I just received a truly outstanding pair of Madagascar rosewood sets. They have it all: quartersawn (lots of silk showing here and there), glassy taptone, ink lines, spider-webbing, striking curtain-effect sapwood.
As fabulous as this wood is, these might be the last I ever buy considering the horrendous environmental situation in Madagascar.
Alexandru Marian Spanish Guitars 
They’re certainly beautiful, and a long way from the slab-sawn sets I commonly see for sale. I think you’re right to question whether we should continue to perpetuate the disaster that is Madagascar’s forest “management” practices, small as the lutherie community’s contribution may be.
Inspiring sets…