lespaul123 Posted October 20, 2006 Report Share Posted October 20, 2006 Now I have been shopping for my guitar parts for ever. I have been trying to get really nice stuff. I am using snakewood,quilted maple, and black limba. Anywayz I am about to buy the top for the guitar and um well I am kinda tossed between 2 tops. one is 500 and the other is 350. the one that is 350 has the 1 written above and the one with the 2 is 500. what do u guys think ill go with whatever u guys say. I just cant make the choice. I just cant tell if the other one is worth the extra 150 bucks. tell me which one quilted maple pics hey can u guys see the pics? i am a lil new at this Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrblanche Posted October 20, 2006 Report Share Posted October 20, 2006 Now I have been shopping for my guitar parts for ever. I have been trying to get really nice stuff. I am using snakewood,quilted maple, and black limba. Anywayz I am about to buy the top for the guitar and um well I am kinda tossed between 2 tops. one is 500 and the other is 350. the one that is 350 has the 1 written above and the one with the 2 is 500. what do u guys think ill go with whatever u guys say. I just cant make the choice. I just cant tell if the other one is worth the extra 150 bucks. Opinions are like...well, like bellybutton, I guess; we all have one. I personally like #1 better. For $150, I can buy a pretty decent guitar! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Supernova9 Posted October 20, 2006 Report Share Posted October 20, 2006 Now I have been shopping for my guitar parts for ever. I have been trying to get really nice stuff. I am using snakewood,quilted maple, and black limba. Anywayz I am about to buy the top for the guitar and um well I am kinda tossed between 2 tops. one is 500 and the other is 350. the one that is 350 has the 1 written above and the one with the 2 is 500. what do u guys think ill go with whatever u guys say. I just cant make the choice. I just cant tell if the other one is worth the extra 150 bucks. tell me which one quilted maple pics hey can u guys see the pics? i am a lil new at this Well first of all if they're supposed to be one-piece tops they're too narrow. And if they're going to be resawn, then you don't need more than 7" width, so you're paying for far more than you'll actually use (you'll end up with 2" sticks off either side). Also the prices are high. Check out Gilmer Woods or get in touch with Larry Davis at Gallery Hardwoods for instrument grade maples. I wouldn't have though a premium figure maple board for an LP style carve top should cost more than $250 at most. Other people will chime in with places to buy from, and they may well be worth a shot (take a look on eBay),. The two I gave you above are reputable dealers, who specialise in musical instrument wood, and know what the job needs. If you take a peek at the Gilmer website you'll be able to see loads of their maples so that you can choose which one you want. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lespaul123 Posted October 21, 2006 Author Report Share Posted October 21, 2006 hey i want the opinions. I have also checkede out giler and the other guy sent. Both which dont carry the quality of quilt that I am looking for. But thank if anyone knows of anyone else that has anything better or equal for less money by all means. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spazzyone Posted October 21, 2006 Report Share Posted October 21, 2006 how thick are these 7" is wide enough for a strat if the edges are suface joined after a resaw that is very expensive. while they are nice $500 is almost absurd gilmore is a great source never used them but only heard great things about them Exotic Woods company is another not cheap either but not that expensive ebay also has some great sellers. this billet was bought of ebay by a freind of mine he paid $125 and decided he could not handle a build and gave it to me (yes im a lucky bastard) its 8"x23x2-1/2 you tell me if he got a good deal here is a pic http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d38/femf.../Picture002.jpg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lespaul123 Posted October 21, 2006 Author Report Share Posted October 21, 2006 how thick are these 7" is wide enough for a strat if the edges are suface joined after a resaw that is very expensive. while they are nice $500 is almost absurd gilmore is a great source never used them but only heard great things about them Exotic Woods company is another not cheap either but not that expensive ebay also has some great sellers. this billet was bought of ebay by a freind of mine he paid $125 and decided he could not handle a build and gave it to me (yes im a lucky bastard) its 8"x23x2-1/2 you tell me if he got a good deal here is a pic http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d38/femf.../Picture002.jpg dont get me wrong its very nice but not near what these are. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
verhoevenc Posted October 21, 2006 Report Share Posted October 21, 2006 Those are amazingly nice, I'm not going to lie. However, I would NEVER pay $500 for ANY piece of wood?! That's rediculous! Especially for your first guitar (which I get the impression this is). You're just. Trust me, puti n some money and get some decent wood and build one. Once you've got down your skills, THEN.... MAYBE.... spend that much on a top. Keep in mind.... maple isn't the only option, I've guild 3 guitar already, and now that I'm building a 4th (my first bass) I'm only now using my first figured maple top (and that's only cause the customer insisted). Personally, I feel there's MUCH cooler things to buy for that much. Like 4 highly figured Claro Walnut tops! Some figured pink ivory, there's all sorts of great naturally colored figured woods out there for less than people pay for some maples, and in my opinion are much nicer. I mean, hey, do what you want. But I think you're asking for trouble with that on a first build. Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lespaul123 Posted October 21, 2006 Author Report Share Posted October 21, 2006 Those are amazingly nice, I'm not going to lie. However, I would NEVER pay $500 for ANY piece of wood?! That's rediculous! Especially for your first guitar (which I get the impression this is). You're just. Trust me, puti n some money and get some decent wood and build one. Once you've got down your skills, THEN.... MAYBE.... spend that much on a top. Keep in mind.... maple isn't the only option, I've guild 3 guitar already, and now that I'm building a 4th (my first bass) I'm only now using my first figured maple top (and that's only cause the customer insisted). Personally, I feel there's MUCH cooler things to buy for that much. Like 4 highly figured Claro Walnut tops! Some figured pink ivory, there's all sorts of great naturally colored figured woods out there for less than people pay for some maples, and in my opinion are much nicer. I mean, hey, do what you want. But I think you're asking for trouble with that on a first build. Chris i really appreciate that but well its kinda my first build i started preparing for this for like a year now i have carved 5 diffrent figured tops i have made 5 neck and fretted 2. I grew up and work in a cabinet shop so i kinda have that whole wood working thing in my blood. But i really want something that has that private stock prs top look but i cant seen to find it any where with out that kinda cost. I mean ur right about the wood thing. I bought a 22 inch snakewood log for only 250. now this thing is double. and snakewood is unreal. but kinda tough to work. o well thank u Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon Posted October 21, 2006 Report Share Posted October 21, 2006 Those are amazingly nice, I'm not going to lie. However, I would NEVER pay $500 for ANY piece of wood?! That's rediculous! Especially for your first guitar (which I get the impression this is). You're just. Trust me, puti n some money and get some decent wood and build one. Once you've got down your skills, THEN.... MAYBE.... spend that much on a top. Keep in mind.... maple isn't the only option, I've guild 3 guitar already, and now that I'm building a 4th (my first bass) I'm only now using my first figured maple top (and that's only cause the customer insisted). Personally, I feel there's MUCH cooler things to buy for that much. Like 4 highly figured Claro Walnut tops! Some figured pink ivory, there's all sorts of great naturally colored figured woods out there for less than people pay for some maples, and in my opinion are much nicer. I mean, hey, do what you want. But I think you're asking for trouble with that on a first build. Chris Yeah, get your skills down first. I'd suggest finding some regular maple, wenge, padauk, anything that has neat grain and making a top out of it. Infact, I could supply you with sufficient wood to make a top so you don't have to go this route. This way you spend $5-15 and learn something, instead of regret making a poor choice on a $350+ top. I would also like to add that those prices are very absurd. I would ballpark both of those pieces in the $125-200 range. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fryovanni Posted October 21, 2006 Report Share Posted October 21, 2006 I can see $350 at the most(and I would have to love that top). Look here-Click I am very familiar with wood pricing(as I am sure you are also). You are in that insane name your price range. You need to seriously think about what you are going to do to that top. You will have a bridge and pickups breaking up that figure(picture it with those components, and only to the actual shape ofthe guitar(you will not see all that figure). Think about how you plan to finish that top. It takes a lot of skill to do high grade quilt justice(and I don't mean black and sand back). Also remember when you carve bookmatched Quilt that figure is going to get a little out of balance(I am sure you know that though if you have been carving quilt). In the end it is your money, and you should get what makes you happy. If you are playing with Snakewood. You are used to spending money(I just did a Quilted Sapele/Snakewood acoustic, and I guess that means I have expensive taste also. I also sell wood occasionally and know dealers that love to make jokes about the sucker factor when pricing some pieces ). Best of luck with your search. I think you will find plenty of people around here will vouche for Chuck (3-Dhardwoods/ Durawoods(ebay)). He sells very fine quality wood, and his pricing and service is extreamly honest. Peace,Rich Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RGGR Posted October 21, 2006 Report Share Posted October 21, 2006 Durawoods man...check him out on ebay. Or www.3dhardwoods.com. He simply has good stuff, for good prices. But if you have set your mind on one of these piece shown (and they are nice pieces) go get'm man. Money is just money. I spend quite a bit of time searching for the right top on my RGT 7. I always say....you don't pick the wood, the wood picks you. And kuddos for the people commenting on skill......no use getting $15,000 worth of high quality exotic wood, if it's your first guitar. (This is targetted to any newbie out there!!!)......Too many examples of people buying nice wood and crybaby later about tear-outs, f*ck-ups and other newbie mistakes that has ruined their higly priced wood. Get some experience under your belt. It's just as with women.....work your way up to the finer examples out there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Desopolis Posted October 21, 2006 Report Share Posted October 21, 2006 +1 on 3D woods... 350 is insane, unless its 2" thick and your resawing it for a few tops... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MiKro Posted October 21, 2006 Report Share Posted October 21, 2006 (edited) Now I have been shopping for my guitar parts for ever. I have been trying to get really nice stuff. I am using snakewood,quilted maple, and black limba. Anywayz I am about to buy the top for the guitar and um well I am kinda tossed between 2 tops. one is 500 and the other is 350. the one that is 350 has the 1 written above and the one with the 2 is 500. what do u guys think ill go with whatever u guys say. I just cant make the choice. I just cant tell if the other one is worth the extra 150 bucks. tell me which one quilted maple pics hey can u guys see the pics? i am a lil new at this Tell you what for 500 I'll send you a flamed maple brick that is at least 24 ins long, 3 1/2 to 4 inches thick and 8 or better inches wide and is 5a grade ,weighs aleast 15+ lbs and you will get at least 3 or 4 tops out of it. The price is absurd for those pieces.!!!!!!!!!! They are quite nice but you can get "Billets from the GODS" from Grizzly that are that nice or better for 300. Sry I just don't see the expense for this. I have mahogany that is as nice and not worth that much????????? Just my 2 cents. MK edited to add: I'm not trying to be an a$$. I just hate see someone get screwed. You seem to know what you want and if that is it, buy it. I and the rest will not judge you on your preference, but that pricing seems to be outrageous for that wood. I hope you have experience using highly figured maple as it can be a real "Beach" working with it. I've built cabinets for many years with maple and The highly figured wood will still causes problems for me when I least expect it and that will cost a great piece of wood at times. Sincerely Mike Edited October 21, 2006 by MiKro Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drak Posted October 21, 2006 Report Share Posted October 21, 2006 I like Number 1, I like the 'cigar quilt' type of quilting much better than number 2. It's cheaper, and I like it muy better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lespaul123 Posted October 21, 2006 Author Report Share Posted October 21, 2006 thank u guys so much i think i am gonna get somethnig from 3d woods. Thank u for the opinions and suggestions. u all have been very helpful. ill post pics when i get done I made the neck its neck through with a snakewood center stripe and black limba strips. with a quilted maple headstock overlay and a snakewood back lay. with a snakewood fingerboard. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sambo Posted October 21, 2006 Report Share Posted October 21, 2006 Well i learnt my lesson the hard way. Dot some nice flame maple for some tops, completely screwed one up. So, now i have lots of very boring plain maple to practice! S Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RGGR Posted October 21, 2006 Report Share Posted October 21, 2006 Well i learnt my lesson the hard way. Got some nice flame maple for some tops, completely screwed one up. If you buy some expensive exotic wood, you better make sure your capabilities are up to it. Every time I see a newbie load up on some expensive exotic wood, I think......whooaaaaa, there goes a car in the crowd. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rahimiiii Posted October 22, 2006 Report Share Posted October 22, 2006 Well i learnt my lesson the hard way. Got some nice flame maple for some tops, completely screwed one up. If you buy some expensive exotic wood, you better make sure your capabilities are up to it. Every time I see a newbie load up on some expensive exotic wood, I think......whooaaaaa, there goes a car in the crowd. And if you want to finish any figured maple, get some scraps to practice first! LMII sells some low priced figured maple headplates which is used for headstock veneers, price is about 3 dollars a peice, not bad for some figured maple for practice. Some special techniques are needed to help bring out the figure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ducati Posted October 22, 2006 Report Share Posted October 22, 2006 Wow, either price does sound high to me. I don't think I could justify an extra $150 for just the top. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobSm Posted October 23, 2006 Report Share Posted October 23, 2006 Now I have been shopping for my guitar parts for ever. I have been trying to get really nice stuff. I am using snakewood,quilted maple, and black limba. Anywayz I am about to buy the top for the guitar and um well I am kinda tossed between 2 tops. one is 500 and the other is 350. the one that is 350 has the 1 written above and the one with the 2 is 500. what do u guys think ill go with whatever u guys say. I just cant make the choice. I just cant tell if the other one is worth the extra 150 bucks. tell me which one quilted maple pics hey can u guys see the pics? i am a lil new at this For that sort of money you could get a eady made Warmoth (or similar) body with an insane flame or quilt. Maybe you should check out: http://www.warmoth.com/guitar/bodies/lp.cf...on=carvedtop_lp (or similar) Good luck with the project. RobSm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fryovanni Posted October 23, 2006 Report Share Posted October 23, 2006 Those tops are top notch and rare amoungst the rare. No doubt they should hold a high premium. You will not find that high of a grade on anything short of specially requested(and pay through the nose for) premium stock materials on custom bodies(even from Warmoth). The fact that a board like that does not find it's way to a veneer dealer is really lucky. It would most likely yeild the highest dollar as sheet veneer. When you get to these pieces the price is really a market based issue (and the market will pay that much for it). I personally find it silly when you think about it(especially when "premium" figure is so subjective). Put it in perspective. If that was Brazillian Rosewood, Pink Ivory, Snakewood, African Blackwood, Koa. Those prices would not be far fetched. An extreamly high grade piece of quilted maple can most definately be as rare as the woods mentioned above. Again though. I find pricing crazy on most all of these. Right or Wrong it is what the market carries. Rich Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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