Gibson factory raided by Feds

Written by archtop girl on Friday, 20 November 2009

  Federal agents from the US Fish and Wildlife Service have raided the Gibson factory in Nashville, Tennessee, looking for illegally-imported rosewood from Madagascar. Guitars, pieces of wood, files and computers have been taken by the Feds from the Massman Road facility. 

We heard this news from Bobbe Seymour of Steel Guitar Nashville, who noted in his latest newsletter that "Rosewood is prized material for acoustic guitars. Rosewood is often richly patterned with subtle shades of browns and reds. It produces a big, booming sound." Rosewood is a protected species under the US Lacey Act, however, and trading it in the US is a federal offence. 

Gibson said in a statement today: "Gibson Guitar is fully cooperating with agents of the United States Fish & Wildlife Service regarding an issue with wood procurement. Gibson Guitar Chairman and CEO takes the issue of responsible wood sourcing very seriously. Gibson Guitar makes every effort to ensure that all its wood purchases are legal and is also working to increase the amount of wood purchased from certified sources, including FSC-certified wood. The company will continue to cooperate fully and assist our federal government with all inquiries and information."