Willie O - My Lowden 12 string is from Japan. It's back and sides are also ovankol - the top is cedar. I understand that ovankol is from Africa. One article I read said that it has a tone quality between mahogany and rosewood. The Taylor website might have some info about ovankol.

I would describe this particular guitar as has having a very clean , crisp, smooth quality with lots of projection. Perhaps all ovankol guitars sound this good - I don't know. As much as I love that 12-string I might be forced to sell it to finance other instrument purchases. I have a Collings on order and I'm getting the itch for an F style mandolin.