Official Luthiers Forum!

Lacey act aside, since I am in Taiwan Lacey act wouldn't apply if I bought my wood straight from its country of origin (India for EIRW, Indonesia for Macassar Ebony and plantation grown rosewood, etc.). So has anyone tried to import wood from its country of origin, in the absence of any reliable luthier supplier in my country, this may be necessary.

What exactly is involved and are there any suppliers?

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Cat-gut strings are made from kitten guts, stretched out to near breaking point and then hardened with grue saliva. As a result these give a feeling of Pain and anguish whenever played, and often end up playing themselves backwards as part of satanic rituals.

Typhoon Guitars
http://www.typhoon-guitars.com

There are suppliers. A lot of what is involved has to do with the import regulations in your country. For a large shipment you may need to have an agent meet the shipment and clear it with your customs office. You may have to pay import taxes. Smaller shipments may just come directly to you through the postal system or freight company. You need to research this in your own country.

Years ago, I imported Indian Rosewood directly into the USA. There was a minimum freight cost for one cubic meter. It all worked out fine, but you are taking a risk unless you have good knowledge of the company you are dealing with. At this time, I think that Atheena Exports in India is reliable for rosewood. If you are only doing a few guitars a year, my hunch is that you are better off ordering small lots from dealers such as the forum sponsors. You will pay more per piece, but what are you going to do with 100 sets of wood?

Makes sense, it just seems kind of a waste to order stuff that already comes from my neck of wood from the US. There isn't really any luthier suppliers in Taiwan, except for one that is quite far out of the way who only offers Mahogany and plantation grown EIRW from Indonesia and other suppliers who only offers Macassar ebony and not the black Gaboon stuff... the wood choice available in Taiwan is quite limited and when ordering from LMI or others I pay $100+ just on shipping alone. I wish there are better shipping options like sea freight shipment for large or heavier orders, but I don't think any freight companies exist in the US that deals with individuals, and I doubt LMI would ever consider them.

One big problem is I don't understand Taiwanese laws that has to do with import/export of wood species and while I am sure stuff is available, it's really hard to get stuff outside of retail channel because everyone keeps them a closely guarded secret.

_________________
Cat-gut strings are made from kitten guts, stretched out to near breaking point and then hardened with grue saliva. As a result these give a feeling of Pain and anguish whenever played, and often end up playing themselves backwards as part of satanic rituals.

Typhoon Guitars
http://www.typhoon-guitars.com

GUITAR WORKS Ltd. Kunio Ito
2-3-31 Shoya Settsu-shi, Osaka 566-0012 Japan
Phone: ++81 6317 5129
Fax: ++81 6317 5253
Email: virgo@hcn.zaq.ne.jp
Instrument Parts & Wood Supply
You can order Building Electric Guitars and CD-ROM

Above is a listing in Japan. If they do not sell wood for acoustics, they may be able to recommend someone. There are acoustic factories in China, and maybe Korea, too.