Endangered Instruments

Posted by Chad Criswell Mar 11, 2007

It is not often that the decisions of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service affect the careers or lives of musicians, but the decision to expand export restrictions on certain kinds of wood has many in the music community up in arms. Three kinds of wood are on the chopping block, Pernambuco, Honduras Rosewood and Nicaraguan Rosewood. All are used to make various musical instruments including various styles of string instrument bows, guitars, banjos, and even mandolins. If the rules are put into effect musicians with instruments made of these kinds of wood could be forced to get special permits to take their instruments outside of the United States. Good luck if you forget to get the permit in advance!

The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) has issued a statement about the potential ban and is urging musicians and music store owners to file comments and complaints with the Fish and Wildlife Service prior to the deadline of April 20, 2007. They are suggesting that a stipulation be put in the rules to permit certain finished wood products including musical instruments that would be banned if the rules are put into effect.

For more information visit the NAMM's press release on this topic and let your voice be heard!