Koa Honey to a very dark brick red, Koa can be highly figured or flamed much like maple. It varies in density a great deal, with darker wood usually being harder, lending a brighter tone. This range of density is useful in varying the voice of a guitar. Dramatically figured Koa is becoming quite difficult to obtain. It has a brighter sound, more like rosewood.
All maples age to a golden honey color.
This central American rosewood is quite similar in appearance to Brazilian rosewood, though it is somewhat more dense, thus producing a guitar which is more strident in tone and with a great deal of punch. Though now quite rare and expensive, especially in fine quality, this is traditionally the choice for the finest guitars. It offers clarity, warmth and balance to the voice and unmatched beauty of grain and color in appearance.