I've been running the idea through my head to build a bass for a while now, and I've finally started. I've ordered a 50's reissue neck, some 70's pickups and bridge, gold knobs and a pearloid pickguard, now all I need is a body. I would love to build a body myself, I'm just not sure of what wood to use. From what I've read its become a decision between Swamp Ash and Mahogany. I want a really deep low end but still keep a woody/vintage tone. I've thought about buying a 70's body and going with that, but I think making my own would just be too cool ;) Should I go with a swamp ash or mahogany? Or is there a better choice to get the tone I want?

Hmm... I know how mahogany sounds for a guitar, but my only experience for a bass is the Ibanez SR505, and that sounds very mid-ranged and punchy, not deep and thick until you dial in the active electronics. If you want punchy and strong, and then rely on your electronics or amp to bring in the low end, then I'd say mahogany.

If you are shooting for the vintage tone, I`d say go with regular white ash.

Or alder.

Just to throw in a new Monkey Wrench, I have found Padauk to be really nice at keeping a more vintage tone, while enhancing the lows and punchy nature of a Jazz bass, if this helps any.

I'm gonna go for some passive P Bass electronics. I have nothing against active, I'm just going for simplicity on this bass. Does that take mahogany out of the running?
Alder seems a bit to standard to me for some reason, but I wouldn't mind working with ash.
Padauk looks really sweet, is it easy to work with?