Black Limba

[Marcus Willett]

I'm looking for suggestions where I might be able to find a body blank. I've tried the usual sources, and a few others like Gilmer woods and our own Exotic Wood Brokers, but no success yet.

I'm looking for a fairly light (i.e., not ridiculous, but lighter than average) piece of black limba (korina) with a more-intersting than average grain pattern.

I have a bit of experience with korina, and know that it is usually a medium-weight wood, and usually not that striking in appearance. I also once had a Jazz bass body that was made of korina that was about as light as a comparable piece of swamp ash (around 4lbs) and was more highly figured than usual, so I know they exist, though maybe rarely.

If anyone has any other ideas where I might be able to find such a piece, please let me know.

Mods: I may be in error in not placing this in "wanted", but I thought perhaps the luthier forum would be more effective since I am looking for sources and probably unlikely to find a specific seller. However, if this needs to be moved, then by all means.

 

[20db pad]

I was just looking at this site the other day. Might be of some help.....scroll down.

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[Marcus Willett]

Thanks...no specs or pics, but I shot 'em an email anyway.

A lot of folks come back with the usual "We get new things in all the time...keep checking back" type response.

 

[Luke Sheridan]

Larry at Gallery Hardwoods is the man to contact.

 

[Marcus Willett]

Already done; that was one of my early sources.

 

[Rodent]

I second the Gallery Hardwoods suggestion having received a gorgeous 2-pc Black Limba body blank from Larry just this month. (one of several blank sets in this recent shipment)

If you are unable to utilize a 2-pc blank due to limitations in your shop tooling capacity ... be aware that Larry can provide a custom thickness and even glue the halves together for a most reasonable upcharge

all the best,

R

 

[eleonn]

Larry at Gallery Hardwoods is the man to contact.

LARRY????? I swear his name was Harry!!! ...spend two afternoons searching all TB forums looking for some HARRY!!!

 

[Marcus Willett]

If you are unable to utilize a 2-pc blank due to limitations in your shop tooling capacity ... be aware that Larry can provide a custom thickness and even glue the halves together for a most reasonable upcharge

That could work. Sent 2 emails so far but no response yet.

 

[Rodent]

Hi Marcus,

did you run thru the GH request info page, an PM here, or a simple e-mail? I believe Larry has been swamped this past week plus, as I have not seen him posting in all of the usual places ... maybe he's en route to/from or at a trade show.

if you haven't used the GH info page, do give that a shot.

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all the best,

R

 

[FBB Custom]

What exactly is the problem that you're having getting a piece from your sources? They all carry korina. Are you rejecting what they have due to weight, figure, something else?

 

[Marcus Willett]

What exactly is the problem that you're having getting a piece from your sources? They all carry korina. Are you rejecting what they have due to weight, figure, something else?

Well, I wouldn't call it a "problem". I just am looking for an especially nice piece of korina. I'm willing to pay a premium for it as well. Most suppliers are going to give me "regular" korina if I order it. I know what to expect with that in terms of weight and figuring...I've had a few korina bodies and seen many korina blanks.

I've also seen some and had one exceptional piece, and this is what I'm looking for. Not really a problem, just want to know where I can get an exceptional piece...lighter than usual, and more figured than usual. If "they all carry korina", then "they" should be familiar with what is normal, and thus able to recognize an exceptional piece, if it comes along.

That's all...

 

[FBB Custom]

If "they all carry korina", then "they" should be familiar with what is normal, and thus able to recognize an exceptional piece, if it comes along.

Most of the guys you mention deal with species by the 1000's of board feet. My guess is that they are dubious of picking a piece they think is exceptional, sending it to you and having you tell them that's not what you had in mind.

Have you tried Ed Roman? I think he is a korina nut. He may sell blank sized chunks. Else he might have some idea where you can get a blank.

 

[Marcus Willett]

Most of the guys you mention deal with species by the 1000's of board feet. My guess is that they are dubious of picking a piece they think is exceptional, sending it to you and having you tell them that's not what you had in mind.

Yeah, that's the problem I'm facing. I was just kinda hoping if I put feelers out and something were to come along....

 

[Volk]

Larry sent me pictures before I ordered by korina blank from him (a really nice piece too!) and I'd bet he'd weigh it if you're looking for a lighter piece.

 

[Marcus Willett]

Larry sent me pictures before I ordered by korina blank from him (a really nice piece too!) and I'd bet he'd weigh it if you're looking for a lighter piece.

According to what Larry sent me, I would have to order first, then I would know the weight/figuring:

"We have black limba timbers, but do not pre-cut any body blanks until ordered so the mineral pattern isn't typically known until it's surfaced out so there's no photo to send you of a body blank ready to sell you...Best Regards...Larry Davis"

FWIW, we're still talking and there may be options available, so we'll see. I hear nothing but good things about Larry, so I would look forward to dealing with him.

 

[Marcus Willett]

I've gotten a few responses, and the usual reaction is "Well, give me an idea...I can't read your mind.", which I of course acknowledge is completely understandable. The bass I referred to is long gone, but just to give an idea of the kind of above-average figuring I'm talking about, I found this pic, which is along the lines of what I'm thinking of: