When did guitars stop using rosewood?

Brazilian rosewood was used freely in guitar manufacturing until the late 60s - on vintage Fender and Gibson fingerboards among many others and, of course, used as backs and sides on a great many of the most desirable, classic-era acoustic guitars, not least all the most valuable Martins.

Do guitars still use rosewood?

Manufacturers changed how they made and sold guitars that normally contain rosewood to evade the rule - mainly focusing on affordable guitar ranges. Popular alternatives still being manufactured today use ebony, maple and pau ferro.

Why did Fender stop using rosewood?

Fender Musical Instruments is officially moving away from using rosewood fingerboards in the manufacturing of its Mexican made instruments due to the recent CITES regulations (see our previous post on CITES here).

Is rosewood banned for guitars?

After a nearly two-year CITES ban on the movement of rosewood crossing international borders, unless accompanied by the relevant paperwork, it looks like the ban has finally been overturned.

When did rosewood become illegal?

The restrictions under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora — commonly referred to as CITES — went into effect in 2017, after strong demand for high-end rosewood furniture in China led to conservation worries and violence in areas that produce the wood.

Fender Stop Using Rosewood? Isn't Pau Ferro Rubbish? Guitar Player Logic

Is rosewood going extinct?

Rosewood: Endangered Species Conservation and the Rise of Global China. Rosewood is the world's most trafficked endangered species by value, accounting for larger outlays than ivory, rhino horn, and big cats put together.

Is rosewood still endangered?

Status as an endangered species

Rosewood is now protected worldwide.

What happened to rosewood fretboard?

Rosewood won't be disappearing anytime soon, but expect to gradually see it disappear from all but high end models. Original statement from Fender: Fender is committed to the continued use of Rosewood in American-made solid body guitars, such as our American Professional Series.

What is the problem with rosewood?

Rosewood logging causes problems that go well beyond the removal of rare tree species. In West Africa, it can dry out forests and leave them vulnerable to fires and desertification.

Where does Gibson get its rosewood?

Gibson Guitar has settled with federal authorities for illegally importing ebony and rosewood from India and Madagascar. NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- Gibson Guitar Corp. has agreed to pay a fine for illegally importing exotic wood from Madagascar and India, the U.S. government said Monday.

When did Fender switch from rosewood to pau ferro?

In 2017 when CITES imposed restrictions on instruments featuring rosewood, Fender made a few changes. Now that those restrictions have been lifted, Fender use a combination of rosewood, pau ferro and ebony. So how do these tonewoods compare?

Is Ebony fretboard better than rosewood?

In short, Ebony is a much harder wood compared to Rosewood and feels slicker to touch. It produces brighter and snappier tones, while Rosewood produces a more balanced overall tone.

Is rosewood better than maple?

Compared to maple the difference is notable, as rosewood will soften the sound, even for guitars with maple necks. This is one of the reasons some guitar players prefer Fender Stratocasters and Telecasters with the option of a rosewood fretboard. The rosewood takes a bright guitar and mellows it out a bit.

What happened rosewood guitar?

The cost and hassle of the new regulations have caused some guitar makers to shift away from rosewood. Martin stopped using it on most guitars produced in Mexico and the models made in the U.S. that cost less than $3,000. Taylor has rolled out several models without rosewood for overseas customers.

When did Martin switch to Indian rosewood?

C.F. Martin began looking for alternative woods in the mid-'60s, when Brazil briefly banned the export of unprocessed rosewood logs. The guitar-maker switched to East Indian rosewood as standard wood in 1969.

What guitars are made with rosewood?

Fender, Gibson, Martin, Taylor, PRS and literally every builder who can afford to use Rosewood does. It's a fantastic tonewood with deep roots in both the acoustic and electric guitar worlds.

Why do the Chinese want rosewood?

Rosewood has long been used to make musical instruments and furniture but, partly because of its association with the revered Ming dynasty (1368-1644), it has become a status symbol for China's growing, increasingly affluent middle class.

Is rosewood banned in UK?

Within the UK it is illegal to advertise, trade, buy or sell a guitar containing Brazilian Rosewood without the instrument having an Article 10 certificate. This applies to dealers, retailers and private sales, eBay, Reverb, Facebook – basically anyone having a commercial interest or gain, every base is covered.

Why is rosewood so valuable?

D. Rosewood is one of the most exploited species of trees around the world, as it is used in making luxurious furniture, musical instruments, as well as producing rosewood oil, bringing its species to the brink of extinction. This scarcity of rosewood resources has led to prices rise, with no signs of slowing down.

Why do Gibson guitars smell good?

Well-known member

Gibson is using TKL cases for their USA lines. TKL uses a vanilla-scented glue in their cases that gets caught in the lacquer.

Can rosewood be sold?

Selling Brazilian Rosewood

As can be seen in the article, most guitars made with Dalbergia Nigra can be sold, as long as they are sold with the correct documentation, where required. There are certain dates to take into account. – All instruments built before 3rd March 1947 are considered antique and are not affected.

Can rosewood be bought?

Brazilian rosewood products may be imported and exported commercially only if they are: Presented with a USDA-APHIS Protected Plant Permit; Presented with documentation from CITES certifying that it was acquired prior to June 11, 1992; Imported and exported through designated ports.

What is the price of rosewood?

The price of Rose Wood Logs products is between ₹2,500 - ₹7,500 per Cubic Feet during Jun '21 - May '22. These are indicative values based on popular product prices.

Which is better rosewood or mahogany?

Mahogany is usually strong in the middle, rosewood touches a wider tone palette. In your hands, a guitar with a rosewood body often feels a little different when you play. Due to the higher density, rosewood is usually a bit heavier and subtly reacts to your playing. Mahogany is often lighter and very direct.

Why is Indian rosewood illegal?

In January of 2017, the CITES convention (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) in Geneva, Switzerland passed a ban on the use of rosewood and Bubinga as tonewoods, making it more difficult to ship or travel with musical instruments made with any amount of these endangered ...