Buying Figured Tops and Fretboards

You just have to look around. I've gotten some pretty decent maple off of eBay, but you have to be careful... if the wood isn't pretty dry, you might have to let it sit for a couple of years. lol

 

check this out
http://www.berkshireproducts.com/iw1011.htm

 

lmii?

 

LMII is good for slotted fingerboards, but not cost effective for top woods, IMO...

 

i live 10 minutes from them. I find some amazing stuff there. A lot of mediocre though.

 

Yeah, the big issue is that most of us have to just order off the 'net and take what they send us...

 

There is risk for sure. It helps to be some what self educated before looking for wood. Learn what makes some wood better suited than others i.e., physical and mechanical properies. What not to learn from are posts on forums unless the source has credibility. Know there are no absolutes and chart tech data for speices is only an average. Buy from a source that allows you to return the wood (unalterd) if there are unsuitble surprizes not disclosed. Costs are usually associated with risk except when someone decides to become a tonewood supplier with no experience. The less risk the higher the cost for the most part. Aesthetic requirements add to the cost. Shop time used searching for special aesthetics and filling specific requests are part of the pricing equation. Best source is a seller who has passion for his work, conscience, pride and understands how to research and interpret wood properties coupled with vast experience handling thousands of board feet and not just a piece or two. Look for longevity of business in a possible wood source. Some eBay sources are good..some bad..just gotta learn the difference. The clues are there. Be most aware of sellers who make up names and figure names for their wood as hype. Watch for other sellers who misname their stuff...shows inxperience and loose play with facts and truth. For example, you should know that true birdseye figure does not exsist in big leaft maple. Sellers soften misname burl figure as birdseye..know the difference before buying.

 

they send pictures on request : )

should try that sometime.

 

Larry is the awesomest wood supplier ever.

His burls are superior.