In recent years, the global trade landscape has shifted dramatically. With new tariffs imposed on imports from Canada, Mexico, and key European partners—as well as rising trade tensions with other regions—the cost and availability of traditional luthier materials are becoming increasingly unstable.
For luthiers and ateliers, this isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a crisis in the making.
A Looming Supply Chain Challenge
Luthiers have long relied on predictable sources for essential materials: Brazilian rosewood from South America, maple and spruce from Canadian forests, ebony from Africa, horsehair from Europe, and steel from established domestic or international mills. But now, tariffs, bureaucracy, and geopolitical uncertainty are disrupting these supply chains.
The result? Skyrocketing prices. Delays. Inconsistent quality. And worst of all—unreliable access to the materials you need to keep your workshop running.
The Time to Adapt is Now
This moment calls for innovation. It demands that we rethink where our materials come from—and how we source them. That’s where I come in.
With over two decades of experience sourcing high-quality luthier and atelier supplies from non-traditional channels, I’ve built a network that ensures continuity of supply, competitive pricing, and unwavering quality—even when the world around us becomes unpredictable.
My Approach: Thinking Outside the Traditional Box
While many still rely on the same old suppliers, I’ve spent years developing relationships with ethical, reliable distributors and craftspeople in parts of the world often overlooked by the industry:
- Horse Tail Hair – From Argentina and the American West, ensuring bow makers have access to strong, supple hair without customs delays.
- Fretboards & Fittings – Sustainably sourced from India and Sub-Saharan Africa, offering durable, acoustically superior alternatives to traditional ebony and boxwood.
- Tone-Worthy Wood – From Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Vermont, giving U.S.-based builders access to domestic tonewoods with proven pedigree.
- Strings, Hardware & Metals – Working directly with small-scale foundries and mills across North America to secure raw steel and alloys unaffected by export tariffs.
- Bone and Other Organics – Ethically and locally sourced wherever possible, meeting both environmental standards and performance expectations.
These alternative sources aren't just contingency plans—they’re viable, sustainable, and often more cost-effective than their traditional counterparts.
Why You Should Be Doing Business With Me
- Stability in Uncertain Times
- I offer consistent access to critical materials, even when tariffs and politics disrupt traditional routes.
- Ethical & Sustainable Practices
- I prioritize responsible sourcing that meets modern environmental standards—so you can build with integrity and confidence.
- Competitive Pricing Without Compromise
- Because I work directly with producers and avoid middlemen, I pass savings on to you—without sacrificing quality.
- Deep Industry Knowledge
- As someone who understands the craft, I know what makes a tonewood sing, what makes a bow perform, and what makes your instruments stand out.
- Tailored Support for Luthiers & Ateliers
Whether you're a one-person shop or a full-scale atelier, I offer personalized attention, fast turnaround, and customized solutions.
The Bottom Line
Tariffs and trade wars won't last forever—but the lessons they teach us will. Diversifying your supply chain isn’t just smart—it’s essential.
If you want to future-proof your business and continue crafting beautiful, world-class instruments without interruption, it's time to think differently about where your materials come from.
I’m here to help you do just that.
Let’s build resilience. Let’s embrace innovation. Let’s keep making music—together.
