Ever wondered what over $1 million worth of guitar tonewood looks like? At Breedlove, we have the answer: a staggering collection of Brazilian rosewood that’s valued at around $1.4 million. This incredible stash is not just a testament to our dedication to offering the finest sustainable tonewood offerings, but also a symbol of our commitment to ethical practices in the face of scarcity.
Brazilian rosewood is the crème de la crème of tonewoods. Known for its highly resonant, chime-like tones and visually stunning grain patterns, this wood has been the gold standard for guitar makers for decades. Its deep, sustain-rich sound and rich, swirling colors make it a prized material, and it even releases a delightful, rose-like fragrance when cut. Unfortunately, due to over-harvesting and its designation as an endangered species in 1992 by CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species), finding this extraordinary wood has become increasingly challenging.
Here’s where Breedlove steps in. We proudly hold the world’s largest collection of legal, documented Brazilian rosewood. This rare cache, gathered from logs imported to Europe before the 1992 ban, allows us to continue crafting guitars with this exceptional tonewood. Our collection’s impressive size and value not only showcase the significance of this material but also highlight our unique position in the industry.
Our journey to this extraordinary collection began in the 1960s when a church ornament company in Madrid imported Brazilian rosewood logs to create elaborate decorations for cathedrals. After the company went out of business, the logs were acquired by Madinter, a tonewood supplier. Following the 1992 ban, this wood was shelved and remained untouched for decades.
In 2013, Breedlove seized the opportunity to purchase this hidden treasure from Madinter. Because this wood was imported and documented before the ban, it could be legally exported to the U.S. under full CITES compliance. This means we can craft and ship guitars made from this rare wood globally—a privilege many other manufacturers don’t have.
So, when you play a Breedlove guitar made from our exclusive Brazilian rosewood, you’re not only experiencing unparalleled sound but also supporting a legacy of ethical sourcing and exceptional craftsmanship. Our $1.4 million collection is more than just a stash of wood; it’s a commitment to preserving the best of what nature has to offer and sharing it with the world in a responsible way.
