Pernambuco

Pernambuco (Paubrasilia echinata), also called Brazilwood, is the wood that gave Brazil its name. After Portuguese explorers arrived in 1500, they found it yielded a valuable red dye, called it pau brasil (“ember-red wood”), and traded it across Europe.
The heartwood ranges from muted yellow-orange through orange to red or reddish-brown, slowly darkening with age. The grain is generally straight, sometimes interlocked. It grows only in Brazil’s Atlantic coastal forest, much of which has been cleared, which is why the species is now so tightly protected.
Despite its density, it works very well, and its fine texture finishes nicely with an impressive natural luster.
Since the late 18th century, Pernambuco has been the finest wood for violin, viola, cello and bass bows, prized for its unique combination of strength, flexibility, density and responsiveness. No other wood has matched it. It’s also used for carving, inlay and turnings. For a related wood, see Chakte Viga.
Listed in CITES Appendix II. Since December 2025, commercial exports from Brazil have been under a zero quota, with an exemption for the non-commercial movement of musical instruments such as bows. Classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
Why We Love This Wood
The wood that named a country, and still the finest choice for violin bows.
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Vital Statistics
| Main Color Group | Medium Brown |
| Grain Pattern | Pronounced |
| Avg Dry Weight - LB/BF | 5.1 |
| Avg Dry Weight - KG/M3 | 980 |
| Janka Hardness - LBF | 2820 |
| Janka Hardness - N | 12540 |
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