Mahogany alternative?

[arjepsen]

Hey all.
I'm planning out a les paul style guitar, and generally I'm aiming for a sort of standard les paul sound.
I'm not aiming for any particular music style - more like like an les paul all-round sound.
Anyways, for the body, I'm aiming for a koa top on mahogany, that'll be finished in tobacco burst.
(aiming for something like this: http://www.gibson.com/Images/Products/Electric-Guitars/Les-Paul/Gibson-USA/2013-Les-Paul-Standard-Koa/LPSAKDBCH1-Finish-Shot-jpg.aspx?KeepThis=true&TB_iframe=true&height=410&width=1000)

Anyways, I really want an unfinished neck - but traditionally the les paul neck is mahogany, which requires finish....
Soooo.... What would be the next best thing for a tone most similar to mahogany - that WONT require finish?
(and possible look good with such a body?)

Regards
Anders

 

[Kostas]

Wenge.

 

[arjepsen]

Wenge.

Thanks for the suggestion, and I think Wenge looks awesome!
But how is the tone, compared to mahogany?

 

[Kostas]

Wenge.

Thanks for the suggestion, and I think Wenge looks awesome!
But how is the tone, compared to mahogany?

Can't say as I haven't done an A-B test. I put Wenge in my Warmoth LP and I like it. More or less it sounds like a Les Paul. Every piece of wood will affect a guitar in a different way so comparisons are not to be taken seriously.

 

[Nando Vallart]

Gonçalo Alves and Rosewood are the most close to mahogany

 

[Logrinn]

Every piece of wood will affect a guitar in a different way so comparisons are not to be taken seriously.

That is the best summary in the wood-tone-debate I've seen!

 

[Tonar8352]

Consider using mahogany and take a look at this thread. http://www.unofficialwarmoth.com/index.php?topic=25408.msg365968#msg365968

 

[musicispeace]

Warmoth might not do an LP looking neck in Goncalo, i somewhat recall having that discussion with them a couple of years ago. Rosewood with a gloss black peghead? That could be and sound quite nice and can be played raw.

 

[bbl4ck]

Consider using mahogany and take a look at this thread. http://www.unofficialwarmoth.com/index.php?topic=25408.msg365968#msg365968

I can attest to this method for a mahogany neck! 
I have two mahogany necks that Tonar has finished using this method.
Had them over 3 years with no problems and they play like butta...
I can honestly say that I far more than recommend it; I would not do it any other way :headbang1:

 

[arjepsen]

Wenge.

Thanks for the suggestion, and I think Wenge looks awesome!
But how is the tone, compared to mahogany?

Can't say as I haven't done an A-B test. I put Wenge in my Warmoth LP and I like it. More or less it sounds like a Les Paul. Every piece of wood will affect a guitar in a different way so comparisons are not to be taken seriously.

Well, I love the looks of wenge. I really want a bare wood neck. And most of what I hear/read points to wenge as a good alternative.
Now my only concern is the weight.
Does anyone have bad experiences with a venge neck being to heavy for the guitar(figuring I'll be going with 59' back) on a regal body??