Scientific Name: Peltogyne spp.
Origin: Native to Central and South America, primarily found in Brazil, Guyana, and Suriname.
CITES Status: Not currently listed under CITES regulations, though deforestation and habitat loss are concerns.
Use in Guitar Making
Purpleheart is used for guitar backs and sides, neck laminates, fingerboards, and bridges. Its strength and durability make it a popular choice for multi-piece necks in electric guitars and basses. Due to its unique colouration, it is sometimes used for decorative binding and inlays.
Tonal Properties
Purpleheart offers a bright, articulate tone with strong sustain. Its density contributes to a pronounced attack and clarity, making it a good choice for players looking for enhanced definition. It is sometimes compared to maple in terms of tonal characteristics but with a slightly warmer response.
Hardness and Workability
Janka Hardness Rating: Approximately 2,520 lbf (11,200 N)
Purpleheart is extremely hard and dense, making it challenging to work with. It requires sharp tools and careful handling, as it can be prone to tear-out. The wood’s natural resins can also affect glue adhesion, requiring proper surface preparation before joining pieces.
Grain Structure and Porosity
Purpleheart has a fine to medium texture with a typically straight grain, though it can occasionally be interlocked. Its most distinctive feature is its vivid purple hue, which can deepen over time with exposure to light and air. The grain is relatively closed, requiring little grain filling for finishing.
Sustainability and Ethical Considerations
While Purpleheart is not currently restricted under CITES, habitat loss and deforestation are concerns due to logging activity in its native regions. Sustainable sourcing and responsible forestry practices are essential to maintaining its long-term availability.
Purpleheart is a striking and durable tonewood, offering a combination of unique aesthetics and bright tonal qualities. Its responsible use in guitar making will depend on continued conservation efforts and sustainable harvesting practices.
