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Hello sir
any of you has ever used Coral as back and sides for classical guitar or flamenco or steel string?
i have recieved 2 sets in exchange of indian rosewood from my friend
the tap tone of the back is amazing and really rings like a bell.
i liked it very much so planning to use it
does anyone has experience of using it?
if yes what should be the thickness for back and sides
waiting for ur replies
Thanks in advance

I think it's more commonly called Padauk around here. I've heard it called vermillion, too, perhaps an old-fashioned name.

I believe that's Red Sandalwood... and it does look nice!

_________________
Jim Womack

"Be thankful we're not getting all the government we're paying for. "
Will Rogers

It definitely looks like Red Sandalwood (Pterocarpus santalinus) which is in the same family as Padauk (Pterocarpus soyauxii). Other members of the same family include:

Amboyna (Pterocarpus indicus)
Andaman Padauk (Pterocarpus dalbergioides)
Burma Padauk (Pterocarpus macrocarpus)
Muninga (Pterocarpus angolensis)
Narra (Pterocarpus indicus)

All of the Pterocarpus species have a distinct scents which can range from old rose to pickles. All have been used in musical instruments in the countries they are found. The sawdust also has been used for dyes.

Padauk is called Coral or Palo Rojo in Spain.

Its a great wood for nylon strings. I´ve made 1 flamenco which I liked a lot and I´ve tried some from other builders which I also liked. Its splintery, be carefull when bending and you should build pretty thin. 2mm for both sides and back. The color fades to a not so interesting reddish brown. It also has some nasty pores.
There´s tons of info about Padauk