I used it for a PRS style body. A little chambering lightens it up nicely. If you dig around the wood pile a while you can find some beautiful grain, some even flaimed. I wouldn't call it overly bright either,it sounds great with humbuckers. It works great for necks it is tough as nails. My neighbor who is a logger has been looking for a big black ash burl for me. I'm not sure what it will look like or if it will work for a top but I'll saw it up and let it dry and go from there.