If you plan on a transparent "Butterscotch" or "Mary Kaye" finish, look for vertical grain or wide, sweeping patterns that will pop under a nitrocellulose finish.
Finding the perfect piece of —the lightweight, resonant soul of the classic 1950s electric guitar—has become a quest for many builders as environmental shifts make it harder to source. The Source of the Sound
If you aren't ready to carve from scratch, Precision offers high-grade swamp ash kits. Their wood selection is often praised for its weight-to-resonance ratio. The "Emerald Ash Borer" Impact
For those looking to secure high-quality blanks, these specialized tonewood dealers remain the gold standard:
Located in New Jersey, they have long been a premier supplier for boutique builders. They are a great source for both body blanks and neck-sized pieces if you are looking for a more "raw" lumber experience.