Myrtlewood

The Oregon Myrtlewood tree grows uncultivated, only in a small area along the Pacific coast. No large stands of this unique tree are to be found, but rather they are scattered in small groves throughout the lower valleys along rivers in Southwestern Oregon. Centuries are required to grow a myrtlewood tree large enough to yield usable board lumber. However, no other hardwood can match it in the beauty of its grains and the variety of its coloring, which includes golden tans, muted reds, yellows, seal browns, and soft grays, often patterned with velvety black. Because this timber is both rare and stunningly beautiful, it is used only rarely in the construction of acoustic guitars. Typically, instruments created using myrtlewood are expensive “one-offs,” built to order. Currently, the only commercial manufacturer using this wood is Breedlove, located in the region of Oregon where myrtlewood is found.