I'm curious about Brazilian rosewood. I thought I heard that several years ago { I'm interested as to when that was } a ban on the export of BR was put into place. I understand that and have no problem with it. However { and here is my sceptical nature rearing it's ugly head } it seems like everybody and their uncle has a small stash of BR that can be had for an enormous price. So where is it coming from ?? Is there a huge stash somewhere ? Is it smuggled out of Brazil? Are luthiers using their best Indian rosewood and calling it Brazilian? I don't want to sound as if I'm saying that anyone is doing something dishonest but it seems to me as if there is a lot of this { very expensive } stuff around for a material that is supposed to be a "banned" substance.

The other question is if it's worth it or not. My thought is that I'd rather have top grade rosewood from any country vs. poor grade Brazilian just because it's from Brazil. Any facts , rumors or guesses anyone??