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Information about ordering fine woods from Paracho del Norte

Brazilian Rosewood: True Dalbergia Nigra, generally regarded as the highest quality wood for guitars since soon after the Conquistadors landed in the new world. Now in very short supply worldwide. Colors vary from deep rich reds through chocolate browns, this material yields a strikingly beautiful guitar with all of the tonal qualities associated with guitars of the highest level. A bit capricious at times. Carefully logged and stored since between 1966 and 1989.


Indian Rosewood: In common use for high-quality guitars ever since the supply of Brazilian rosewood began to dwindle, this fine wood is gaining popularity with many fine guitar builders, some of whom prefer it to Brazilian rosewood for its uniformity and stability. My selection is the best of the best, carefully hand selected in India, and logged by elephants. Most of the colors range through deep purples and rich browns and blacks. A very stable wood, not prone to cracking. Carefully logged and stored since 1989.


Sharkwood: Sharkwood is a hard and inexpensive alternative to Brazilian rosewood. A interesting choice for a figured wood when cost is an issue.

Curly Walnut: This was the preferred wood in Spain for guitars before the rosewoods arrived from the new world. My selection is extremely well figured, with some sets available that have been air-dried over 100 years.


Cypress: This is the preferred wood for Flamenco guitars, although a fine classical guitar can be made of it as well. Extremely uniform in color and figure. A very stable wood that yields a lively guitar. Both Spanish and Canadian cypress are currently stocked. The Spanish cypress was cut and carefully stored in 1968. The Canadian cypress was 1996.
African Mahogany: A very stable wood preferred by many discriminating players for steel string guitars. It produces a very clear tone with outstanding projection. My selection is beautifully grained, the best of the best. A very dependable choice for steel stringed guitars. Carefully logged and stored since 1989.
Padauk: A hardwood from Africa, with some of the qualities of both rosewood and mahogany. Its brilliant red color can be used to great effect with light colored top woods. Over time, it ages to a rich brown. It produces a balanced and even tone, and is seldom prone to cracking. Also available as a neck wood. Carefully cut and stored since 1995.

Koa: A hardwood from Hawaii, Koa can be a strikingly beautiful wood, perhaps the most beautiful wood. In some select pieces, its three dimensional qualities can be astounding! In limited quantities due to restrictions on logging to protect the species. Sometimes used as a top wood as well, Koa has an even tone with excellent balance between bass and treble. Carefully logged and stored since 1979.


Curly Maple: A very traditional wood for the violin family, this wood was used for many wonderful German and French guitars of the early 19th century, and American cowboy guitars of the 1930's. Bright white, with classic figuring, this wood is gaining popularity for classical guitars, and is the preferred wood for 19th century guitar reproductions. My selection includes both German, carefully cut and stored in 1967, and American maples, stored since 1979.

Palo Escrito is a tropical hardwood, common to the guitars of Mexico. It is increasingly popular with the makers of fine guitars for its even, lively sound. I select this wood in the mountains of central Mexico, and have chosen it for its exquisite figure.