Question Hardwoods and forest deforestation

[Dasgre0g]

My apologies if this has already been covered. I have been in Central America over the past few months studying local rainforest ecology in several countries. I have found that the majority of the deforestation for hardwoods is for American products and consumers. I was wondering if anyone could tell me where Ernie Ball receives their hardwoods and what(or if) type of ecological impact program the company prescribes to? After seeing all of this firsthand I am very concerned about what types of products I have bought, will buy, etc etc. I have a lot of faith in ernie ball though so I wouldn't be surprised if they're not part of the problem at all.

Anyone have any thoughts?

 

[Dasgre0g]

wow no one??

 

[bassmonkeee]

Just because you are entitled to ask a question doesn't mean you are entitled to an answer. Where they source materials isn't necessarily public information.

 

[Dasgre0g]

I was just curious.... figured it was public knowledge I missed... no need to be a jerk

 

[Psycho Ward]

I'm just a fan and owner of several EBMM basses, I'm not knowledgable in where the materials come from. I do think EBMM is concerned about this issue as the original concept for the Bongo was to be built from materials other than wood.

 

[Dasgre0g]

I agree. I remember reading somewhere several years ago that they expressed concern about the issue. I just figured I missed some information somewhere and figured someone else had it. * shrug * God forbid someone is concerned about the people of 3rd world countries and the environments they live in I spent a few years in the Peace Corps awhile back as well and you'd be surprised what goes on that NO one knows about..or really would even care I guess. I will get back to asking questions about pickguards and nut width

 

[DTG]

Ok relax nobody was trying to be a jerk.oneqiuck answer is
The new big al is being made from African
Mahogany as far as I remember. That much is public
knowledge the rest may or may not be.

 

[bovinehost]

If I had a real answer, I'd give it to you. Without a doubt, the best qualified to answer the question with precision would be either Dargie or BP.

So if either of them want to answer, that would be best. Otherwise, people are just dealing in rumor and half-truths.

I can tell you that BP has been concerned about renewable resources vis-a-vis instruments for many years.

And also that I lived in Central America and South America for many years and understand your concerns.

 

[Dasgre0g]

Thanks man. I appreciate your honesty greatly. I just think it is a very valid question and a very important one. AND I expect ernieball, as always, is way ahead of the curve. So in no way was I implying anything negative at all. Thank you again.

btw. I am back in Dallas finally(where you seem to reside), and I may actually make it out to see you play sometime.

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

I have thought about this as well. Not Music Man specifically, but instrument makers in general.

Anyone who's been to Vancouver Island knows that clear cutting is not pretty (it's mostly pine there), but I know that in the case of the crown owned land, there are replanting requirements in place. Hopefully, other areas and countries are similar.

 

[Aussie Mark]

I know that in the case of the crown owned land, there are replanting requirements in place. Hopefully, other areas and countries are similar.

Not in Indonesia it's not. Just ask the Orang-utangs.

 

[Dasgre0g]

In Belize there are many areas where former farming lands are now used for hardwood development to reduce the impact on local forests. It's a very very long term investment that takes years to pay off, but it's a great start to attempt to revitalize local economies and conserve their resources as well. The majority of people in Belize are very very hands on when it comes to their resources. It's refreshing. But then again it means life or death for many of them. Unfortunately, about Indonesia, that is probably why so many companies have a cheaper line that is made there. Ikea actually is heavily involved with searching out sustainable sources of hardwoods etc etc. Wouldn't know it though if you ever bought one of their CHEAP bookshelves though

 

[Aussie Mark]

Unfortunately, about Indonesia, that is probably why so many companies have a cheaper line that is made there.

I'm not so sure if there are Indonesian forests being clearfelled to build Squires, Samicks or Sterling by Musicman. When I lived there, the major deforestation issue was related to people clearfelling native forest to planting palms to take advantage of the palm oil biofuel demand on world markets.

 

[Dasgre0g]

Yeah that is always a concern. In Chiapas, Mexico..where I was for a bit once....They logged for hardwood but MOSTLY to clear cut for oil exploration. Which in turn lets EVERYONE into areas that didnt have access too. Including loggers and poachers

 

[ZiggyDude]

The guitars that use those woods are usually not painted......

 

[Dasgre0g]

You mention biofuel...the irony people dont get about biofuel is that although it doesnt use oil...you have to deforest(as you mentioned) and in ethanol's case plant miles and miles of corn instead. better for the air...but may be worse for the local environments. ;/ eh, we're screwed arent we?

 

[naruki]

hippies piss me off

 

[Rod Trussbroken]

Moved to Current Events and

Thread Closed.