Custom-Made Cocobolo Wood Body for SHURE V15 Type III Cartridge
Custom-Made Cocobolo Wood Body for SHURE V15 Type III Cartridge
CUSTOM-MADE COCOBOLO WOOD BODY FOR SHURE V15 TYPE III CARTRIDGE
A cocobolo wood body for the Shure V15 cartridge delivers a sound that's rich, bold, dynamic, and tonally complex . Cocobolo is a very dense tropical hardwood from the rosewood family (Dalbergia), prized in high-end audio, instrument making, and even for exotic tonearms and headshells. It's one of the most sonically and aesthetically luxurious choices for a V15 body.
🌳 What Is Cocobolo?
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Native to Central America, cocobolo is heavy, oily, and acoustically vibrant .
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Its density rivals or exceeds that of ebony (~1.1+ g/cm³).
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Highly figured grain, often with striking red-orange/brown tones .
🔊 Sound Characteristics of Cocobolo Body for Shure V15:
| Aspect | Expected Change (vs. plastic body) |
|---|---|
| Tonal Balance | Warm and full, with bold dynamics |
| Midrange | Lush, rich, and colorful |
| High Frequencies | Extended but smooth — never harsh |
| bass | Deep, punchy, with body and impact |
| Soundstage | Expansive, holographic, with layered imaging |
| Resonance Control | Excellent — absorbs micro-vibrations and tames harshness |
🎧 Subjective Listening Impressions:
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Musical and emotionally immersive – cocobolo tends to enhance texture and tone color .
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The V15's smooth and neutral character becomes more expressive and weighty .
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Highs remain airy , but with less sibilance than brighter woods (like zebrano or maple).
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Bass takes on real authority — perfect for listeners wanting a stronger low-end anchor.
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Adds a sense of effortless flow without dulling transients or burying detail.
🪵 Cocobolo vs. Other Woods for Shure V15:
| Property | Cocobolo | Snakewood | Olive Wood | Mahogany | Panzerholz |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Density | Very high (~1.1 g/cm³) | Extremely high (~1.2) | High | medium | Extremely high (~1.4) |
| Tone | Warm, powerful, luxurious | Tight, dry, monitor-like | Warm, clear, and expressive | Mellow and romantic | Neutral and highly damped |
| Midrange | Lush and rich | Flat and analytical | Musical and nuanced | Creamy and round | Clean but emotionless |
| Highs | Smooth with sparkle | Fast and crisp | Sweet and light | Rolled-off | Extended and clean |
| bass | Deep, full, punchy | Tight and lean | Tuneful and natural | Broad and soft | Ultra-controlled |
| Resonance Control | Excellent | Excellent | Very good | Moderate | Outstanding |
| Soundstage | Wide and immersive | Precise and tight | Open and ambient | Cohesive and natural | Focused and accurate |
| Emotional Feel | Romantic, luxurious, bold | Clinical and detailed | Expressive and graceful | Gentle and soft | Analytical and cool |
✅ Best Use Case:
Choose cocobolo if:
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You want to enhance the musicality and presence of your Shure V15.
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You enjoy jazz, classical, rock, vocals , and want a more immersive, full-bodied sound.
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Your system could benefit from a richer, more emotional representation .
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You appreciate exotic materials that add both sonic and visual luxury .
Cocobolo is often considered the "rosewood of cartridge bodies" — it brings out depth, complexity, and beauty , turning the technically excellent Shure V15 into something more alive and soul-stirring .
Product features
Product features
Materials and care
Materials and care
Merchandising tips
Merchandising tips
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