(VOTE) Help me decide which top is best and or why

[littlebooner]

I quite like my walnut but I think I like the first redwood best in this case. Gold hardware would be all that bad with it either.

 

[benchpress11782]

Redwood. Period.

They're all beautiful - although burl has been done to death, and every time I see walnut I immediately think: "Carvin!" But that's probably just me.

However, if you're going to go to the expense of total custom, I say make it your own and get something hardly anybody else has.

No gold hardware though. Gold just looks pretentious. But that's probably just me too.

So what black? Custom redwood inlay would be nice too.

 

[bholder]

I think we're all basically saying you can't go wrong there.

 

[DigitalMan]

Redwood. Period.

They're all beautiful - although burl has been done to death, and every time I see walnut I immediately think: "Carvin!" But that's probably just me.

However, if you're going to go to the expense of total custom, I say make it your own and get something hardly anybody else has.

No gold hardware though. Gold just looks pretentious. But that's probably just me too.

 

[40Hz]

So what black? Custom redwood inlay would be nice too.

Yes. And especially yes.

 

[InnerBass]

View attachment 1077896 View attachment 1077897 View attachment 1077899 View attachment 1077900 View attachment 1077901
Or redwood

View attachment 1077902 View attachment 1077903

Or walnut

View attachment 1077904 View attachment 1077906

Thanks for the input. For a jerzy drozd excellency 5 string. With ebony fingerboard. And not sure on hardware. Thinking gold with poplar.

That redwood is spectacular - the quilting is superb and it would absolutely pop with either gold or black hardware.

 

[40Hz]

View attachment 1078545

Ok…I'll make an exception for a Wal. drool

But I'd take a Wal - any Wal - even if it were lime green with polka dots.

I think I'd also prefer satin nickel on that one.

 

[basspraiser]

The first walnut has my vote

 

[SanDiegoHarry]

I think I like the poplar with gold hardware. I don't have anything like that wood.

Really? Well then that's what you should get.

 

[benchpress11782]

I really wanted chestnut. But Jerzy didn't recommend that. Maybe a soft wood.

 

[benchpress11782]

This is a nice top also.

 

[Joedog]

All 3 are drop dead gorgeous, but I'd never use redwood for a bass. I've worked with it (all heart wood), and it isn't that much harder than pine. Maybe the flamed stuff is harder, but I'd bet nowhere near as hard as walnut or maple! Pretty surprised your builder recommended it as a hardwood!!????????? All the stuff I've used could be easily scratched with aggressive pick or finger nail attacks.

 

[ThePresident777]

That curly redwood #1 is rare, has a flawless pattern, and already has an amazing amber glow built right into it which I think you can pop even more. I would go with that one, and increase the brown in it a bit.

 

[benchpress11782]

 

[KillerEddie]

I'm going to i against the grain (heh heh) and vote for the redwood. That and some gold hardware would be dead sexy

 

[Dec1975]

It depends- how big is the coffee table going to be?

They're both excellent. With a clear-coat, I'd go redwood.

 

[Mike SS]

The walnut caught my eye, but this is your bass so the final decision is yours.

 

[Fender_Bender]

All 3 are drop dead gorgeous, but I'd never use redwood for a bass. I've worked with it (all heart wood), and it isn't that much harder than pine. Maybe the flamed stuff is harder, but I'd bet nowhere near as hard as walnut or maple! Pretty surprised your builder recommended it as a hardwood!!????????? All the stuff I've used could be easily scratched with aggressive pick or finger nail attacks.

Although I agree with you on the redwood, it is the most visually appealing of the three choices to me and would be reasonably light. It is so soft and dentable though as you mentioned. I'd be really hesitant about it unless some sort of catalysed hard finish was over it and even then I'd consider liberally dousing it first with the thinnest superglue around to soak into the pores and toughen it up first. Otherwise it's the walnut for me.

 

[benchpress11782]

Although I agree with you on the redwood, it is the most visually appealing of the three choices to me and would be reasonably light. It is so soft and dentable though as you mentioned. I'd be really hesitant about it unless some sort of catalysed hard finish was over it and even then I'd consider liberally dousing it first with the thinnest superglue around to soak into the pores and toughen it up first. Otherwise it's the walnut for me.

You guys are not making this easy on me, lol.

 

[bassliner50]

2nd one from the top. Flamed and elegant. I like to see woods that might be appropriate for a Strad cello.