Official Luthiers Forum!

Hi guys, well I'm in the UK and although we have some very nice timbers over here, we are generally lacking the types that make interesting tops, and the ones we do have or can easily buy are stupidly expensive.

I know that those of you in the USA have a new law regarding shipping timber around, but is it viable or even legal to ship it to the UK?

Cheers Chris.

Hey Chris,
I don't buy much lumber, but if I understand the regulations correctly, There are certain woods that can be imported but not exported, including Mahogany, Ebony, and some Rosewoods.
And no shell products can be exported from the US.
Hope this helps answer your question.
Dan

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Until recently, I lived in New Zealand and ordered from LMI and a few other tonewood suppliers and though costly, it was legal to ship most woods. LMI has a "US" symbol next to things that can't be exported so is a good way to get an idea of what's available to you.

Thanks for the replies both. I'll have a good luck onto it later.

You might check with suppliers in Canada. Less restrictions maybe.

Good thought, I'll take a look.

when you say 'interesting tops' in regards to an electric I think of the various types and figures of maples...not that I'm an expert, but I don't think there are any laws regarding maple...plenty of those trees around...the only type of mahogany I'm aware of that has restrictions (and it's not a native north american wood) are the Swietenias...all the other types are named as mahogany but not really (and yeah, that is a fine point of argument) so...

koa is also used as a pretty top wood, but AFAIK its restrictions are from the island of Hawaii, and one harvested and such it's free to move around...myrtle is also a rather pretty wood...again, plentiful supply so no restrictions I'm aware of...

increased cost at your end is because of shipping and VAT(?)...at least so I would assume