where to buy exotic timbers?

[stan]

a friend has asked for a build of a special custom guitar.

I have heaps of ideas and possibilities, but where are the best places to look at for drop tops - flamed maple, quilted maple, ziricote and other exotics, thick enough for a carved or shaped top, so at least half inch / 1.25 cm...

ebay from the USA seems to have a bit, but postage is nearly the same as timber costs, and if I could spend the same on just timber, that would be great

Budget up to about $300 AUD...

thanks team

[Chuck]

I've used Anagote Timbers in Marrickville, Sydney. The website isn't a great help, but the guys there seem to service a lot of luthiers and I've always found them great to deal with.

[stan]

thanks Chuck!

[FrankenWashie]

Yeah, Anagote is the kind of place you want to wander through and pick out all your wood based Christmas presents!
I have used them as well, they have some nice Wenge and zebrano in stock as well as a bunch of other stuff. They do carry bookmatched maple blanks specifically for guitar builders (pricey though). There is one bloke whose name escapes me that does build and generally they will refer any luthiery inquiries straight to him if you ask.

[FrankenWashie]

The other Guy you could try is Wheeler Guitars, http://www.wheelerguitars.com.au/,
this workshop is fantastic and Darryl holds some really nice stuff. I have bought fretboard blanks from him but he also stocks a good range of other seasoned timbers.

[Zandit75]

You could also try these guys here in Tassie.
http://tasmaniantonewoods.com/

[stan]

thanks FW and Zandit, great info

[euroa guitars]

You could also try
http://www.monarotimber.com.au in Canberra or

http://www.ottotimber.com.au
in South Australia, otto timbers have neck and body blanks or

http://www.northridgehardwoods.com in the usa they have everything although a bit dearer

[Andy40]

What about Queensland?

...go team!

[stan]

great work, keep it up guys.

urban salvage in Spottswood Victoria has some stuff, depends on the day...local pickup