As a true connoisseur of the finer woods in life, both as a woodworker and guitarist , this has been an interesting year. The elevation of all true Rosewoods to the highest level of CITES protection means tons of paperwork and time in customs for any of these beautiful species to cross a border , which in turn means less availability and higher prices. With these species and many other exotics in short supply ,when opportunity presents itself for us to get our hands on a stash from "yesteryear" we definitely jump at it.

Crates and crates of Cocobolo and true Lignum Vitae turning blocks purchased in the 1990s arrived piled high on top of the true prize.... a 22"x 52"x 4" slab of Macassar Ebony. It's one of those slabs where there are 10,000 possibilities for projects, about 10 that would elevate the piece beyond its natural beauty and another 1,000 that would be an utter waste of a one of a kind slab. To whomever ends up the proud owner of the behemoth slab, spend some time looking over your prize like the renaissance sculptors would and whatever project speaks to you.... choose wisely my friend!