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Although many effects of global warming are familiar, few would consider its impact on music making.

However, that's a genuine concern for artists constructing traditional wooden instruments in Switzerland.

The source of their precious material can be found in the Risoud Forest, which stretches along the France Switzerland border.

At high altitude in the Jura mountains, many of the trees are ancient and are ideal for creators of stringed instruments such as guitars and violins.

Yet nowadays the drier, warmer weather threatens the wood's excellent sound qualities, an issue which forest caretaker Francois Villard fully understands.

The unique conditions in which the trees grow lend them their particular characteristics.

According to specialist Theo Magnin, the high altitude and poor soil make them superb for instrument making.

Of every 300 trees chopped down locally, only one or two will have the correct resonance to become musical instruments.

Magnin's worry is that this tiny number of potential trees will now decrease further.

Even though the woodworkers have tried out alternative sources, craftsman Philippe Ramel hasn't been persuaded.

He's certain that only Risoud Forest wood can guarantee the perfect sound for their instruments.

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