For the purposes of the manufacture of wooden tonerings for banjos, Hickler Banjo LLC has identified the following species that can be named “grenadilla” in its product descriptions. For a more in-depth survey of the term grenadilla, please refer to the article Grenadilla, the Ultimate Tonewood?
Dalbergia melanoxylon Also known as African blackwood, D. melanoxylon is a member of the genus that comprises the true rosewoods. It is used in clarinets and other woodwinds.
Dalbergia melanoxylon
Dalbergia stevensonii Also known as Honduras rosewood, D. stevensonii is a member of the genus that comprises the true rosewoods, it is used in the manufacture of marimbas bars and wooden flutes.
Dalbergia stevensonii
Dalbergia tucarensis Also known as Guatemala rosewood, D. tucarensis is a member of the genus that comprises the true rosewoods, it is used in the manufacture of marimbas bars and wooden flutes.
Dalbergia tucarensis
Platymiscium species Including P. yucatans. and P. dimorphanum and others. Also known as Honduras rosewood, it is used in the manufacture of marimbas bars. Platymiscium species are commonly identified as “grenadilla” by wood suppliers.
Platymiscium yucatanum
Please contact us with questions or concerns regarding this list. Click here for an in-depth article about "grenadilla."
The chart below illustrates the close biological relationship of many of the best tonering woods. You will also note the confusion regarding common names. The area marked in light brown comprises the species that are grenadilla for the purposes of Hickler Banjo LLC.
The following wood species will not be referred to as grenadilla:
In addition to the grenadillas, the following species have been used in Hickler Banjo products:
Dalbergia retusa Also known as cocobolo, D. retusa is a member of the genus that comprises the true rosewoods, it is used in the manufacture of guitars. This species has performed well in wood tonerings.
Dalbergia retusa
Machaerium scleroxylon is considered a reasonable substitute for rosewood. It is a Central and South American dense hardwood that taps well and sometimes can be found in a deep brown color.
Machaerium scleroxylon