Chiff and Fipple Forums

I was looking at the Cooperman Fife and drum Website Today. I see they are making Fifes made out of Granadillo Wood, not to be confused with Grenadilla Wood. Is anyone familiar with this Wood? Has it been used to make Irish Flutes?

https://coopermandrumshop.com/products/granadillo-fifes

Ben Shaffer wrote: ↑Thu Feb 03, 2022 3:55 pm I see they are making Fifes made out of Granadillo Wood, not to be confused with Grenadilla Wood.

"Granadillo" is a term used for a number of woods including African Blackwood, also known as Grenadilla. Looking at the fifes, I suspect the wood used is what is more commonly known as Macacauba or Hormigo (Platymiscium spp.). The link also cites the name Granadillo, which it calls "ambiguous".

Platymiscium, like blackwood, is of the Dalbergieae tribe, which means it is possible that it may have many characteristics similar to blackwood and rosewood. Unfortunately I find no direct info on how resinous it is, but the link does mention good rot and insect resistance, which is probably a clue. One person in the comments section suggests it's "oily", which sounds like a flutewood candidate to me.

Beyond that I know nothing; this is the first I've heard of it. Good-looking wood, though.

I've used quite a bit of the granadillo (Platymiscium as opposed to blackwood). Very nice flute wood. I have a bunch right now sized for making quena, but I've made all types of flutes from it. Good stuff. Dense and moderately oily, works well, finishes well.

Hi:
"Granadillo" is the Spanish word for "Dalbergia melanoxylon"
Regards,
S.

smoro wrote: ↑Fri Feb 04, 2022 6:46 am Hi:
"Granadillo" is the Spanish word for "Dalbergia melanoxylon"
Regards,
S.

Very likely, but it has been co-opted along the way to describe other types of rosewood-like flutes. Sometimes with an "a" at the end, sometimes with an "o".

Yes, I agree.
S.