Comments on: Obeche

By: Yves

Yves — Thu, 08 Feb 2024 15:12:16 +0000

How long does it need to grow before felling ?

By: Markdask

Markdask — Sun, 20 Feb 2022 16:37:21 +0000

I was looking for the name of the wood in a sauna once – and I found it on your site. Kudos; bookmarked for future reference

By: Mark GOODLIFFE

Mark GOODLIFFE — Sat, 05 Jun 2021 09:40:30 +0000

Excellent summary from the wood Database and interesting comments. My extensive research for a through double neck 6/12 string guitar I plan to build, has revealed the following about Obeche but I have not played a guitar made of Obeche myself. Once dry, Obeche is exceptionally stable and was used on the solid bodies of Burns in the 1960s, Shergold/Hayman of the 70s and 80s and most recently on the TV Jones Model 10 and PRS Mira X and Starla X guitars. Also in the Martin CF1 and CF2 archtops with braced, Spruce / Obeche 3 ply tops. Obeche possesses exceptional tonal density, responsiveness and clarity across all frequencies with a boomy, acoustic-like quality. Distortion requires high gain, with a warm, deep thumping low end, pronounced upper mids and a glassiness and chime in the treble tones. It is not as muddy as Mahogany and definitely not as thin as Maple. Obeche is an exceptionally resonant and well-balanced performer, yielding great articulation with good sustain. Having worked in construction in England since the 70s originally as a carpenter, I can certainly vouch for its stability. Before the wide introduction of aluminium screeds in the early 90s, good plasterers used only Obeche to rule off their base coat of cement sand straight and flat. They also nailed it to corners as a temporary form. You can imagine the worst possible abuse that the 4x1" lengths of Obeche was exposed to on a daily basis. But providing it was originally flat sawn and kiln dried correctly, each piece would stay straight and flat and used daily for 1-3 years.

By: Ed Davidson

Ed Davidson — Tue, 30 Apr 2019 02:04:52 +0000

The color-dyed and laminated brand called Colorply (I think manufactured in Italy) is made from African Obeche. Here’s a throw-top made from the stuff.

By: Ed

Ed — Mon, 07 Jan 2019 16:12:13 +0000

Excellent as bench seating in sauna. Used over 25 years with no rot, staining or discolouration. Key feature is that it feels relatively cool to the skin even when the sauna is cranked hot. Better than cedar or pine in this regard although cedar is first choice for sauna walls and ceiling.

By: Graham VIck

Graham VIck — Thu, 13 Dec 2018 04:14:18 +0000

I used to it for building sailing dinghy centreboards and rudders. They would be fibreglass sheathed (8oz and polyester resin). Chosen because it is easily worked, stiff for its weight and the resin adhesion is good.

By: Marcel Dam

Marcel Dam — Wed, 11 Jan 2017 16:28:00 +0000

Used by Paul Reed Smith Guitars Private Stock Department as bodywood with a quilted or flamed Maple top glued on it. It sounds similar to Mahogany although a little bit brighter.

By: bivaterl

bivaterl — Thu, 18 Aug 2016 05:57:00 +0000

used in tesla dashboards

By: Shane

Shane — Sun, 09 Dec 2012 02:42:31 +0000

Lightweight, strong wood with minimal knots. Used for frame construction of racing boats (hydroplanes) because of strength/light weight/straightness. Can be a minor irritant when milling/sanding – recommend using a respirator/mask.