RoseWood???

K

KenH

Well-Known Member
Hello all, I've been reading how many legal aspects are involved around Brazilian Rosewood - how about Rosewood from Central America, such as Honduras, Guatemala, etc? Are there any legal aspects for the RoseWood or other woods from there?

Thanks for any guidance on this,

Ken H>
 
I've been looking a luthier woods and my feeling is that there probably are but I'm not sure how to look up the various species' standings under CITES. I know that I've preached against assuming anything with ivory, like it's was in the country before it was banned, but I would feel comfortable getting it from a reputable wood dealer here in the US. There still might be problems if try to export it again but sales within the US should be good.

On a side note, I was looking a luthier supplies and there was a note attached to the mother of pearl and abalone inlays and buttons that said that it was illegal to ship an instrument made with them outside of the US. Something to keep in mind for inlaid handles. Once, many moons ago I was looking at build my own stick bow and in the catalog there was a listing for baleen to back the bows with. It stated that it was legally harvested by Native Americans under treaty agreement and I could buy it to put on my bow. However, once I did I couldn't sell it; I had to keep it for my own use or give it away.

Doug
 
While I don't beleive the hype about ivory being pre-ban and legit ether, and won't use any animal part anymore except for Camel or Cow bone & leather, for now you are probably alright if you buy the rose wood that is in country from a reputable dealer.

That said ,we are putting so much pressure on this planet that I have gone to using stabilized domestic woods like Cal Buckeye and Maple etc.

I would not recommend buying any rosewood that you are having shipped to the USA. You could possibly get into trouble that way.

Laurence

www.rhinoknives.com
 
Thanks for the info Laurence and Doug - From what I understand, this is some Rosewood the guy brought into the country from Central America around 20 yrs ago and has had stored in his barn or someplace. I don't think he has much, but he offered a couple of pieces to me as a favor since he wasn't doing anything with it. I'm sure the wood is as he says, just wasn't sure about the status of those woods.

There might be a piece or so of Ziricote or Bocote - not sure which. From the photos I've seen online, those are similar woods. Wikipedia says they are both from Mexico, but I'm sure this guy said he was living much further South, like Honduras or someplace. If he's really had that wood stored for over 20 yrs, it should be well cured.

Ken H>
 
rhinoknives said:
That said ,we are putting so much pressure on this planet that I have gone to using stabilized domestic woods like Cal Buckeye and Maple etc.
Click to expand...

Nailed it. I'm big, hungry, and like turning trees and animals into art as much as anyone else but this rampant consumption is going to have to slow down at the very least. I'll leave it that less I derail us into dangerous political territory - I'm behind you 100% Laurence and have been putting increasing thought into this lately.
 
I think that it is all part of the idea than humans are a creature apart from nature. Some think that we can expand our populations to greater than the carrying capacity of the land and we will not pay the same price as "wild" species.

As far as CITES compliance goes it is much more important that you be able to prove that you are in compliance that actually be in compliance. About a year or so ago one of the top guitar makers in the US learned that lesson the hard way. They had a lot of wood confiscated and had to pay a rather large fine. Red Jacket Firearms from the show Sons of Guns was put out of business because there was no paperwork on 10 missing guns. If it was never written down, it didn't happen.

Doug

Doug
 
Yep Doug, you hit the nail on the head with the statement: "much more important that you be able to prove that you are in compliance that actually be in compliance" - and that's why I asked the question about the Central American Rosewood - if there are any issues there like Brazilian Rosewood.

When the guy offered, my first impulse was "YES"!! - then got to thinking about it. Perhaps I'm worrying too much? But after reading what happened to... Wasn't it Martin Giutar? Seems like they were raided with a massive armed group of Feds with guns at the ready.

Thanks again for all the info,

Ken H>
 
KenH said:
Yep Doug, you hit the nail on the head with the statement: "much more important that you be able to prove that you are in compliance that actually be in compliance" - and that's why I asked the question about the Central American Rosewood - if there are any issues there like Brazilian Rosewood.

When the guy offered, my first impulse was "YES"!! - then got to thinking about it. Perhaps I'm worrying too much? But after reading what happened to... Wasn't it Martin Giutar? Seems like they were raided with a massive armed group of Feds with guns at the ready.

Thanks again for all the info,

Ken H>
Click to expand...

Ken,

It was Gibson Guitar,
http://www.npr.org/blogs/therecord/...n-guitar-was-raided-by-the-justice-department

That is NPR's take on what happened but as Doug said. Its more important to prove you are in compliance that be in compliance.

As far as a few blocks from this man of stuff he has had that long, I think you are fine.
One thing I will tell you is years ago I several board feet of prime Cocobolo wood.
A member of the rosewood family and after extended exposure I became sensitized to it while making handles and started breaking out in rashes and my chest tightening up etc to the point of I can't use any of the rosewoods anymore.

So wear your respirator always and keep the shop clean of the dust.

Laurence

www.rhinoknives.com
 
You are correct on Gibson, while I was writing Martin, I had the feeling, but couldn't place it. As usual, when in doubt, double check facts.

Yep, woods of the Rosewood wood family are "slightly" toxic. I lived in Guetalma for a yr or so back in early '90s and worked with Rosewood a good bit then. Never had any issues back then, but as we get older the old body is much more suspectible to.... Just about everything.

Thanks again for all the help.

Ken h
 
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