The yew tree (Taxus Baccata) provides a wood with a comparably high density for a coniferous wood. Therefore it has been traditionally used for lute backs. Yew trees grow very slow and may become extremely old. The species was fairly common some Centuries ago, but then was decimated strongly. Today, yew is very seldom and therefore protected. It has a red-brown colour with fine annular rings. The splint-zone is almost white, which is often used for a light – dark effect on lute backs.
Origin:
central-Europe, North Africa
Used For:
Lute backs, binding
Tonal Properties:
tending into bright
