Buckeye Burl
Other names: Horse Chestnuts
Latin name: Aesculus californica
Density: ca. 550 kg/m³
Description:
The most frequently variant of a chestnut tree used by luthiers is Buckeye Burl. The name "Buckeye" is mostly used in U.S., while in Europe it is called "Horse Chestnut". In the U.S. the name "Buckeye Burl" is used for Aesculus californica, which grows only in California.
The buckeye wood is bright with shading from white-yellow to orange-brown. In Buckeye Burl variation the color is very rich - its twisted fibers are blue-gray to gold-black, clearly distinguishable from the pale pastel background.
Buckeye Burl is mostly used for the upper and lower body boards and for exclusive-looking pickups housing. Some luthier use this material for knobs or inlays in fretboards (mostly maple) with Very interesting effects.