I actually used to use a CRAPPY little 1/5HP Companion 7 3/4" bandsaw. I was able to cut out Alder/Mahogany bodies, Mahogany neck blanks for 'ukuleles, Maple neck blanks for guitars. I've re-sawed 4 3/4" thick Koa for 'ukulele body halves, and I even re-sawed 4" thick Ebony, but the Ebony put alot of stress on the motor. Most of the time I used a 1/4"x4TPI blade, as I recall, so I could get fast cuts. Blade tracking wasn't that good though.
I now have a 14" bandsaw. It's awesome. I even made a riser for it - get's me 9 1/4" under the guard with a standard 98"x3/4"x3TPI. I resawed some flamed and quilted tops.
If you can afford a 14", get that. I speak of experience having used a benchtop bandsaw and upgrading to a 14" only this February, as well as having used a benchtop 8" drillpress to make all my instruments.
BTW, westhemann uses a 9" bandsaw, maybe ask him how well it's working out.