Brazilian Fret Board and Bridge?

In the late 60s, USA acoustic builders were forced to stop using Brazilian rosewood. They had to switch to Indian. The first place to switch was the fret board and bridge. The venerable and otherwise excellent Martin D-21 began this change sometime in the late 60s. Here is an example of a D-21 with Indian fret board and bridge. I own this guitar and like it very much. So, I am in no way disparaging these excellent guitars. It is just that I don’t want to pay more than I have to.

Sure looks like the bridge is very dark Brazilian. Is it?

Here is the test result. The spot on the left is from the inside of the back. Spot on right is taken from the bridge shown above.

The Brazilian spot shows orange/yellow. The Indian is pure plain brown (on the right).

Many sellers determine wood content by year of manufacture. For example, they assume that D-21 guitars made before 1970 are all Brazilian, except for the back of the neck. Not true! In a small sample, I have not found one 1967-1969 D-21 with all Brazilian components. I am sure they may exist but it seems reasonable to assume that many are a mix. Now, there is nothing at all wrong with Indian rosewood fret board or bridge, but if a seller is charging more for a D-21 built in those years, you will pay more than you should. You have the right to require proof of the sellers claims.

Here is how to take the test:

Take a paper towel folded into fourths, dab into some acetone to make a dime sized spot, rub this spot onto the wood you want to test. Do not touch the acetone on any finished surface. This test will not affect the bare wood at all, unless the surface is dirty. Acetone is a great cleaner. Color differences are 100% dependable for discriminating Indian (used much more frequently) from Brazilian. By the way, I have substancial stocks of Brazilian and Indian rosewood and have worked both extensively.