SLushe Posted June 8, 2009 Report Share Posted June 8, 2009 I am getting a guitar built from someone, well I have two guitars being built, one is taking up the majority of the budget while the other is getting the short end, and not enough to get a quilt maple top/stain job like I originally wanted. So I am contemplating ideas of putting some kind of top on it that doesnt need staining/dye work, just a clearcoat, but is also cheaper than a quilted maple top. So, What are some really good looking woods to be used as a top? I would love to get some color variants in there too, rather than like "wood" brown/natural. I was highly considering Purpleheart, Figured Redwood, Bloodwood, Camphor/Burl, Lacewood, or maybe Ebony. Anyone have any ideas? Posting pictures would really help also, esp of the above woods I mentioned to see how they'd function as a body top. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quarter Posted June 8, 2009 Report Share Posted June 8, 2009 Lots of cool options, maple burl, spalted maple, walnut, wenge, book matched padouk, figured mahogany to name a few. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WezV Posted June 9, 2009 Report Share Posted June 9, 2009 when you are after something cheap its more about keeping your eyes open and seeing what comes up... there are many options its worth checking out ebay, and shops like frasier valley as they always have interesting things at good prices (although admitedly still in the brown spectrum) http://stores.shop.ebay.co.uk/Fraser-Valley-Fine-Woods Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doug Posted June 9, 2009 Report Share Posted June 9, 2009 when you are after something cheap its more about keeping your eyes open and seeing what comes up... Exactly... you never know what you might find. Another thing to consider is that dye on a guitar top is not necessary. Keep an open mind when looking. I recently took a break from neck building to create some furniture for the house. I was stunned to see about 30bf of maple with thousands of small bark inclusions. I snatched that up and the pieces turned out truly amazing. No dye, no thick clear coat. What god handed me stood on it's own. I will use it on a guitar top if i ever have time. Oh... earth tones are tough to avoid on a budget. Even plain maple is brownish when coated. Maybe grab some nice buggy black limba... that'll get ya some nice bright orange and black. Happy hunting... :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Workingman Posted June 9, 2009 Report Share Posted June 9, 2009 If you don't want to stain, you can always bleach. Bleached maple can be preety far from earth tones. Use a commerial wood bleach, not clorox. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doeringer Posted June 9, 2009 Report Share Posted June 9, 2009 I tend to like earth tones, but a tinted clearcoat shouldn't change the price much if any. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doug Posted June 9, 2009 Report Share Posted June 9, 2009 I tend to like earth tones, but a tinted clearcoat shouldn't change the price much if any. LOL! True... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drak Posted June 10, 2009 Report Share Posted June 10, 2009 Check Here for Nice Woodies Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.