Often, entire instruments are made of the same type of wood. Usually, this combination produces a softer, more muted but sweet sound. Almost always, when the same woods are used for tops, backs, and sides, these woods are Mahogany or Koa. We hand pick each log or board to insure the highest quality instrument available. To many builders and musicians this is one of the finest woods, for workability and sound.
Mahogany has excellent aging properties, which means it sounds better the older it gets.
Most common Mahogany used is called Honduras Mahogany, a certain type, but not necessarily from Honduras. We use this type exclusively for our necks, due to its lightness and stability, and often for top, backs and sides. Another type, which we harvest from here on Oahu, Hawaii, is a slightly heavier, more dense Mahogany called Cuban, though we call it Hawaiian since it grows here. Most Mahogany found used on any instruments has been stained, darkening the appearance and highlighting the grain patterns. Mahogany is also pretty unstained, especially the local Hawaiian Mahogany.