Just a few thoughts: Good guitar tops are relatively inexpensive compared to the price of some back and side sets. Considering the amount of work that goes into a guitar and that most of the tone is generated by the top why would any one not buy a very good grade top...?? I am not saying that these tops are no good but for me I would rather risk my money and time on a better product. Rant over.

John : Maybe you misunderstood me. I meant good tops not just good looking tops. Certain dealers tend to put on the market better quality then their competitors. When you spend your money you want to have the best chance of coming up with winners. Time is too precious to waste building with substandard wood IMHO. Good luck.
Tom

Somebody on ebay is selling a bundle of 10 Engleman tops for 50$ buy it now. I d ont need em right now thought somebody here might http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180541530643&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

Thanks for the link.
I asked the seller a few questions about grading, vertical grain, etc. I'll be interested to see the response- if any.

Hey guys,

I looked at the ebay listing, and realized that the guy is located within about an hour of Portland, Oregon. I sent him a message, and asked if I can personally visit, and look at his wood. So, I did. I did purchase some nice stuff. Here is my review. The wood is graded STRICTLY BASED ON AESTHETICS. I particularly went through WRC. Stiffness and quarter-sawn-ness were all over the map. The gentleman in charge, is a very nice, accommodating guy. However, he knows absolutely nothing about guitarmaking. He is more of a wood broker, and the clients they work with are larger guitar manufacturers/factories. He also does general lumber trade to furniture production houses, etc.

There is some very nice wood to be had, for sure. I actually liked many A tops over his AAA grade. They even had an "industrial grade" which they sold for $5 per top, and a few were absolutely top-notch. I personally would've put them in AAAA category. But again, to get to about 15 tops, I went through about 300.

I think the moral of the story for me is this:

Best option--go select the wood in person.

2nd best, have a knowledgeable dealer, who actually is nuanced and well versed in the selection process, capturing these criteria: Aesthetics, runout, cut (quater-sawn), stiffness, weigh and presence/absence of pitch pockets or other structural flaws.

3. take your chances, and hope the price is low enough that you get your money's worth of good stuff, and have some extra for bracing, or for your fireplace.