[slodave]

Stephanie, if you are thinking of traveling abroad, even to Canada, with an instrument, be careful. Most violins are made with ebony (or other exotics) - fretboard, tuning pegs, chin rest. My violin came from Germany. It was my grandfathers and after he passed, it was given to me. It was made in the 1940's and is not special - other than the sentimental value. Even though it's beat up and has the makers sticker, showing the date, it could still be confiscated at customs without the proper export/import papers.

Yes, the wood is prevalent in the manufacturing of instruments, just may not be in large percentages. An acoustic guitar could be all kosher, except for the bridge, which is often made from ebony or rosewood. Prices are affected by the shortages and you pay a pretty penny for certain woods today. As a woodworker you also keep scraps of exotic woods for as long as possible and use as much as you can. You also tend to make veneers from exotics and not use solid pieces in projects. The bow used for the violin, viola, cello, etc is made from a wood that is all but gone - pernambuco wood from Brazil. Other wood is being substituted, but the musicians swear by pernambuco.