GIBSON
Gibson’s founder was an early leader in trying to green the industry’s wood choices, and introduced Les Paul Smart-Wood guitars back in the 90s. Things went south when the company got busted by the feds in 2009 and again in 2011 for importing illegally harvested wood (including Madagascar ebony). Gibson initially fought the charges but agreed to a settlement of $300,000 in fines and a pledge to strengthen its compliance. It hasn’t been in trouble with the law since, but discontinued its SmartWood line and no longer issues any green claims. Mostly made in the U.S., except for the Epiphone line.
SCORE: NN
MARTIN FSC
This 182-year-old Pennsylvania-based company is pretty public about its responsible timber purchasing policy. It still offers a lot of exotics but has a couple of options made with 100 per cent Forest Stewardship Council-certified wood, including American cherry and South American mahogany. One was designed with Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy. (It’ll cost you a few grand.) Martin does an FSC uke, too. FSC is considered the strongest wood standard, though critics say its tropical woods are still under-moni-tored. Two somewhat cheaper uncertified – “sustainable wood” – guitars are sold with the fuzzy commitment that most of the wood they’re made of “originated in forests managed in an ecologically responsible manner.” More details would be nice. If you can afford it, go FSC. Mostly made in the U.S. a few lines made in Mexico.
SCORE: NNN
CANADIAN HEMP GUITARS
Stoner musicians, hemp enthusiasts and tree-huggers will no doubt get off on these hemp composite guitars. The Quebec-based musicians who founded the company say they grew tired of hearing that endangered woods make the best-sounding instruments and set out to make an electric guitar from sustainable hemp fibres. The body and binding are made of pressed Manitoban hemp, and the neck is locally sourced maple from small-scale suppliers. The guitars come with optional maple or plantation-grown Indian rosewood fretboards. Go for the maple to up your Canadian content. The composite body may not fly on an acoustic, but CHG says the sound is generally comparable to a chambered wood electric guitar. For the committed hemp head and hobby player, these guitars definitely rock. Starting at $1,300. Canadianhempguitars.com
SCORE: NNNN
ART & LUTHERIE
Cash-strapped strummers with a soft spot for the planet will want to check out these guitars. They’re all made in the small town of Princeville, Quebec, by Godin Guitars using 95 per cent previously fallen Canadian wood – no clear-cutting involved. The wild cherry and silverleaf maple trees are gathered from the forest floor in Quebec the fallen cedars and spruce are from BC. The only exception is the rosewood used for fingerboards and bridges. Would be nice to see them go 100 per cent Canadian, but in the meantime these are a pretty green bargain for under $500. artandlutherieguitars.com
SCORE: NNNN
VINTAGE/SECOND-HAND
If you want to take your green performance up to 11, go for second-hand guitars. You can hunt down a gorgeous vintage find like this 1975 special from Twelfth Fret, or go for something newer and more affordable from music stores or Craigslist. Either way you’re supporting the second-hand economy – and that’s music to the planet’s ears.
SCORE: NNNNN
