A guitar builder with a conscience.

I was perusing the guitar section over at "The Gear Page" tonight and found this post from a pretty well known guitar builder in the boutique world.  He talked about how he lost another sale because he refused to use Brazilian Rosewood on the guitar.  Brazilian rosewood has been illegal to import to the US for sometime due to it being and endangered species of tree.  Granted, a great deal of this wood makes it's way into the US every year illegally and many will pass it off as being old stock wood that was obtained before the ban.

This particular builder's name is Terry McInturff and I am impressed with his sense of responsibility even at the expense of losing sales.  I applaud Mr. McInturff for his straightforwardness and willingness to stand for what he believes in even if it hurts his wallet.  Check out his site, he has some great examples of very well made instruments. 

We all need to face the facts that many of the earths resources are not being renewed or not renewable at all.  Gone are the days of Brazilian Rosewood boards on a guitar.  The choice lightweight mahogany that made so many of the Les Paul models from the golden era is getting harder to come by.  We will have to make due with what we have available.  I don't personally think that the difference is these woods warrants our obsession.  I think it has more to do with the fact that they are unattainable. 

 

Scott