Smithsonian magazine article on pernambuco wood... *LINK*
John Aniano in Central NJ
>Hello All,
Folks might want to check out the very interesting article on pernambuco wood in the April 2004 issue of the Smithsonian magazine entitled "Saving the Music Tree" by Russ Rymer. The article looks at many of the issues now surrounding the Brazilian wood pernambuco and how it is used to make bows for stringed musical instruments. If you are at all interested in knowing more about this topic, check out the Smithsonian website for the text version of the article. If you can find the magazine, so much the better because the Mr. Rymer�s text is accompanied by excellent pictures of pernambuco trees, bowmakers and conservationists.
As a bowmaker again now these last two years, I have met many other makers involved with the International Pernambuco Conservation Initiative (IPCI), a group that promotes the conservation and sustainable use of pernambuco. Bowmakers worldwide (and others) are encouraged to learn about and participate in this important work. The IPCI website has additional information on the steps being taken to preserve this natural wood resource for future generations.
Re: Smithsonian magazine article on pernambuco woo
dave caudill
>I happened across that article the other day when I was at the library searching for some books. I took the time to sit down and read it and found it very interesting. While not musically inclined it is amazing that of all the materials in the world to make a bow out of it turns out this one wood is superior to anything else known. Quite amazing.
I want to stop at one of our two local violin shops now and ask to look at a couple bows just to satisfy my interest.
Dave
Re: Smithsonian magazine article on pernambuco wood... *LINK*