Fender moves from rosewood to ebony fingerboard because of CITES

[jim1960]

Given the choice, I'd rather CITES be pro-active rather than reactive, so I'm fine with things as they sit. And if that means some manufacturers opt to use a different wood on their low end guitars (or even their entire line), I'm okay with that. The needs of the planet come before the wants of us guitar players or anyone else.

[jrs146]

Originally Posted by Don Lampson

What I don't understand is why Taylor doesn't just dye their ebony, like most of the other quality manufacturers did / do? I think "striped" ebony is far less attractive on most guitar models... I do like it on "natural" maple builds, but as rule, ebony always seems an upgrade.... Maybe I'm just an "black ebony snob"?



Don

Normally I’d agree. But I think they look fantastic on the newer Taylor models as long as it’s not too stripped. I’ve seen a few that there was more blond than black but I think most are a good combination of just a hint of blond. It gives the already natural look of the Taylor an additional earthy feel.

[Shades of Blue]

I thought Fender was going with Pau Ferro as the replacement for rosewood? Seems counter-productive to go with ebony.

[The Bard Rocks]

Originally Posted by charles Tauber

Interesting: the law of unintended consequences.

East Indian rosewood is sustainably plantation grown. All rosewood was added to CITIES to protect the endangered varieties of it. Makers are then substituting ebony, overharvested and not sustainably harvested or grown. Substituting a sustainably plantation grown wood for one that is in short supply and over-harvested. Somehow, I don't think that's what CITIES is all about.

Agreed, 100%.

FWIW, there are good substitutes for both. I have instruments that use Ipe (Lapacho) and it is much harder than ebony, believe it or not. Also one of Macassar and a few banjos with dyed pear. And one that someone else now owns with Bloodwood that was a real pleasure to have.