If Guitars are outlawed, only outlaws will have guitars

If you think the government is heavy handed with gun control, you haven't seen anything.


The federal government now targets guitars, even antique ones, as enemies of the environment.


The Wall Street Journal reports federal agents raided Gibson Guitar facilities on Wednesday:  

"It isn't just Gibson that is sweating. Musicians who play vintage guitars and other instruments made of environmentally protected materials are worried the authorities may be coming for them next. 

"If you are the lucky owner of a 1920s Martin guitar, it may well be made, in part, of Brazilian rosewood. Cross an international border with an instrument made of that now-restricted wood, and you better have correct and complete documentation proving the age of the instrument. Otherwise, you could lose it to a zealous customs agent—not to mention face fines and prosecution."

According to the Journal, possessing old pianos can also make you a criminal in they eyes of the federal government:

"There was never any question that the instruments were old enough to have grandfathered ivory keys. But Mr. Vieillard didn't have his paperwork straight when two-dozen federal agents came calling. 

"Facing criminal charges that might have put him in prison for years, Mr. Vieillard pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor count of violating the Lacey Act, and was handed a $17,500 fine and three years probation."

Government is out of control. If it's coming for our guitars and pianos, what will government come for next?