mickyg Posted September 15, 2004 Report Share Posted September 15, 2004 Yo, completely new to this whole guitar building thing. In fact i ain't even started yet. I am about to start a project on a strat style design and at the minute i am looking to buy body blanks from a site i found. (i thought this would be smart as it is my first try) I am just wandering is there any particular type of wood that i should use, are any easier to work with? I am looking at a wood called Zebrano....i am guessing this is the same as zebra wood????? or else i am thinkin about getting Amazaque??? does anyone know anything about these woods? thanks Mickyg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
asm Posted September 15, 2004 Report Share Posted September 15, 2004 depends on what sound your going for, and what your budget is. ive got bolivian rosewood and ebony, and the ebony is harder to cut and easier to tear out, but takes a polish way easier. you'll also usually run into more problems if using more exotic or harder wood. but for a strat i dont see whats wrong with mahogany or alder or swamp ash. how will it be finished? paint, oil, clear, ect? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigdguitars Posted September 15, 2004 Report Share Posted September 15, 2004 If its your first go cheap... buy poplar cheap easy to work with takes stain well. You mess up on a nice piece of wood you will be pissed. And welcome... once you build one it turns to three. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drak Posted September 15, 2004 Report Share Posted September 15, 2004 Poplar or Alder, Alder is pretty cheap too. And if your first one actually comes out OK, I like Alder much more than Poplar. But I agree, buy something inexpensive first, let's see if you can actually build a guitar before you get in deep. Would you give a 16 (not saying you're 16 )year old a Mazerrati to learn how to drive in? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
!!METAL MATT!! Posted September 16, 2004 Report Share Posted September 16, 2004 I agree its your first so go cheap but if you want a nicer wood something that will sound good and look good and won't kill your pocket book try flamed maple or ash,poplar,mahogany just to list a few so do what you want and have fun!! !!METAL MATT!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigdguitars Posted September 16, 2004 Report Share Posted September 16, 2004 go with Alder, its what fender uses. Basswood is a great wood but more expensive... If you are looking at it from cost go with poplar Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mickyg Posted September 16, 2004 Author Report Share Posted September 16, 2004 hi, cheers for all your suggestions. I have now decided that i am gonna buy an ash body blank for 25 pounds. Alder sounded good but was an extra 30 pounds and i am on quite a tight budget at the minute.....so ash it is. I will order it in the next couple of days hopefully. Can't wait to get started on this bad boy cheers again Mickyg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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