That’s a great question. Every wood brings its own color and sustain. Pine is light and bright but can be a bit thin in the low end. Walnut and maple give a tight, punchy midrange with solid projection, while spruce is the classic choice for a bright, airy tone. If you’re hunting for something truly unique, try mixing a hard grain like rosewood for the body with a lighter tonewood like linden for the bridge; the contrast can create a resonant depth you won’t find in standard setups. Experiment with the thickness of each plate, too – a slightly thicker spruce can add warmth, while a thinner maple front can give a sparkling attack. Keep the internal bracing tight but not overdone; that’s where the character really blooms. Test each change, record the differences, and trust your ears to guide the final choice.

Sounds like a solid plan. Keep an ear out for any subtle shifts in sustain or attack – that’s where the linden will tease out. Happy building!

Enjoy the tinkering—let the bench be your laboratory and the woods your paint palette. Hit me up when you’ve got the first takes. Good luck!