Pau Ferro back and sides set #008

Pau Ferro 

Pau Ferro, often referred to as “Bolivian Rosewood,” has earned a strong reputation as a premium alternative to traditional rosewoods. Valued for its stability, smooth workability, and balanced tonal character, it has become a go-to choice for modern luthiers seeking both performance and consistency.

These sets are carefully selected from responsibly sourced Machaerium species, properly seasoned to ensure long-term reliability. Each piece is chosen for its instrument-grade quality, making it ideal for high-end acoustic builds as well as refined production instruments.

Minimum Dimensions

Back : 8-1/4″ × 22″ × 0.110″ (210mm × 559mm × 2.8mm)
Sides: 5″ × 31-1/2″ × 0.110″ (127mm × 800mm × 2.8mm)

Balanced and Articulate Tone

Pau Ferro offers a clear, balanced voice with strong note definition and quick response. Tonally, it sits between rosewood and maple, delivering tight, controlled bass, focused mids, and crisp highs without excessive overtones. This makes it especially versatile, performing well across fingerstyle, strumming, and recording applications where clarity is key.

Its density and stiffness contribute to excellent projection and sustain, while maintaining a clean, well-separated tonal character.

Natural Elegance

Visually, Pau Ferro ranges from light golden-brown to darker chocolate hues, often with contrasting streaks and subtle figuring. Its fine to medium texture and natural luster give it a polished, refined look that fits both modern and classic instrument designs.

Reliable Availability

Unlike more restricted tonewoods, Pau Ferro remains relatively accessible in the market, making it a dependable option for builders who need consistent supply without compromising on quality. High-grade, well-seasoned sets like these, however, are still selectively sourced to meet the demands of premium instruments.