Considering these woods for new WGD build

[GuitarMadCap]

WGD Black Korina core w/ Zebrawood top (Clear Gloss)

Hombre Neck Wenge shaft w/ Ebony (Black) fretboard

Considering an HSH hardtail Strat layout

I have no experience with these woods other than a little with Ebony fretboards. The graphic representations look really cool to me and the tone descriptions seem to largely match what I’m looking for.

Any opinions on these wood choices?

 

[Hodgo]

I like it. I wouldn’t get too caught up on tonewoods, and just worry about whether you’ll be happy with the aesthetic.

How Garcia inspired are you? If you want to go full Alembic “hippie sandwich” I’d call up Warmoth and see if they’re still doing laminate backs as an off menu option, and have a second Zebrawood piece on the back, with dark wood laminate layers between the Zebrawood/Korina layers for a full 5 layer laminate.

Consider also asking for a white Korina core - I think having two woods with really wild grain patterns without a laminate layer in between could look a little busy.

Also, I think a WGD would look great with another off menu option - the Gibson B-0510-010 SG Style TOM bridge rout, aka the Gibson harmonica bridge. It’s a nice big rectangular unit similar to what you see on the Alembic, and with arched string through holes it would really capture that “Tiger” vibe.

At least that’s how I’d pursue it, although my laminate sandwich would probably be rosewood/light wood laminate/walnut/light wood laminate/rosewood. Shame they no longer offer Cocobolo!

 

[GuitarMadCap]

I like it. I wouldn’t get too caught up on tonewoods, and just worry about whether you’ll be happy with the aesthetic.

How Garcia inspired are you? If you want to go full Alembic “hippie sandwich” I’d call up Warmoth and see if they’re still doing laminate backs as an off menu option, and have a second Zebrawood piece on the back, with dark wood laminate layers between the Zebrawood/Korina layers for a full 5 layer laminate.

Consider also asking for a white Korina core - I think having two woods with really wild grain patterns without a laminate layer in between could look a little busy.

Also, I think a WGD would look great with another off menu option - the Gibson B-0510-010 SG Style TOM bridge rout, aka the Gibson harmonica bridge. It’s a nice big rectangular unit similar to what you see on the Alembic, and with arched string through holes it would really capture that “Tiger” vibe.

At least that’s how I’d pursue it, although my laminate sandwich would probably be rosewood/light wood laminate/walnut/light wood laminate/rosewood. Shame they no longer offer Cocobolo!

I like your advice. Thanks for taking the time to respond. The busy grains against each other was definitely a concern of mine. It’s a little difficult for me to see it in my head but it makes sense after reading your comments.

I’m a big Dead Head but not necessarily a Jerry tone chaser and not looking for a replica. This is my second WGD. The first went really well and I just want a second one with different pickups and aesthetics.

I was not aware I could inquire about additional options. The back laminate would definitely be cool.

I really like your idea of “rosewood/light wood laminate/walnut/light wood laminate/rosewood”. That really sounds fabulous!

 

[GuitarMadCap]

Unfortunately, I just confirmed that they no longer do back laminates.

 

[Hodgo]

Well that stinks! But probably saved your wallet a bit too

 

[GuitarMadCap]

I’m seriously considering the Walnut/light wood laminate/Rosewood combo now. For the neck I’m thinking Walnut shaft with a Rosewood fingerboard. Should I go with Rosewood (Dark) or the standard Rosewood for the fretboard to look best with the Rosewood top on the body?

 

[Hodgo]

I’m seriously considering the Walnut/light wood laminate/Rosewood combo now. For the neck I’m thinking Walnut shaft with a Rosewood fingerboard. Should I go with Rosewood (Dark) or the standard Rosewood for the fretboard to look best with the Rosewood top on the body?

I’m not sure, but I think Spike is still at work answering phones