Martin to host Wood Summit in Nazareth on May 12

In recent years the issue of protected wood species, and their use in guitar manufacturing, has become a controversial topic.

On December 24th last year, Australia’s ABC Radio’s Liam Cochrane did an excellent special report on the topic that I thoroughly recommend listening too. You can read the text or download the MP3 file.



The report includes interviews with a Luthier, The head of the US Environmental Investigation Agency, Musicians, the editor of the Music Trades Magazine, and more.

Martin Guitars are one of the global brands that are working for a solution to the problem, trying to find balance between the requirements of guitarists, and the needs of rare forests.

Below is a press release we received from Martin Guitars about the Third Wood Summit they will be hosting at their headquarters on the 12th of May.

C. F. Martin & Co., Inc. has announced the Third Wood Summit will be held at the company’s headquarters in Nazareth, PA on Thursday, May 12, 2011. The biennial full-day Summit will commence with an agenda of discussions, networking and presentations that address issues and trends related to the species and supply of woods purchased for acoustic guitars.

Directed to an audience of domestic and international suppliers representing 12 wood supply companies, the Summit will be facilitated by Wood Sourcing Specialist Linda R. Davis-Wallen and Michael Dickinson, Exotic, Alternative and Sustainable Wood Buyer.

The day’s themes will concentrate on the C. F. Martin Supplier Manual, as well as: updates regarding Forest Stewardship Council certification; Verification of Legal Origin and Harvest in C. F. Martin’s Supply Chain and theirs; the transparency and documentation that are necessary for Lacey Act compliance; New and alternative woods or materials and Species and supply issues.

“Our commitment to using pure and lasting wood products is reflected in the quality and craftsmanship of every Martin Guitar we produce,” says Chris Martin IV, CEO of Martin Guitar. “This Summit highlights that excellence and brings to the table important issues within our industry that will ensure those traditions continue and expand to more builders and designers.”

Also planned during the Summit will be the 3rd Commemorative Tree Planting and group photo (available digitally to media directly following event).

Confirmed Panelists include:

  • Craig Fedchock, Director, International Capacity Development at USDA APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service)
  • Gweneth Langdon, Chain of Custody Coordinator, U.S. Northeast Region, Rainforest Alliance/SmartWood Program
  • Rob Garner, Executive Director, Think CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility)
  • Scott Paul, Director, U.S. Forest Campaign Greenpeace & Environmental Chamber Director, Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) US Board of Directors
  • Joseph Frasetta, District Forrester, and Timothy Dugan, Asst. District Forester, DCNR Bureau for Forestry
  • Tom Roche, Founder and Coordinator, JustForests.org

For more information visit www.martinguitar.com

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