Tons of Questions

[chabock]

I am hoping to start a burst build soon but I have a lot of questions. First of all I would like to thank all of the people here. Reading build threads has helped me tremendously.
Ok my first question is where to get wood? I'm thinking of either LMI or Stewart Mac. What company has higher quality mahogany? Since this is my first build I don't want to invest in Brazilian rosewood so I was thinking about Madagascar rosewood from LMI. Would it look and sound similar? Are the stew-mac pickup rings, binding, pick guard material, ect a close match to original bursts? Are the modern kluson tuners any good or should I go with Gotoh tuners?
For pickups I was thinking about WB's. Anything to say about them? Also I'm left handed so I was wondering on original bursts were the control knobs right handed? I wouldn't think gibson would custom order lefty knobs but I was also thinking about puting the extra wiring channel in just for mojo.
Lastly I have access to a cnc machine and I was wondering if anyone would have a 3D program for the top carve for sale. I just need one for me, it wouldn't mass production.
Sorry for the huge amount of text but any and all information would be appreciated. Once again thanks to everyone for all of the help.

 

[Pete M]

Wow, there really are loads of questions! I'll try and tackle a couple. It looks like you need to ask yourself where you are willing to compromise. You say you want high quality mahogany but not braz rosewood, so question how close you want your build to be to a real burst.

I'm sure the wood from Stew mac or LMI is fine if you're not that fussy about colour, weight, 1 piece body vs. 2 piece. For rosewood, I think Madagascar rosewood is likely to have a more orange and light brown than the less common really dark brown colours most people prefer. This can also be true of Braz though. There are plenty of other types of rosewood you might consider such as Indian or Amazon, and all are fine but many people will tell you that they don't stand up to genuine Brazilian. You might also consider something like ebony which doesn't neccesarily come in just black and can be dark brown too (check out ebay). Your best bet to get what you want is to go and choose the board yourself as colour is never guaranteed with rosewood. You might even find it easier to get a pre-slotted stew-mac board? It's all about how much you are willing to compromise on the details. This goes for wood and parts/everything else too.

There are loads of US places selling good mahogany - Northridge hardwoods for example - and also loads that sell good maple - CurlyMaple.com

 

[chabock]

Thanks for the info. I liked northridge hardwoods so I think I'll get the mahogany from them. Also I'm not in a big hurry so maybe I'll scan e-bay for some Brazilian RW.

Thanks.

 

[Ole'Lefty]

Madagascar EBONY often mimics Brazilian well-one sub -type is red/brown/black; the other is often olive and brown. Good Honduran from Hibdon Hardwoods in St. Louis.O'L

 

[twistedbydesign]

Go visit your local friendly neighbourhood hardwood supplier and sawmill.

 

[dennistruckdriver]

I have some questions....do you have woodworking or luthery skills? Have you ever built a guitar before? Have you considered a 'kit'?
Good luck!

 

[chabock]

I've considered a kit but I want higher quality and most are right handed. I don't have a lot of woodworking experience but my dad does and he is a machinist and I’ve fixed a headstock break. We also have access to most if not all the tools needed.
Are local sawmill cuts local woods but maple is local
I'm not in a hurry so I'll take my time and it should work out.