Where does Gibson get their mahogany?

Gibson has set up a global commodity chain that supplies them with 'sustainably certified' mahogany by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) grown in Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala and Fiji.

Where does Gibson source their wood?

These woods come from Guatemala, India, Indonesia, Mexico and the U.S. Some of these woods are harvested illegally or come from regions that are being heavily deforested. So Gibson is working with the Rainforest Alliance to be sure that the wood in its guitars is sustainably sourced.

What wood does Gibson use?

Gibson's signature tonewood of choice is Mahogany. It uses this almost exclusively for its solid-body electric guitar model's bodies and necks. Mahogany yields the focused lows and rich mids that Gibson guitars are so renowned for, with its density contributing to the long sustain that they can also achieve.

Where does the best quality mahogany come from?

Most of the Genuine Mahogany Timber (Swietenia macrophylla) now grown comes from plantations where the timber is managed under controlled conditions. They typically operate responsibly and sustain-ably. Geographically, we are talking about areas in Mexico, Fiji, Costa Rica instead of lush rain forests.

What kind of wood is used for Gibson Les Paul?

Its typical design features a solid mahogany body with a carved maple top and a single cutaway, a mahogany set-in neck with a rosewood fretboard, two pickups with independent volume and tone controls, and a stoptail bridge, although variants exist.

African Mahogany vs Genuine Mahogany Tone: 5 Ways to Identify

Is mahogany wood good for guitars?

Mahogany produces a strong, earthy midrange tonality with subtle overtones, making for a sound that is often described as “non-abrasive.” Mahogany top guitars are great for playing blues and are also an excellent choice in situations where you are playing with other instruments, since they cut through so well.

Is nyatoh mahogany?

Nyatoh is sometimes referred to as “eastern mahogany,” though it's not true mahogany (from the genus Swietenia). Nyatoh is often sold as “nato,” though it's not true nato wood (from the genus Mora).

Which variety of mahogany is best?

Swietenia macrophylla is also commonly referred to as Peruvian mahogany, big leaf mahogany, bigleaf mahogany, Honduran mahogany or Honduras mahogany. It is the most common substitute for Cuban mahogany, which is hailed as one of the best woods for furniture.

Why is mahogany wood illegal?

Following the path of ivory, in 2003, mahogany was listed on the Convention on Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) as a species in need of strict regulation to prevent its extinction. Because Peruvian mahogany is traded in violation of CITES, it is illegal to trade or possess it under the U.S. Endangered Species Act.

How can you tell genuine mahogany?

Check the corners of wood to spot a veneer. Genuine mahogany end grain will have marginal parenchyma, or rows of light brown cells at the border of every growth ring you can see in the end grain. The presence of these is a strong suggestion of Swietenia species, which is the species of tree mahogany comes from.

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.

Why are Gibson guitars so expensive?

The main reason why Gibson guitars are expensive is that they are made in the USA. All their three factories are located in cities where the workers have relativity high wages. As the result, the guitars must be sold at a higher price.

What wood is mahogany?

There are many species of mahogany, mainly grown in North and Central America. Known for its straight grain and characteristic red brown colour, it polishes and oils very well and can be buffed to a very high shine. An exceptionally durable hardwood, it is the ideal choice for furniture and fittings around the home.

When did Gibson stop using Brazilian rosewood?

Supplies grew extremely thin in the late 1960s, however, and Martin and others stopped using Brazilian rosewood in 1969, moving over to Indian rosewood, then other varieties. In 1992, Brazilian rosewood was added to the CITES treaty, strictly banning its exportation.

Does Gibson still use rosewood?

Following the introduction of its extremely-limited run of Brazilian rosewood fretboard Custom Shop recreations of the 1958 Flying V and Explorer guitars, Gibson has now released slightly more accessible versions of the instruments fitted with Indian rosewood fretboards.

When did Gibson stop using rosewood?

Since 1991, Brazilian Rosewood has been listed as an endangered species and has therefore been used sparingly by guitar makers. However, there have been some small runs here and there of Gibson guitars that do have Brazilian fingerboards, particularly during 2001-2003.

Can you still buy mahogany?

South American Mahogany will continue to be available but supplies will be limited and prices will be much more than they were just a few years ago.

Is it illegal to own mahogany?

"This wood is illegal as a matter of both U.S. and international law. It is illegal to trade in it, to import it, and to possess it. Even so, the Bush administration has done nothing to stop Peruvian mahogany from entering the country," said Carroll Muffett, director of Defenders of Wildlife's International Program.

Why is mahogany so expensive?

Mahogany is so expensive because it has a high demand and is becoming increasingly hard to acquire. The high demand of Mahogany is due to its pleasing appearance, dark fine grain, and long lasting durability. Mahogany has also become more scarce leading to a lack of supply and higher prices.

What is the hardest mahogany?

If the naming of Santos Mahogany (Myroxylon balsamum) seemed to push the limits in terms of comparative density with genuine mahogany, then Mountain Mahogany is completely over the top. It is actually one of the densest and hardest woods in the United States—the dried wood is heavy enough to sink in water.

What are the disadvantages of mahogany wood?

How many years does it take to grow mahogany tree?

Mahogany trees get ready for timber harvest in 12 years and gives seeds once in five years. The cost of its seeds is very high and they are sold up to one thousand rupees per kg while its wood is easily available in bulk for Rs 2000 to 2200 per cubic feet.

Is nato or mahogany better?

Nato still has the same depth and warmth as "regular" mahogany, but I find it has a little extra crispness to it, and it doesn't get as muddy with high-output pickups.

Is NATO wood like mahogany?

Often referred to as 'Eastern Mahogany', Nato is a species which offers similar looks and similar characteristics to regualr mahogany. It offers a cost effective way to build a guitar with great looks and great tonal output.

Is Sapele a mahogany?

Sapele (also known as Entandrophragma cylindricum) shares thesame botanical family as the famed American and African Mahogany, making it a very close match in both visual appeal, wood processing, and working characteristics .