Writing for the May-June issue of Strings Magazine, Miranda Wilson reports that many materials used in the making of stringed instruments and bows, such as certain woods and animal products, are endangered or protected — often unbeknownst to instrument owners and performers. International agreements regulate the trade of materials used in the construction of stringed instruments, including ivory from elephants, ebony, rosewood, and pernambuco wood; the purpose of these agreements is to prevent species exploitation, yet they also create challenges for instrument and bow makers who view these materials as vital to their craft and key to meeting market demand.
Why it matters:
- Conservation impact: The use of endangered materials raises ethical concerns and impacts biodiversity, prompting the classical music community to seek sustainable alternatives, such as synthetic substitutes and non-endangered woods.
- Regulatory challenges: Stricter environmental regulations complicate the production and transport of instruments, potentially affecting musicians’ access to high-quality equipment.
- Innovation in materials: The scarcity of traditional materials drives innovation in the development of sustainable and synthetic alternatives, which could reshape instrument craftsmanship and performance standards.
