We initially chose Sonowood over tropical timber for ethical reasons. Now that we’ve been using it for a few years, we also love how it looks and feels.
Stefano Gibertoni / Valerio Nalin
Luthiers
Milano, Italy
Winners of the Violin Society of America’s Certificate for Artisanship 2022 for a string quartet using Sonowood fittings from sustainable forestry
We’ve been using Sonowood for many years now. We especially like the black beech fingerboards. Colleagues and musicians can’t see any difference between them and ebony, and we think the material’s properties and tonal characteristics are comparable to those of this high-quality wood. We’re grateful that we can rely on this sustainable alternative going forward.
Mira Gruszow / Gideon Baumblatt
Luthiers
Werder an der Havel, Germany
Winners of the Violin Society of America’s Gold Medal for Artisanship 2022 for a string quartet using Sonowood fittings from sustainable forestry
I consider Sonowood to be the best material currently available for fingerboards. It is a pleasure to work with, and unlike ebony, there is no need to spend time selecting individual pieces, as the material is far more consistent in quality. The sustainability benefits are obvious, from avoiding tropical hardwoods to reducing long-distance transportation. What is often overlooked, however, is that Sonowood also makes economic sense. Although it is more expensive than ebony to purchase, my experience is that it requires dressing far less frequently over its lifetime. This saves musicians both time and money.Another significant advantage is that a Sonowood fingerboard can be made noticeably thinner from the outset than one made from commercially available ebony. This reduces the overall weight of the instrument, making it more comfortable for the musician to hold and play.
Usa von Stietencron
Luthier
Vienna, Austria
I have had good experiences with Sonowood in the workshop.
It can be worked precisely and reliably, and I appreciate its consistent quality. For me, it is a sustainable and serious alternative to ebony.
Nicole Ayumi Rautenberg
Master Violin Maker
Ottobrunn near Munich, Germany
The sound with Sonowood is warmer and more open than with the tropical wood fingerboard. The response is also much clearer than before.
Chin-Ting Huang
Violist
Pacific Quartet Vienna
No one can justify the clearance of tropical rainforests. We believed in Sonowood right from the outset and were happy to support the pioneering work involved. It is now used in our workshop on a daily basis. Sonowood’s material qualities allow me more leeway when it comes to shaping the sound.
Boris Haug
Luthier
Zürich, Switzerland
Winner Certificate of Artisanship VSA 2024 for a Viola equipped with Sonowood fittings
The guitar with the fingerboard and bridge made of Sonowood has a very warm acoustic color. My customer is simply thrilled.
Dr. Mauro Bodio
Guitar Maker
Basel, Switzerland
Sonowood will revolutionize the manufacturing of wooden instruments.
Fidel Peugeot
Professional Guitarist
Switzerland / Austria
