Quartersawn Ovangkol Dreadnought Back & Sides – Luthier Tonewood

Species: Ovangkol (Guibourtia ehie) – aka Shedua, African Rosewood
Size: Dreadnought
Cut: Quartersawn – reduces surface checking

Dimensions:

• Backs: 21-1/2" x 8-1/4" x 3/16" (2 pcs)

• Sides: 33" x 5-1/8" x 3/16" (2 pcs)

THIS EXACT SET YOU GET. No substitutions.

Why luthiers love this set:

• "The Poor Man's Rosewood with a Voice of its Own" – Sits perfectly between Mahogany and Rosewood. Warm lows, clear trebles, long sustain. CITES-free – no permits needed.

• Classic "Zebra" striped appearance of Ovangkol – Yellowish to reddish-brown base with dramatic dark brown, gray, and black stripes + pale yellow sapwood for natural contrast.

• Stable & workable – Quartersawn = less warping, easier bending, reduced surface checking.

🛠️ Recommended Pairing

• Soundboard: European Spruce or Adirondack Spruce (for flatpicking projection) or Western Red Cedar (for fingerstyle warmth).

• Neck: Mahogany or Spanish Cedar.

• Finish: Oil or Nitrocellulose brings out the deep chatoyance of the stripes.