People always ask "How did you stain that wood purple?" I didn't, that really is the natural color of this amazing wood. Most brightly colored woods start out with great color when you first cut or sand them, but then turn grey or brown as they're exposed to air and light. Purpleheart, however, is just the opposite. When cut it's a purpleish grey color. But as it oxidizes it turns into this wonderful color. So you can feel safe that your instrument will maintain it's color.
One of the instruments I play is the Chapman Stick. My friend Emmett Chapman, the inventor and builder of The Stick, has built many of his instruments from purpleheart. I've played several of them and have seen how they last over the years. The color really does last. If anything it just becomes deeper over time.
As you can see, purpleheart is available in very large boards (and at a very reasonable cost.) Therefore, I can provide purpleheart instruments without a premium for the cost of the wood.
A purpleheart dulcimer.