Spanish Cedar
Despite the name, Spanish Cedar is neither Spanish nor a true cedar — it's a tropical hardwood in the mahogany family. It's the standard wood for guitar necks because it's lightweight, resonant, easy to carve and finish, and dimensionally stable. Cigar makers prize it for humidors because the aroma complements tobacco rather than competing with it. It works beautifully — like a lighter version of genuine mahogany — and is one of the more enjoyable woods to hand-tool. Check CITES paperwork when purchasing.
- Conflating it with aromatic cedar (Thuja/Juniperus) — completely different wood, family, and properties
- Buying without verifying CITES documentation — listed in several exporting countries
- Overlooking it for guitar and instrument work — a genuine benchmark material
Pinkish-red to reddish-brown heartwood. Similar in color to genuine mahogany — unsurprising given the same family. Has a distinctive cedar-like aroma that is softer than Thuja cedars. Color darkens with age.
Excellent workability — very easy with all tools. Light and easy to shape, making it ideal for guitar necks where resonance and ease of carving matter. The aroma is pleasant and distinctive. Not a true cedar botanically; a member of the mahogany family. CITES Appendix III (listed by some countries).
| Region | Availability |
|---|---|
| North America | Specialty importers only |
| Europe | Specialty importers only |
| South America | Regional / select dealers |
| Australia/NZ | Specialty importers only |
| Asia | Specialty importers only |
| Africa | Rare / not commonly imported |