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Limba

Terminalia superba
Also known as |
Black Limba | Ofram | White Limba
Limba Lumber @ Rare Woods USA

Limba has been an important wood in Africa due in part to its universal popularity. Although its population was considered threatened from over-exploitation in the first half of the 20th century, a concerted effort was made to preserve the species and expand its natural range. Regional and national programs from the ’50’s through the ’70’s across West and Central Africa were quite successful. Limba has a characteristic light base color, ranging from a pale yellow to a light golden brown, to a pale tan — and sometimes muted to the point of having a greyish appearance. It often has dark brown or black overlapping highlights (as well as lighter colored patches, occasionally ranging from yellow to orange), which is what distinguishes White Limba (also called “Korina”) from Black Limba (same wood / same species; just differing aesthetics). Its sapwood is only slightly lighter in color than its heartwood and can sometimes be difficult to discern.

Despite its medium to coarse texture and a small silica content, its typically straight grains (those sometimes irregular or interlocked) and modest hardness and density make it generally quite easy to work. Its glues and finishes well (with a moderate natural luster); its base color takes on a more golden tone under a clear lacquer finish. It is considered neither a tough nor durable wood, so such finishing is recommended.

Not currently listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Why We Love This Wood

This wood became quite popular with US electric guitar builders after being glamorized by Gibson Guitars in 1958. Limba was used exclusively as a body and neck wood with the introduction of their radical “Flying V” and “Explorer” models. (It was Gibson who actually coined the name “Korina” for the wood — a name by which it is now commonly known within the US guitar luthier community.) To this day, it remains a popular wood for guitar necks and bodies. It should be noted that the wood is decidedly non-durable and is susceptible to insect attack.

By the early 1950’s, the wood was thought to be severely endangered. Efforts were made to replant the wood in plantations across its natural range for the next twenty-plus years. The species expanded beyond its original rainforest habitat, making its way into savannah areas and even penetrating regional evergreen forests.

Quick Look
Limba Lumber @ Rare Woods USA
A Popular Choice in
Vital Statistics
Main Color GroupVariegated
Grain Pattern Pronounced
Avg Dry Weight - LB/BF2.9
Avg Dry Weight - KG/M3550
Janka Hardness - LBF670
Janka Hardness - N2990
Pricing

Description

Grade

UOM

Price

Limba-Select&better-4/4Lumber-BlackLimba
4/4 Lumber – Black Limba
Select & better
bf
12
bf
no
Limba-Select&better-8/4Lumber-BlackLimba

8/4 Lumber – Black Limba

Select & better
bf
12
bf
no
Limba-Select&better-4/4Lumber-WhiteLimba

4/4 Lumber – White Limba

Select & better
bf
10
bf
no
Limba-Select&better-8/4Lumber-WhiteLimba

8/4 Lumber – White Limba

Select & better
bf
10
bf
no

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LIMBAB1161_1
LIMBAB1161
1"
x 4.38" x
42.38"
Edge defect,Wormholes,

$28.55

LIMBAB1159_1
LIMBAB1159
1.06"
x 4.38" x
42.38"
Wormholes,Small edge defects

$31.19

LIMBAB1158_1
LIMBAB1158
1.06"
x 4.38" x
42.44"
Edge defect,Wormholes,Small amount of skip planing

$28.35

LIMBAB1157_1
LIMBAB1157
0.94"
x 4.81" x
42.44"
Skip planed,Wormholes

$30.70

LIMBAB1156_1
LIMBAB1156
0.94"
x 4.75" x
42.19"
Wormhole,Small edge defect

$29.25

LIMBAB1151_1
LIMBAB1151
0.94"
x 4.81" x
43"
Wormholes,Small edge defects

$33.00

LIMBAB1149_1
LIMBAB1149
1.13"
x 4.94" x
42.5"
Wormholes,Small edge defects

$31.50

LIMBAB1146_1
LIMBAB1146
1.06"
x 4.63" x
42.5"
Wormholes,Edge defect

$28.75

LIMBAB1141_1
LIMBAB1141
1.06"
x 7.13" x
42.94"
Wormholes,Edge defect,

$45.15

LIMBAB1139_1
LIMBAB1139
1.06"
x 6.25" x
42.5"
Wormholes,Small edge defects

$39.40

LIMBAB1138_1
LIMBAB1138
1.06"
x 6.31" x
42.5"
Wormholes,

$43.45

LIMBAB1136_1
LIMBAB1136
1.88"
x 8.88" x
42.5"
Wormholes,Crack,Edge defect

$106.00

LIMBAB1135_1
LIMBAB1135
1.94"
x 11.5" x
42.38"
Skip planed,Crack,Wormholes

$139.55

LIMBAB1134_1
LIMBAB1134
1.94"
x 11.4" x
42.63"
Wormholes,Skip planed,Edge defect

$137.85

LIMBAB1133_1
LIMBAB1133
1.88"
x 9.75" x
42.63"
Edge defect,Skip planed,Wormholes

$135.25

limba
2
    2
    Your Cart
    LIMBAB1159_1
    Limba
    LIMBAB1159
    1 X $31.19 = $31.19
    WALNAM1689_1
    Walnut - American
    WALNAM1689
    1 X $31.24 = $31.24

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    Species Pricing Enquiry