Episode 1
Wood Selection and UK Sourcing
Choosing the right tonewoods for a Les Paul — mahogany body, maple top — and where to source them in the UK without paying StewMac import fees.
Episode 1: Wood Selection and UK Sourcing
This is the first post in the Les Paul build log series.
What We’re Building
A Les Paul-style guitar with:
- Body: Mahogany back with carved maple top
- Neck: Mahogany with rosewood fretboard
- Finish: Purple/blueberry burst
Tonewood Choices
Mahogany Body
Mahogany is the classic choice for a Les Paul body. It gives warmth, sustain, and midrange presence. I sourced a two-piece body blank from Electric City Guitars — one of the better UK suppliers for pre-dimensioned body blanks.
Maple Top
The carved maple top adds brightness and articulation, and is what makes the burst finish pop. I used figured maple from a UK timber merchant rather than a guitar-specific supplier — significantly cheaper for the same quality.
UK Supplier Notes
| Supplier | What For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electric City Guitars | Mahogany blanks | Good stock, fast UK shipping |
| Axesrus | Hardware and misc | Excellent UK alternative to StewMac |
| Local timber merchant | Maple top | Check hardwood dealers — often 50% cheaper |
More detailed supplier comparison in the UK Suppliers section.