Grains/Grain orientation: One of the important factors in grading of the wood will depend on the grain orientation, grain width & grain deviation.
Knots: There will be different varieties of knots present in the wood, there are sound knots as well as open knots. While open knots are a structural defect and cannot be worked with in the acoustic guitar making, sound knots if bookmatched can be tolerated in the grading and again the size of the knot will decide the final gradingf
Other defects: Defects like yellow patches, stain in the wood, holes and mineral streaks will be an important factor to judge while grading.
Quarter Sawn: The strength of the wood is always in the quarter sawn or parallel grained sets, wood loses its strength along the flat sawn grains. Hence, grading too is lowered when we come across a flat sawn wood piece.
Aesthetic appearance: The color of the wood although it comes naturally plays an important factor in the grading, usually slower growing rosewood trees will yield a darker range of colors and also higher oil content which are more preferable as compared to the lighter coloured Rosewood which are usually grown at a faster pace.
Structural defects: The major structural defects like cracks in the wood, big open knots, big holes etc. are excluded from the export market.
REPUTATION: Look for an exporter with a solid reputation in the industry. Check online reviews and ratings, and ask for references from other businesses that have worked with them in the past. This will give you an idea of their track record and the quality of their services..
Quality of Timber: Ensure that the exporter sources timber from reputable suppliers and that the quality of the timber is up to standard. The exporter should be able to provide you with a sample of the timber and provide information about its source, grade, and moisture content
Certifications: Look for an exporter who is certified by industry bodies such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). These certifications ensure that the timber is sourced responsibly and sustainably
Shipping and Logistics: The exporter should have experience in shipping timber to your destination and should be able to handle all aspects of logistics, including documentation, customs clearance, and transportation. They should also have a track record of timely deliveries.
Pricing: Compare pricing from different exporters, but remember that the lowest price may not always be the best option. Consider factors such as the quality of the timber, shipping costs, and the exporter's reputation when evaluating pricing.
Communication and Customer Service: Look for an exporter who is responsive to your needs and communicates effectively. They should be able to provide regular updates on the progress of your order and respond to any queries or concerns promptly.