiian Koa was the traditional choice of tonewoods for original Weissenborn guitars. It offers an incredibly rich, warm tone that is full of complex overtones and a bright top end.

The Koa we source comes from salvaged, naturally fallen trees found on farmland and forests in the foothills of Mauna Kea of Hawaii's Big Island.

Tasmanian Blackwood (Acacia melanoxylon)

Also known as Australian Blackwood, Black Acacia, as well as other regional names such as Victorian Blackwood depending on where the tonewood originated.

Our Blackwood is mostly Tasmanian, coming from sustainable forestry and salvage operations that ensure that this remarkable timber will be around for generations to come.