As demand on our world’s forests and environment grow, it is critical guitars are built using sustainable sourcing. At Breedlove, they never use tonewood from clear-cut trees in any of their USA-made instruments. Additionally, they are very close to being clear-cut free on all of their overseas models. This is their goal, and a work in progress. Traveling throughout the world, they go to the forests and work with local families and mills whenever possible. Going to the source helps to make sure the instruments not only play and sound better, but allow us to feel better about the instruments we play and love.
Projects Sourcing Principals:
1.) Salvage trees from the forest as dead/fallen or at the end of their lifecycle.
2.) Individually harvest trees in a manner that leaves the forest and ecological system as undisturbed as possible.
3.) Only use “treasured tonewoods” that are fully documented to be compliant with all CITES and Lacey Act regulations.
4.) Partner with tonewood suppliers who commit to Breedlove's principles and provide documentation on the providence from where the trees grow to receiving the wood at their workshop.
All Breedlove instruments can travel throughout the world. Guitars crafted with a collection of Brazilian rosewood require a U.S. Fish & Wildlife permit for international travel – easily procured with documentation. Sustainable sourcing is the right thing to do. You can play with the good feeling knowing your guitar was built in harmony with the natural world.