Hawaiian music took the world by storm in the first part of the 20th century and catalysed new guitar types and playing styles. Hawaiian koa also become one of the most desirable tonewoods, and after history of over-exploitation is now being actively conserved and restored.
Posts
Guitars, bugs and climate change – Fender and the Emerald Ash Borer
The ash trees that produce Fender’s iconic Telecasters and Stratocasters are being threatened by an invasive beetle and changing rainfall and flooding regimes.
Trees, guitars, lizards and squid – perspectives on nature and music in the Anthropocene
I’ve been a researcher in ecology for 40 years, but recently jumped into the world of guitars. These foci intersect in the increasing concern for how the natural world continues to be affected by human activities. Two recent books provide fascinating accounts of recent research in both these areas.
Cigars and guitars: turning junk into music
Cigar box guitars were an inexpensive means to make music by using discarded materials and are gaining popularity again today.
Ethical consumer choice and guitars
Consumer choices are increasingly influenced by environmental and social factors – Gibson’s corporate behaviour is alienating many guitarists
Women, war and wonderful guitars
Some amazing guitars came from Gibson during World War II and were made by women – but the story only recently surfaced.
SmartWood and dumb decisions: Gibson’s checkered history
Gibson has made great guitars, dabbled with sustainability, fallen foul of environmental trade rules and was often poorly managed.
Tall trees, tunnels and train robberies: recycling Redwood
Redwoods were extensively logged for structural timber and remaining stands are precious but vulnerable. Recycled redwood has stories to tell and music to make.
Admiring imperfection: enjoying “ordinary” treasures
Cheap Stella guitars from the 1920s-30s were made from local woods, were played by many well-known blues artists, and show the value of ordinary things.
A violin needs a bow
The best violin bows come from Pernambuco, an endangered Brazilian tree, bringing together musicians, instrument makers and conservationists.