Selection of laminate tops

[migetkotla]

Is it just me or has the selection gone down?
It also seems like for some models of guitars, Warmoth will offer a wider selection of wood.  Does anyone have the explanation?  Just wondering if it's a seasonal thing and/or should we just go back and forth checking to see if/when they might offer a special selection of wood we were hoping to see/use?      Sometimes they have maple valued at about $300 and at others no higher than maybe $150.

On a related note, anyone ever use/order/see that very detailed mahogany laminate that Warmoth has offered for at least half a year now?  I've been very interested although it looks a little risky because it's so fine it could be hit or miss....a big miss.  I love Mahogany though and if someone has experience with the laminate tops I'm talking about please let me know.  Thanks again!

 

[line6man]

It also seems like for some models of guitars, Warmoth will offer a wider selection of wood.  Does anyone have the explanation?

Size.

 

[Day-mun]

It also seems like for some models of guitars, Warmoth will offer a wider selection of wood.  Does anyone have the explanation?

Size.

-I KNEW wood size mattered!  :icon_jokercolor:

 

[migetkotla]

That point seems right...  Is there though a better time of the year where within a given body size there are more offerings?  If you look at the individual selection for strats at this time, for example, you will find mahogany reduced to just a few sheets and they only come in one design.  There used to be so much more.  Should we expect more soon................I'm hoping summers are somehow better for their wood supply?  :laughing7:

 

[Cagey]

I don't know what their policies/practices are, but I tend to doubt it's a seasonal thing. It's more likely that when they're cutting up lumber after it's been seasoned they come across some exemplary pieces and decide to set them aside for sale at a premium. Even from the same tree the densities and grain patterns will vary as you chop it up. Also, I suspect they probably don't maintain a huge stock of glory cuts. It's money sitting dead still, plus it takes up space.

 

[TonyFlyingSquirrel]

I don't know what their policies/practices are, but I tend to doubt it's a seasonal thing. It's more likely that when they're cutting up lumber after it's been seasoned they come across some exemplary pieces and decide to set them aside for sale at a premium. Even from the same tree the densities and grain patterns will vary as you chop it up. Also, I suspect they probably don't maintain a huge stock of glory cuts. It's money sitting dead still, plus it takes up space.

Partly true, space is certainly limited, but sizes in relation to current body templates, ie; 1/8th" tops for most solidbody drop tops, and thicker ones for carved tops.  Other factors are previous sales figures for certain body types.  If demand is low, then supply should match that to some degree to make other offerings available where there is indeed demand.

 

[Cagey]

I didn't think space was a huge factor, just an influence. What I didn't mention and meant to is that Warmoth doesn't seem to punish the casual customer with non-descript wood. All their offerings look great. I've never gotten any exposed wood from them that wasn't absolutely beautiful. It's only the truly outstanding pieces that get set aside, and there just aren't that many of them so stock will fluctuate.

 

[TonyFlyingSquirrel]

I didn't think space was a huge[/It's only the truly outstanding pieces that get set aside, and there just aren't that many of them so stock will fluctuate.

That's the idea, that was how I was directed when it was my job there. It was a lot of fun!

 

[Wolfie351]

My guess is the transition to thinner veneers has depleted what's available on the website builder when they took down the thicker carved-top laminates.  And, not all of the old Fender tops would work for the new W bodies.  It would take time to slice up all the older tops, photograph them and then present them online.  Or, they're just saving the old tops for special requests

 

[Wolff05]

Cagey is mostly right. Number of figured tops/ unique choice + build to orders = availability. It's always a gamble of what we're going to get. Nature makes what nature makes, and that's the beauty of it.

They don't grow on trees you know... oh wait

 

[migetkotla]

I see for certain guitars bodies there are a few added laminate top selections.  If I had more patience, I would just wait and order when the new laminate tops are added - but most times I order a Warmoth body/neck when I'm in that build a guitar mood!  Still, in the past I've seen a much larger selection of laminate tops.    Hope that happens again soon!