Is Indian Laurel Similar to Rosewood?

Yes, but not the same. Indian Laurel (Terminalia elliptica) is visually and physically very similar to East Indian Rosewood (Dalbergia latifolia), but suitable for making the fingerboard, bridge and soundboard and back of acoustic guitar. Rosewood has a more pronounced bass and more pronounced overtone, while Laurel is brighter and more dry sounding and cheaper.

In the table below, we compare the tones, appearance, workability, and restrictions under CITES of these two types of wood, which helps you choose the right material for your instrument.

What Is Indian Laurel?

Indian Laurel (Terminalia elliptica), also called T. tomentosa, is a very dense hardwood native to South and Southeast Asia. The wood ranges from light to dark brown in color, frequently with darker streaks, and the grain of Indian Laurel is more variable than the grain of rosewood.

Its use for fretboards grew as rosewood trade rules tightened, and builders now use it for bridges and acoustic backs and sides too. You can browse our Indian laurel guitar back and side sets or guitar fingerboards.

Which Rosewood Are We Comparing?

"Rosewood" includes many types, so it is hard to compare them because of which type one means. In case of Indian laurel, there is only one match is East Indian rosewood (Dalbergia latifolia), which is the most widespread type of rosewood used on steel-string guitars nowadays.

The another case is Brazilian rosewood (Dalbergia nigra). It is rare, more expensive, and regulated by CITES, so it is included in the CITES part below.

Just for the clarification, Indian laurel is not rosewood at all; it belongs to another genus (Terminalia, not Dalbergia).

Indian Laurel vs Rosewood: Side by Side

Indian Laurel Wood vs Rosewood – Tonewood Showdown

Let's examine the qualities and performance between these two woods:

1. Tone & Sound Quality

• Rosewood is perfect for acoustic backs and sides because it creates a powerful, rich sound with ringing overtones and a strong bass response.
  

• Indian laurel, It is a wonderful option for tonewood parts like fretboards and bridges because, although being a little brighter and drier, it still provides a rich, balanced tone that works well with a variety of playing styles.

2. Aesthetics

• Rosewood is ideal for people who like a classic, elegant appearance because it is usually darker and has a consistent, tight grain.
  

• Laurel wood shows a wider range of brown hues with unique grain patterns, giving each wooden guitar a distinctive look.
  

3. Workability

Although both types of wood are very easy to work with, laurel wood can be a little softer and more forgiving, making it perfect for both beginner and professional builders.

4. Sustainability

Dalbergia species, except for Brazilian rosewood, are protected under CITES Appendix II classification, which was implemented in 2016. After November 2019, musical instruments made of this wood, as well as parts and accessories made of it, are not subject to CITES regulations anymore. Raw wood, however, is still subject to permits during international transportation, while sets of tonewood blanks require permits. Brazilian rosewood (Dalbergia nigra) remains on Appendix I with no exemption. 

Indian laurel is not a Dalbergia, so the rosewood listing does not apply to it, and our laurel listings show no shipping restrictions. Our Indian laurel back and side sets are air-dried. Check each product page for moisture content and set details.

Best Uses for Indian Laurel

• Fretboards. Its best-known use. Browse our guitar fingerboards for slotted and unslotted options.
• Bridges. Dense enough to stand in for rosewood. See our bridge blanks.
• Acoustic back and sides. Our own listings describe it as a similar color and grain to East Indian rosewood at a lower price. See acoustic guitar back and sides.

Which Should You Choose?

If you are looking for the best bass response, select East Indian Rosewood for its beautiful and consistent appearance.

Go for Indian laurel if a rosewood-like appearance and feel are preferred without paying the higher price and meeting the permit restrictions. Make sure the set dimensions chart is checked to match up sizes to your build.

FAQs

1. Is Indian laurel a type of rosewood?
   No. Indian Laurel is Terminalia elliptica. Rosewoods are of the genus Dalbergia. The term "rosewood substitute" comes from the resemblance between the two species.
2. Does Indian laurel sound like rosewood?
   Similar, but slightly different. The laurel is always just a bit brighter and drier, while the rosewood has more bass and more ring to it. The difference on fretboards and bridges is slight.
3. Is Indian laurel good for guitar fretboards?
   Yes, brands like Squier and Epiphone that often opt for laurel fretboards as they have become a popular choice among lower-priced guitars.
4. Is Indian laurel cheaper than East Indian rosewood?
   Generally yes. Prices vary by grade and set size, so compare current listings on our laurel and rosewood collection pages.

Explore Our Exotic Wood Collection

For guitar makers, woodworkers, and artists, Exotic Wood Zone provides a premium selection of exotic woods and domestic hardwoods. Our carefully chosen wood collection offers the best in terms of both performance and beauty, whether you're looking at rosewood, Indian laurel, or other tonewood possibilities.

We are more than just a hardwood supplier; for artists who expect the finest, we are the go-to woodworkers store. Whether you're looking for a unique Indian laurel wood guitar or a gorgeous rosewood acoustic guitar, browse our premium woods today to find the perfect match for your next project.