Why does DAlegria uses wood such as Ipê, Roxinho (Purpleheart), Cumaru, Freijó, Marupá and others instead of the most commonly used (Maple, Mahogany, Rosewood)?
Woods like Maple, Mahogany or Rosewood have been used through the years by all kinds of instruments manufacturers. Despite their excellent characteristics, our country (Brazil) has an exceptional set of options when the subject is wood. The use of new types of wood provides new grounds in terms of sound, stability and look of the musical instruments, besides reducing the pressure over endangered species such as Mahogany and Rosewood. We believe that the scientific choice of new species is a valid path for the evolution in instruments manufacturing. D’Alegria only uses woods comprising certain stability, esthetics, durability and sound quality skills, and consciously utilizes combinations that will provide the maximum in sound. Ipê, for example, is considered to be a possible replacement for Ebony by the Soundwood Institute (www.soundwood.org) and the Purpleheart (or “Roxinho” like it is called in Brazil) is widely used internationally in neck’s construction when the goal is resistance
