Black Limba

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.

 

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.

 

Already done; that was one of my early sources.

 

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

 

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...

 

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

 

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.

 

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: