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Where to buy wood!?

A

amg3l

May 25, 2022
36
26
#1
I would like to know where you get your wood because I am trying to build my own bass. Also I would like to know if any of you have bought from exoticwoodzone before. Thanks a lot :)
 
#4
Is this your first instrument? In that case, a ride to your local Lowes, Home Depot, etc. and a whirl through their hardwood section would be my recommendation. My very first guitar was made from a pine/fir 2x6.

If you're a little more adventurous, ordering from woodcraft is your next best source. A wide range of woods in a good variety of sizes.
 
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#5
Yes it's my first instrument but my dad and uncle have both made guitars before so they know more or less how to do it. Is woodcraft just woodcraft. Com?? And is there any reason woodcraft is better than exotic woodzone? It seems better but just curious
 
#8
Rôckhewer said:
Depends on what species, grade, & type of figure you're looking for....??
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All I know is that Im really gravitating to walnut because I really
Like the way it looks and it's not sold at Home Depot. I don't believe there are any lumber stores in like an hours distance from where I live
buldog5151bass said:
Unless you have a big budget, you are better off at a Home Depot, Lowes, or local hardwood lumber mill/yard. The on line places will be more expensive, and if you are looking for more common wood, why pay insane prices?
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Is wood online really that much more expensive?? If so I might just beg him to make the drive Lol.
 
#12
I'll need 2 go to Home Depot tomorrow but I will keep u all updated. Im thinking about making it fretless what wood would you recommend for the fretboard. Walnut also? Maple? or should I get something like ebony or pau ferro online. Should I get a 2x6 around 20-24 inches long? And then what would I use for the kneck that they woult typically sell at homedept/lowes? I've researched this before but I would just like second opinion.:hyper:
 
#14
amg3l said:
IS 2x6 really big enough for a body?? It seems kinda small for a body unless I cut it in half and glue it.
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Yes, you would have to glue it, probably 3 pieces total. It would be thinner front to back than something like a P-bass, so just a heads up there also.

There are a ton of body blank sellers in ebay, it comes down to how much you want to spend. That ExoticWoodZone seller you mentioned has some cool pieces. I haven't bought from them though.
 
#15
AudioTaper said:
Yes, you would have to glue it, probably 3 pieces total. It would be thinner front to back than something like a P-bass, so just a heads up there also.

There are a ton of body blank sellers in ebay, it comes down to how much you want to spend. That ExoticWoodZone seller you mentioned has some cool pieces. I haven't bought from them though.
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So 18 inches wide?? That seems a little too wide I play a musicman and its about 13-14 inches wide I think. My dad probably won't want to buy off ebay lol but ill take a look anyway. If not I think ill buy on exotic wood zone. I was taking a look earlier and the total comes out to under 140 for a maple body, cherry kneck, and katalox/Mexican ebony fingerboard. Also, do you think this combo would work out fine?
 
#17
A Precision bass is about 13 inches wide at the widest point, many bodies are a bit less than that Spector's, Warwick's etc. I find that 12 inches is plenty wide enough, but I do prefer a smaller body. Most bass bodies run about 13inches wide, by about 19-20 inches long. Fenders are generaly 1-3/4 inches thick, but other makers use 1-1/2", or 1-1/4". You can't go too think or you don't have enough depth needed for switches, pots, etc. or enough wood left to have a secure neck pocket, if you're going the set, or bolt on neck route.

If there are any woodworkers clubs around your area, maybe reach out to them and join. You might find some people who have pieces of suitable wood you could buy and it would gain you access to some skilled people and maybe the use of some equipment you don't have access to.

Good luck with your first build. * Warning one guitar/bass build is ever the end, more will follow.;)
 
#18
amg3l said:
So 18 inches wide?? That seems a little too wide I play a musicman and its about 13-14 inches wide I think. My dad probably won't want to buy off ebay lol but ill take a look anyway. If not I think ill buy on exotic wood zone. I was taking a look earlier and the total comes out to under 140 for a maple body, cherry kneck, and katalox/Mexican ebony fingerboard. Also, do you think this combo would work out fine?
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A 2x6 is 5.5" wide and you'll want to cut the rounded corners off anyway. Square it up, edge glue, cut the body shape.

The Woodcraft store near me has 8/4x8" poplar, maple, and walnut. That would be enough to just have one glue joint down the middle.
 
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#19
I have ordered through Exotic Wood Zone on several occasions. Always been happy with it and their prices tend to be very competitive... sometimes a downright bargain. Some of the prices on neck woods that I've bought for acoustic guitar builds have been well under half of what I'd have paid from lots of other places. They tend to have sales pretty frequently too. The only problem is that you can't always pick the exact grain that you're going to get... but in their bargain section you frequently can.

IMHO, the local big box home improvement store doesn't really sell anything worth the trouble of building a serious instrument out of. It depends on what you're looking to accomplish.
 
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