I was at the hardwood store today. When checking out, one of the guys said, "That wood looks pretty plain for you!" I had some 8/4 curly maple and some 4/4 figured maple labeled "HIWM". I mentioned making guitars. He then produced this 1/4 piece of what he called Amazonian Rosewood.


It felt much harder than what I've seen on guitars. He said he used to use it for instrument keys (I think?) I was paying more attention to the wood, trying to decide if it was something I'd want to buy, but I thought he also said something about buying the original stock back in the 60's. I should have paid better attention.

Can anyone tell me about this wood? The piece above is large enough to make two guitar fretboards and he priced it at $70. It's much more attractive than the rosewood I see on guitars in the stores. Did I stumble on a find? If so, is it worth pursuing? He says he has more.