Evolution of wood inlay materials?

James Longstreet

James Longstreet

Joined
May 1, 2014
Messages
890
For some of the wood inlay materials I have the feeling that after a certain period of time they were replaced by another, but very similar wood. For instance Gabon Ebony seems to be the succsessor of Macassar. Would you agree?

I've also heard/read about "Bloodwood" inlays. At first glance it seems to me, that Bloodwood looks similar to Cocobolo? So Cocobolo followed Bloodwood? Maybe someone can post some pics here? Maybe even comparison pics of Cocobolo and Bloodwood?

Thoughs, opinions and pics are highly appreciated.

Thanks!
Stefan
 
Good point. I was thinking that Gabon Ebony and African Blackwood are just 2 different names for the same wood. But I could be wrong.

We definitely need some help here :-)
 
I believe it has more to do with what was available at the time. I know Cocobolo has been used going back to at least 2001. Bocote, snakewood, and box elder are others that have been offered for a while. Some inlays were used on a very limited basis, pink ivory and giraffe bone come to mind. Some inlays were exclusive to specific dealers, honduran rosewood comes to mind.
In the past there were numerous inlays that would sporadically pop up. I will say that over the past few years CRK seems to have standardized their inlay offerings. You don't see inlays such as lignum, black palm, bloodwood, camel thorn, etc. being offered recently.
 
Last edited:
Environmental issues also come into play. Some of the exotics grow in a limited areas and have been overharvested causing governments to ban, or limit the harvesting of them.
 
pvicenzi said:
Environmental issues also come into play. Some of the exotics grow in a limited areas and have been overharvested causing governments to ban, or limit the harvesting of them.
Click to expand...

I would bet that this and general market availability are the primary drivers here.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top