Where does Brazilian rosewood come from?

Brazilian rosewood is endemic to the coastal Brazilian Atlantic Forest, one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. Of the over 8,000 plants species that grow there, Brazilian rosewood is one of the largest, growing to a height of 40m.

Where is Brazilian rosewood found?

source of rosewood

rosewood, Dalbergia stevensoni, and the Brazilian rosewood, principally D. nigra, a leguminous tree up to 125 feet (38 metres) called cabiúna, and jacaranda in Brazil.

How can you tell if Brazilian rosewood is real?

Bring the container under the blacklight and observe the results: true Brazilian Rosewood (Dalbergia nigra) will not fluoresce or show any appreciable change of color under the blacklight, while most other rosewoods will glow a pale blue/green color.

Does Brazilian rosewood still exist?

Today, Brazilian rosewood can only be obtained and used for guitars (or anything, really) if it was harvested and exported prior to the CITES ban, or harvested from trees that have fallen naturally – and is accompanied with a certificate of provenance in both cases.

Where does the best rosewood come from?

rosewood, any of several ornamental timbers, products of various tropical trees native to Brazil, Honduras, Jamaica, Africa, and India. The most important commercially are the Honduras rosewood, Dalbergia stevensoni, and the Brazilian rosewood, principally D.

We Found The Mother Lode of Brazilian Rosewood!

What wood is closest to Brazilian rosewood?

There are various other woods that can be used as alternatives to rosewood. These woods include: Macassar ebony, ziricote, bubinga, grenadillo and pau ferro. Macassar ebony and ziricote are higher end woods whereas bubinga, grenadillo and pau ferro are more moderately priced.

What's the difference between Brazilian rosewood and Indian Rosewood?

To most, Brazilian has better clarity in the bottom and a almost bell like tone in the trebles. Indian rosewood has become the general substitute for Brazilian rosewood. Generally speaking, this wood is not as attractive as Brazilian and It has a noticeably purple color and the grain markings are coarser.

Is Brazilian rosewood expensive?

The prestige of Brazilian rosewood, an expensive material to begin with, rocketed once production was halted. Rarity, coupled with the cachet of authentic Danish modern designs (and the names attached to them), has made mid-century Brazilian rosewood furniture one of today's most coveted grails.

Why is Brazilian 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 ...

How can you tell Brazilian rosewood from East Indian rosewood?

-Indian Rosewood is in the range of lighter through dark brown to purplish and basically never has the black "spider web" streaking. Texture: -Brazilian has large grain pores but is very smooth in grain texture. -Indian is coarser in texture often with an almost "hairy" appearance.

Why is Brazilian rosewood endangered?

Brazilian rosewood is threatened by illegal logging and habitat loss.

When did Guild stop using Brazilian rosewood?

Guild started using East Indian Rosewood as early as 1963 and you'll find both Brazilian and East Indian on Guild guitars up till the end of the '60s and into the very early '70s, sometimes even mixed on the same instrument. Brazilian is pretty rare though after 1971 but occasionally you will find one that has it.

Can you import Brazilian rosewood?

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.

How long does it take a Brazilian rosewood tree to grow?

A germination rate in excess of 80% can be expected, with the seeds sprouting within 10 - 20 days[ 419 ]. Seedlings develop slowly, but should be ready to plant out within 6 - 7 months[ 419 ].

Is Jacaranda the same as Brazilian rosewood?

Brazilian rosewood, also called jacaranda, is perhaps one of the most beautiful woods in the world.

Is it illegal to own rosewood?

No, it is not illegal to buy or ship rosewood across international borders. However, specific regulations and laws must be followed to purchase or ship rosewood. To successfully import rosewood into the U.S., you will need an export certificate from the exporting country's CITES management authority.

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.

What is the rarest wood on earth?

Agar Wood. Agarwood is famous for the tea, oil, and perfume that it produces. It's hefty price tag is thanks to its incredibly high demand and extreme rarity – it's one of the rarest trees in the world.

What is the most beautiful wood in the world?

What is the most expensive wood in the world?

Topping the list of most expensive woods in the world is Bocote, a flowering plant from the borage family that is mostly found in Mexico, Central and South America. Initially a yellow/brown shade, this wood darkens over time.

Does Martin make guitars with Brazilian rosewood?

6-String Acoustic Guitar with Ebony Fingerboard. Made in the USA.

What is African rosewood?

African rosewood is a common name for several plants and may refer to: Millettia laurentii, a legume tree from Africa and native to the Republic of Congo, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Gabon and Equatorial Guinea. The tree produces "wenge", a kind of wood. Species in the genus Guibourtia, including.

What is Caribbean rosewood?

Caribbean Rosewood or Chechen as it is not really a true rosewood, but is called so because of its density, color and luster. The wood comes from Cuba, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Belize and some parts of Mexico. It has a varying heartwood color with red, orange and blackish brown.