Bubinga

Bubinga (primarily Guibourtia demeusei, but Didelotia africana and other species are also sold as Bubinga) grows in central Africa, chiefly from Cameroon, Gabon ,and Zaire. It is a medium red-brown with lighter red to purple veining. Usually has a medium texture interlocking grain with many samples having an attractive roey figure like the top sample here. This makes for a showy guitar, but it can be tough to bend and it is extremely difficult to plane well (not that the player would have to worry about that). Wood is readily available and is very reasonably priced.

Bubinga has a wonderful tone—responsive and full. It may not be as good in the bass as East Indian rosewood, but it is better balanced than koa or mahogany.