Taylor guitars and ebony harvesting

Ankhanu · Post by **Ankhanu** » Sat Jun 30, 2012 4:54 pm

This video of Bob Taylor explaining their decision to use and supply B-grade ebony rather than only A-grade appeared in my recommended Youtube feed, so I gave it a watch... It's a pretty interesting story, and (though clearly propaganda) is a bit inspiring. I'm pretty pleased that the company is being forward thinking regarding forest stewardship and the sustainability of harvesting and instrument building.

[youtube][/youtube]

taylornutt · Post by **taylornutt** » Tue Jul 03, 2012 8:06 pm

I am a huge fan of Bob Taylor and his guitars.

I like that he is not just trying to push an agenda, but actually making a difference and manage resources responsibly so they will be here in the future.

jcyphe · Post by **jcyphe** » Tue Jul 03, 2012 8:13 pm

That's why I don't sympathize with Gibson. I have read what other US guitar makers have said about controversial and non-sustainable tonewoods and what they are doing to change their buying and building practices. Gibson on the other hand appears content instead to look for Government conspiracies and now lobby for less regulation.

DasBeef · Post by **DasBeef** » Tue Jul 03, 2012 9:10 pm

I watched this a wee while ago and found it rather interesting. I don't know why they didn't use the 'off colour' ebony before. I like it with a bit of grain through it rather than just plain black.

taylornutt · Post by **taylornutt** » Tue Jul 03, 2012 11:01 pm

I have currently have 2 Taylor guitars and I would love some streaks in the ebony just to change it up. Bob is not the most exciting guy to listen to , but he has a real passion for what he does and his guitars are the best.

JJLipton · Post by **JJLipton** » Wed Jul 04, 2012 2:12 am

I believe other companies such as ESP/LTD dye their ebony boards black. Taylor could easily do this is they get too many complains of streaks.

jcyphe · Post by **jcyphe** » Wed Jul 04, 2012 4:02 am

taylornutt wrote:he has a real passion for what he does and his guitars are the best.

He seems very practical and he is not bashful about demystifying the guitar making process like with the pallet guitar.