Macacauba, granadillo, and hormigo are all closely related species in the Platymiscium genus. IMHO, they are very close to BR, both in density and tap tone.
I do like the tap tone of Osage, but the bright yellow color takes some getting used to. It will eventually oxidize to a dark brown. Black locust is the other domestic wood that sounds similar to Brazilian RW. Fresh cut locust is more of a greenish-yellow, but it oxidizes to a deep golden color. It takes stain well. Locust has found favor with local luthiers including Caleb Smith; I have built two myself.
Though I do like the finished appearance and the tap tone of wenge, the large pores and evil splinters are a turn-off.
Last edited by John Arnold; 01-14-2019 at 01:16 PM.
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