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After just working on a classical bridge, where I cut slender pieces of bone to border the tie block, I decided to order some piano key ivory off of the internet thinking it would be a nice touch on the bridge and other places (e.g., end graft). Today I found an earlier thread (didn't do my homework previously) that mentioned that re-purposed ivory is "new" ivory as far as export goes. Since I'll be gifting my guitars and don't expect them to leave the country, do I need to worry about using this? Don't want to see my friends end up in prison for possession of illegal contraband. Seems like such a waste to not re-use 100 year old ivory and give it another run in another musical instrument.

Thanks,
Marty

As I understand it, possesion is not illegal, only export. I believe the extent of risk would be confiscation of the instrument, but it would be worthwhile to let your friends know they will NOT be able to cross an international border with the instrument.

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A man hears what he wants to hear, and disreguards the rest. Paul Simon

Even though you are not talking about it, I believe that the same export restrictions apply for Walrus ivory as well.

It's my understanding that you can't sell elephant ivory, or anything with ivory in it, in California. People still sell it, but you stand to lose your ivory-inlaid guitar (or your ivory-keyed piano) if you offer it for sale. It doesn't matter when the piano was built.

Having worked with ivory nuts and saddles on older guitars, I have to say that bone is a better material--harder, and more sonorous. Used piano keys are thinner than I'd like for tie-blocks, much too thin for saddles. Inlays could work. but be careful selling it.

I like using piano key ivory for inlay. It is much easier to work with than shell. AFAIK, none of my guitars have been exported. Since most of them are Brazilian RW, the ivory is a moot point.

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John

Thanks everyone for your responses. Think I'm going to have try the ivory for the tie block and for some inlay, if I can figure out what my logo should be (think it should look nice on an Indian rosewood head stock or on end graft). Did have to look up "sonorous" so I learned 3 things including don't take my guitar to California or across international borders.
Marty

Technically, crossing state borders is the same as crossing international borders because the Lacey Act applies to inter-state as well as international commerce. I don't believe there has been or will be any effort to enforce Lacey on inter-state commerce.

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A man hears what he wants to hear, and disreguards the rest. Paul Simon