Goncalva Alves

A Popular Substitute for Hawaiian Koa, Sometimes it can be Prettier

BUT, It is rarely quilted or flamed and it doesn't have the tonal properties of Hawaiian Koa.

There are currently some companies trying to pass off this wood as real Koa (buyer beware).

This is a very nice example Of Goncalva Alves

Pronounced In The USA as "Gonkalo"

Goncalvo

Orange Cocobolo is a beautifully colored hardwood, much like ebony, but with a lot of orange, gold, and tones of brown in it. Goncalvo is much the same but more rich browns mixed together.

Goncalva Alves

Very dense smooth texture with a waxy fast feel - no finish required. Color is tan with darker chocolate stripes (used by Smith & Wesson for pistol grips). Articulate clean warm tone. [As neck material.]

From Central and Latin America; Colombia, Mexico, Venezuela, Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, Paraguay, Costa Rica, Guyana and Peru.
Color is initially reddish-brown, golden-orange or brown-beige to red, usually richly mottled with dark brown streaks and spots, becoming brown, red, dark reddish brown with nearly black stripes after prolonged exposure. Grain is irregular, straight to roey or interlocked. Irregular dark longitudinal bands produce an attractive figure. Texture is fine to medium. Can be polished and finished very easily. No grain filling is required and a clear finish has been suggested to enhance the beauty of the wood.
Common uses include billiard-cue butts, brush backs & handles, figured veneer, fine furniture, shafts/handles, sporting goods and tool handles.
Specific Gravity is .95 (very dense). Turns easily with sharp tools if straight grain. Figured pieces require care when turning.