As reported by NPR, a coalition of music gear and instrument manufacturers have apparently convinced a key CITES committee in Geneva that instruments should be exempt from trade restrictions. While the coalition require one more vote to officially pull the trade exemption over the line, it looks like the measure is expected to pass, which is a huge win for the music retail sector.
The trade regulations, which were introduced in 2017, sought to minimise the extent of endangered woods such as rosewood, bubinga and other premium tonewoods utilised in the manufacturing process of an array of items, including furniture, instruments and more. The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) have extensively argued that the amount of rosewood used in the manufacturing of musical instruments is incomparable to that of the mass-produced furniture industry, and creates unfair burdens on the musical instrument sector.
Whether this means we’ll start seeing manufacturers like Fender return to using rosewood instead of alternatives such as pau ferro is unknown, but regardless, it’s a big win for the music industry. However, we’re also all about sustainability, and if there’s no change made to the way in which rosewood is cultivated by these brands, there’s every chance that future generations won’t ever get the chance to own a rosewood instrument. Stay smart guys – it’s about more than just tone, it’s about the planet too.
Read more about the impact of rosewood trading here.
