As a Wood of the Month Santos Rosewood article continued to rack up the web clicks, month after month after month, we at Woodworking Network took note. While the interest is appreciated, we couldn’t help but wonder why?

Was it a simple case of mistaken identity? Rosewood is a popular name and has been for centuries. Webster’s defines rosewood as “any of various tropical trees yielding valuable cabinet woods of a dark red or purplish color streaked and variegated with black.” Dalbergia species using a form of the name include Dalbergia nigra, Dalbergia stevensonii, Dalbergia latifolia, Dalbergia greveana and Dalbergia retusa and that isn’t the complete list.

We decided to do our own search of Santos Rosewood. An interesting range of items popped up beyond the lumber, veneer, furniture, flooring, panel, door and fine cabinet wood uses. A Tuscaloosa, AL homebuilder uses the name for its model homes. Suited Man, “where style is the weapon of choice” uses Santos rosewood in Wood Tie Clips. Beautiful Wood Rings, handcrafted by J. Harris, has some unique Santos Rosewood jewelry.

As rosewood has long been popular for use in musical instruments, we expected to see a range of guitar and piano uses and we did. Santos rosewood’s very frequent use in drums was a welcome surprise.

We intend to continue to follow the trail of Santos rosewood. Stay tuned.