Resources for Wood?

[Gordon Bellerose]

I've been looking over a few different sites, in a search for affordable wood for an acoustic.
I have seen RC Tonewoods mentioned in a couple of threads on this forum, and I'm wondering if anybody has orderd wood from them?
If so, how was the quality? Prices seem pretty reasonable.

[Daryl Kosinski]

See if you can find a small local sawmill (man with a band-saw mill). Explain what your looking for. Most of the small sawyers love their wood and would like to see the material go to a good use. I once was picking up some ash for my kitchen cabinets and got to talking about spruce for a mandolin. He brought me over to a log, handed me a marker and said draw on the end how you want it cut. He called about a week later and said come pick up your wood.

[Waddy Thomson]

To answer your question, yes, they are a reliable resource. I have ordered from them and was satisfied with my purchases. Don't know if I'm allowed to say more.

[Gordon Bellerose]

Why would you not be able to say more Waddy?

[Bob Gramann]

I've dealt with RC Tonewoods many times. They are good people and a good source for wood.

[Gordon Bellerose]

Thanks for the replies. I will feel more comfortable ordering now.

[Dennis Weaver]

Most of all my soundboards and fingerboards came from Vikwood in 1996-97.

Of course now the prices probably rose a lot. I would say they had (have?) the best ebony. from Madagascar (yea I wish wood didn't come from trees in forests that get cut down but) The lady said on the phone in the 90s Martin was getting their ebony fingerboards from them. (or using it, better not quote me on that, been a long time!)

Martin sells wood. LMI, for neck wood I like Teak! I go to a local place Roberts Hardwoods in Barrington NJ.

I,ve gotten some wood from Euphonon. That's where to buy your tuners from. They don't hike them up.

Actual;ly I am seeing good sources here at that Alaskan woods place etc...

I just checked Vikwood and their prices more than doubled since I bought stuff from them. (prob 3x!) I guess that is par for the course.

I noticed anything guitar making is too pricey. I look around!

[Gordon Bellerose]

Things are a bit different in western Canada, as far as the availability of hardwoods.
In the east, hardwoods grow naturally in many different types of trees. Here in the west, we do not have that natural abundance.
It also seems that exotics are a lot harder to find out here. If you do find them, prices are quite high.
If there is anyone who lives out here that can correct me, I'm ready to listen.

We do have some really nice woods.
Big Leaf Maple is abundant in British Columbia, one province to the west. Only about 1000 miles away.
Our ash is more like alder.

The one thing we do have over the east is the amount of softwoods that grow here.
Excellent quality, quantity, and pricing for Spruce and Cedar of all varieties. As Dennis mentioned, he has looked at Alaskan wood.
British Columbia is just south of Alaska.
There are a couple of suppliers that I have bought from here in western Canada that I can recommend, if anyone wants to know.

[Dennis Weaver]

The Alaskan Specialty Woods (sponsor) doesn't take Discover card, otherwise I'd have an order on its way. I'll get back to them though!

[Joel Nowland]

Gordon

What are you looking for? I have an extensive supply.

I don't sell wood as a business but, if you like, you can send me a private message and see if I can get you started on a build at a very reasonable cost.

Joel Nowland

[Gilbert Fredrickson]

RC Tonewoods is indeed a very good supplier. I use LMII as much as I can, for their Kit Wizard feature. Stewmac is also great for parts, finishes, and tonewoods. Hibdon Hardwood, Gilmer, Oregon Wildwoods, Colonial, all great suppliers. In Canada, Bow River and Fraser Valley Finewoods have a fine collection of woods.

[Tom West]

Anyone looking for Engelmann should try Kootenay Tonewoods owned by Graham Hein. The top grades are very good wood, light, stiff, well quartered etc etc.
Tom