Question about figured woods

[Arcturus]

I’m wanting to do a quilted maple top on my next guitar, and I’m just wondering...if I don’t do the Unique Choice option, does that mean I’ll get a lower amount of figure?  In other words, do they reserve the most highly figured pieces for the Unique Choice? Or is there a decent chance I’ll get something with nice figure, even if I don’t do the Unique Choice?  I’ll be doing my own finish and this is only my second build, so I don’t want to spend too much, but I also won’t be very happy if I get a piece that has hardly any figure.

Thanks!

 

[Cagey]

They always use a nice piece, but sometimes the "Unique Choice" stuff is more interesting for a given person's taste. For example, some folks like a less obvious bookmatch (more of a one-piece look) than others, who'd prefer something more dramatic like being angled into a "V" or having a "hidden face" or something. But, the fact that it's a figured piece is never a question like it is with some cheaper guitars where you have to look twice just to tell if it's even curly or quilted.

There's a filter for finished vs unfinished bodies in the Showcase so you can see some examples that way, but I understand stock is slightly depleted at the moment due the season. I also can do finishes myself, but if it was me, unless there's a color scheme or material they just won't do, I'd definitely be looking at their finished stuff because for as good a job as they do, it's an incredible bargain. Highly recommended.

 

[Arcturus]

Okay, thanks.  That’s kind of what I expected the answer to be, but wanted a little reassurance.

Well, I did my own finish on the one I built last fall, but just did an alder body since it was my first time.  But doing the finish ended up being a lot of fun....the most fun of the whole project, actually!  So that’s the main reason I’m doing it, though I’m sure what Warmoth does is a higher quality job!

Thanks again!

 

[Cagey]

I've found that doing your own finish can be very satisfying, especially if you take the time to do it right, which is often a deep, meaningful pain in the ass that'll teach you a LOT about patience :laughing7:

Depends what you want. As I mentioned earlier, sometimes you want something that just isn't easily available any other way. Or, as has generally happened to me, you don't get a choice because the part just needs a finish for various unavoidable reasons. Then, whaddaya gonna do? Do it yourself, or go without.

My only point is to let people know that it's false economy to do their own finishing, particularly when it comes to Warmoth's products. They do a stellar and exemplary job for a reasonable cost, which would be difficult in the extreme to do on one's own. They're set up to do it right, using materials that are tough to use on your own, by talented folks who do it very well.

 

[Rick]

To do perfect home finish on my last build took over 50 hours over a number of months for both neck and body.  Sure I did it for less than $150 and got a unique finish—- sparkle highlights translucent gloss turquoise body with popping birds eye amber orange gold neck, and I’m proud of it, but boy there were a lot of lost opportunity costs.  My next build will be painted by warmoth

 

[spe111]

If they tell you it's flamed maple, it will be decent flamed maple in my limited experience.

 

[Verne Bunsen]

I agree with what has been said here: if you order flame or quilt you will get something nice that fits the bill. However, if you have your heart set on some specific quality or really want some big time WOW factor, spend the extra bucks and go for a Unique Choice that satisfies your expectations. We just recently had a thread here where a guy wanted some really over the top quilt but didn't go for the Unique Choice, and he received a really beautiful body with "normal" levels of quilting and was disappointed. It is an expense, but if it is critical to your satisfaction then spend the bucks to make sure you get what you want.

 

[Rick]

Agree with VB

 

[Kostas]

They have quality standards but the "Unique Choice" tops are priced higher for a reason, if extreme quilt is what you want either check 'em out or wait for a showcase body of your taste. You can also send them a photo of a guitar you like (or a showcase body) and ask for a top with similar wood grains.

A nice top will show it's potential only with a good finish and Warmoth's finishing department does a really good job. The 3D effect of their finishes is something you can see only in person, they look good in the photos but when you open the box is something else. If you think you can do justice to the top that's great, you'll have the pleasure of doing it yourself and you'll save money. Otherwise consider their services.

Here's an example, the color is washed black from 2008. When you see it from close it's like the top comes alive when you move it and that's from the finish.

 

[Cagey]

I could be wrong, but I think you need stereoscopic vision to really see the effect of figured woods with a high degree of chatoyance. I've never seen a photograph do one justice, but in real life, some of them are almost like optical illusions. I suspect it has to do with the light reflecting in different directions, which the camera just can't catch with a single lens.