Al, that would be difficult to deal with in a litigious sense or for import/export issues but I'm sure it works (woodworking) very similar to rosewood or most of the hardwoods.
It
IS a rosewood, D. retusa.
That Wiki link I posted sums it up pretty well, but as TX said I DID mean it's very difficult to work because of the high oil content compared to EIR.
Also it's so dense it literally sinks in water.
That combo of hardness and oil is very hard on woodworking machines, the sawdust clogs abrasive and cutting surfaces very quickly, besides the irritant properties of the volatile oils that are the source of the floral scent.
Also there's just not as much supply, but both EIR and Cocobolo are on CITES Appendix II so the import/export certification requirements are identical.
Same treatment as Madagascan ebony since it was listed in '11.
No big deal, you can still get it despite all the hue and cry about it.
They all have their individual qualities, but i'm sure you meant for MARKETING and SALES.... not for working the wood. Taylor has some really SERIOUS Cocobolo Woods they use that I truly LOVE!!
RE Marketing:
I think it's been used to offer "something a little different" from the traditional tonewoods, but I think the makers quickly get reminded of the special requirements for working it, besides the higher cost based on scarcity.
What's kind of interesting is that traditionally only the heartwood was used, but that Taylor shows a streak of sapwood, the creamy stripes.
There may be differences in oil content making the sapwood easier to work, but it's pretty spectacular looking stuff either way.
Nice, thanks for the test clip. It sounds woody (but with heft/weight to it) to me more than bright.
Fits in with another quote from that Wiki page:
"It is used to make musical instruments, such as oboes, for its "warm, rich palette".
An oboe, is after all, a
woodwind instrument.
thanks for thinking of the family, merlin.....wife and I will get through all of this....God is good.....and yes, I bought the FB "right", that's why I took the chance while I was waiting for the Custom.....first time I ever got my money back on a guitar, the FBs are very popular, so few made.....
I'm with TX, I think you made the right final decision too.
After all even though they're scarce there
are more than one, which can't be said of
your Martin.