Hi,

Agreed on the spelling, drives me crazy. Re the distribution of what is called Lauan, with respect, I can't agree.

Lots and lots of data from reliable sources such as the US Forest Service that give the distribution of the many species of wood called Lauan as:

"Malay Peninsula, Indonesia, the Philippines, as well as Sabah and Sarawak, usually at low altitudes on well-drained soils."

http://www2.fpl.fs.fed.us/Techsheets/Chudnoff/SEAsian_Oceanic/htmlDocs_SEAsian/shorea_spp_lrmeranti.html

(Just one of many fact sheets, for the various species call Lauan):

Here is a quick search of their database using the single term Lauan, and you'' note the three pages of species all list Philippines and Sabah (Malaysia).

http://www2.fpl.fs.fed.us/piper/query/startQuery/357520a5-f92a-4ac6-9a2e-0b9a8166c3ac?page=1

There is rich historical and legal data on the appellation Philippine Mahogany, and the amorphous term Lauan. None suggesting your premise.

I just searched Biological Abstracts to see if I could confirm your premise, no luck, Micronesia seems to be the home territory.

What's your info source?

Cheers,

Patrick

I'm sure I've done my fair share of spelling things wrong, but I started keeping a list by my computer of misspelled words from craigslist ...wow.

I agree with caddywumpus. A person selling drums (or any instrument) should try to know how the basic components are spelled. Locally I've seen cymbols, symbals, and--my favorite--simbals.

Troy

Hi. ummm...well....I really don't want to take this in a direction that is contrary to what this forum is about....but....this is a one time thing.

The Philippines have lost about 85 percent of their forests due to massive logging caused by the Lauan glut. They are actually importing wood now.

Malaysia is about at 85 percent deforested for the same reasons. This includes Borneo (about 65 percent).

Indonesia is currently the hotbed of activity, but only has enough to last until about the middle of next year.

Who is the 'new' Lauan go-to country? Brazil.

While those countries you mentioned contain appropriate geographic/climate factors for Lauan propagation, they flat out don't have the trees to log.

Most of the Lauan today is grown exactly where I stated...Central America, South America, Hawaii, and Florida...and some parts of the Caribbean. Currently, most all Lauan used is harvested from Brazil.

My point (and there is one) is that we (North/Central/South) Americans are sending Lauan to China and parts unknown to manufacture cheapo drums to be shipped back to us which undermines the drum market. Why oh why do we not take the same wood and make our own?

That's it. Just a simple point and a slight bit of time on a soapbox asking a simple question.

Oh, and the "sky fruit" statement was a joke. Sky fruit is the fruit found on a particular species of Lauan. The concentrated extract of the sky fruit has "Viagra" like uses. Just a simple joke. Thought someone here might have the insight on this and get a laugh.

"Why oh why do we not take the same wood and make our own?"

I'll take a stab at this one... because the labor cost here in the US would significantly increase the price of these drums?

Are you going to buy a Lauan kit made in the US for $1,000.00? How many parents would buy their kid a starter kit at that price or even half that?

Uh oh, here we go......................

One answer would be buy them a better quality vintage set made in the USA for six hundred.

But you're not supposed to make sense and listen to reason when you spend time on the soapbox. Dang, Big Daddy. You've made me feel ... what's that thing? Oh yeah...slightly less right for not thinking it through... shoot.

...now i'm pouting.

hope you're happy...............Violin

Is that [COLOR="Red"]soapbox[/COLOR] made in USA or Brazilian[COLOR="Red"] lauan[/COLOR] ???

Sorry man, had to do it !!!

Peace ??

Mcjnic,

I agree with all your points about deforestation, and that harvesting for plywood has moved on from the Micronesian area to South America. Totally agree.

I was only speaking in the context of Lauan drum ply filler and vintage drums. My understanding of the timelines is that Lauan from Micronesia was part of the ply sandwich of many of our drums until the Micronesia woods were stripped bare through the 90's.

cheers,

Patrick

Yep plenty of 'symbols' for sale this side of the pond too I'm afraid!

Luanne? Is she makin' them drums now too?flowers2