Official Luthiers Forum!

I have been looking around and finding a lot of the good stuff, but no cheap stuff. I am embarking on my first top and would rather not defile any beautiful wood. Anyone have a source for Grade B (it doesn't even have to be spruce I suppose) wood ? Or maybe a hardware store alternative ? I do have some construction grade spruce but some of it has cracks so I am a little concerned.

Is this a top to practice carving?? I originally did a trial run with clear pine (could also use basswood). If for an instrument, I'd suggest sticking with spruce.... maybe Shane's AA (or he might have a lower grade).

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Dave
Milton, ON

Most suppliers will have lower-grade stuff that they don't necessarily list on their websites.
Fire off some emails explaining what you want; I think you will hit success.

Or hit the firewood pile...

Cheers
John

Thanks all. Fraser Valley looks like the ticket. I don't understand how their prices are so much lower. Nothing else I have seen comes close. Maybe there is something I don't know ?