whats the difference between african blackwood and cocabola wood for bagpipes? are they both equal in quality?

Answer 1

Cocobolo is a bit lighter in color with more red tones than African Blackwood, which isn't bad, it's just different. African Blackwood has more natural oils which makes it more stable than most other woods.

Wood densities:
Cocobolo is 0.89.
African Blackwood is 1.18 (denser).

If you plan on reselling your pipes, you'll have a much easier time if they are the more traditional African Blackwood, especially since the supply of this wood is slowly getting depleted. (Though efforts are underway to remediate this situation.)

Answer 2

Traditionally, it's been African blackwood for the density of the wood. Cocabola should work as well. The difference is how well they would turn on the lathe, and the supply of it.