Varmint Guitars, a South Carolina company, has just announced a limited edition run of a high-end collectors’ guitar that has nature conservation groups in uproar.
Built from materials sourced from some of the planet’s most endangered trees and animals, it’s not surprising that only 12 of these instruments could be manufactured. Apart from using illegally harvested Honduras Rosewood and African Blackwood in the body and neck, the guitars also feature ivory from the tusks of African elephants and machine heads fashioned from rhino horn, teo of the world’s most high profile endangered animals. Adding insult to injury, the guitars are shipped with guitar cases covered in skin of the almost extinct Saint Lucia racer snake, whilst the inside of the case are covered with Himalayan snow leopard fur.
The retail price is expected to be in the region of $720 000, which is rumored to included delivery by consular pouch so as to avoid interception by customs officials in a customer’s home country.
Marvin Axemore, a spokesperson for the World Wildlife Fund, slammed the instrument manufacturer, stating that it was clear that the guitar had been purposefully manufactured using illegal materials taken from the world’s most endangered lifeforms purely to make it as rare and collectible as possible.
Sourcing and transportation of virtually all the materials used are illegal in most countries, but Varmint Guitars have allegedly managed to circumvent laws by having the guitars manufactured in, and shipped from, North Korea. Federal agencies are currently investigating the company and looking into ways of prosecuting its directors.
