Why is Brazilian rosewood illegal?

Why is Brazilian rosewood so heavily regulated? In 1967, Brazilian rosewood had become so popular for instruments and other wood products that the Brazilian government became concerned that this precious hardwood could be wiped out, so the government outlawed the export of rosewood logs.

Is it legal to buy Brazilian rosewood?

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.

Is Brazilian rosewood toxic?

Allergies/Toxicity: Although severe reactions are quite uncommon, Brazilian rosewood has been reported as a sensitizer. Usually most common reactions simply include eye and skin irritation. See the articles Wood Allergies and Toxicity and Wood Dust Safety for more information.

Why is there a ban on rosewood?

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.

Is Brazilian rosewood better?

It makes a warm rich sounding guitar with great resonance and volume. However, Brazilian rosewood is no longer available in commercial quality or quantity. As a result it now sells for sizeable prices. To most, Brazilian has better clarity in the bottom and a almost bell like tone in the trebles.

Is Brazilian Rosewood Better Than Indian Rosewood? Lets Find Out!

What is so special about Brazilian rosewood?

Brazilian rosewood is highly desirable, exceptionally rare and heavily regulated. It is regarded as one of the finest tonewoods; hard, stiff, and highly resonant with a glass-like ring that sustains; it has a floral scent, similar to roses, thus the name.

Why is Brazilian rosewood expensive?

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.

Can you still buy rosewood?

The most widely traded illegal wild product in the world today is rosewood, an endangered hardwood prized for its use in traditional Chinese furniture.

Why do 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.

What guitar wood is illegal?

An international crackdown on illegal logging in tropical forests has ensnared the makers of some guitars and other musical instruments, whose top-end products require small amounts of rosewood, a material prized for its rich, multicolored grain and resonant sound.

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.

What is the most toxic wood?

Those woods are usually the more exotic tropical hardwoods, such as rosewood, padauk, and teak, but sassafras (a relatively common found wood) can cause breathing problems, nausea, or even cancer.

What does Brazilian rosewood smell like?

The scent of Brazilian rosewood can be defined as sweet, fresh, and herbaceous-woody, which delicately enhances the floral, spicy, and amber notes.

Does Gibson still use Brazilian 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.

Is there a ban on rosewood?

The good news is that if you own an item made of rosewood, you should be able to travel with it without issue. But the bad news is that if you are selling any type of rosewood (either as lumber, or as a finished product), you can no longer (legally) ship it out of your country.

When did fender stop using Brazilian rosewood?

Brazilian rosewood was a common wood for fingerboards and partly also for bodies and bridges of high quality instruments, produced especially in the U.S. until about 1965 (Fender,Gibson) sometimes until 1969 (Martin) .

Is rosewood banned in India?

Rosewood is available only in three Indian states, the southern states of Kerala, Karnataka and, Tamil Nadu. However, Tamil Nadu has banned any sale of the East Indian Rosewood for the past 25 years. That leaves Kerala and Karnataka.

What is the most popular use of rosewood?

Chopsticks, flooring, and guitars: what do these have in common? All have been made out of the rosewood tree; however, it was French perfumery that brought this aromatic Brazilian tree to stardom.

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 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.

Can you grow rosewood in the US?

The rosewood tree is considered tropical, growing best in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zone 11, which includes areas that enjoy warm climates such as Hawaii. Despite its preference for tropical climes, the rosewood can tolerate temperatures down to about 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Is rosewood illegal for guitars?

According to media reports, trading restrictions on rosewood have been revised by the relevant CITES committee allowing all 'finished' instruments with rosewood, all their parts and spares, to be traded freely.

Where does Brazilian rosewood come from?

D. nigra, commonly known as Brazilian rosewood, is native to the Atlantic coast of Brazil. It is one of the most highly valued hardwoods, well-known for its durability, pest resistance, beauty, acoustic properties, and distinct rose scent.

How fast does Brazilian rosewood grow?

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Seedlings develop slowly, but should be ready to plant out within 6 - 7 months[ 419 ]. Like many species within the family Fabaceae, once they have been dried for storage the seeds of this species may benefit from scarification before sowing in order to speed up germination.

How do you finish Brazilian rosewood?

Shellac is the best sealer for oily woods like rosewood, but you can't topcoat it with polyurethane, as it won't adhere. If you want to finish the rosewood, either spray it with lacquer or apply a coat of resin-based varnish.