UK

UK Timber Merchants for Guitar Tonewoods

An overview of UK-based timber merchants who supply body and neck blanks for guitar building. A guide to sourcing mahogany, maple, ash, and alder without US imports.

4/5

UK Timber Merchants for Guitar Tonewoods

For UK guitar builders, sourcing tonewoods domestically saves significantly on import costs, shipping times, and customs duty. Several UK timber merchants stock guitar-appropriate wood, though you may need to know what to ask for.

What to Look For

When sourcing from a general timber merchant (not a specialist luthier supplier), look for:

  • Quarter-sawn stock where possible (especially for necks)
  • Kiln-dried or air-dried to 8–12% moisture content
  • Straight grain, minimal knots
  • Appropriate dimensions (body blanks typically 450 x 350 x 50mm)

Exotic Hardwoods UK

Stocks mahogany, maple, rosewood, ebony, and other tonewoods. Will cut to size. Good for figured maple tops.

North Heigham Sawmills (Norwich)

A long-established UK timber merchant with a wide range of hardwoods. Has supplied luthiers directly and understands guitar-building requirements.

Tips for Buying from General Timber Merchants

  • Ask for “musical instrument grade” or “air-dried” stock
  • Request specific gravity data if available (important for tone)
  • Buy slightly oversized and dimension yourself for best results
  • Check CITES compliance on rosewood and ebony before purchasing

Verdict

UK timber merchants can be an excellent and cost-effective source for tonewoods, especially for common species like mahogany, ash, and alder. For figured maple tops or specialist species, a dedicated hardwood specialist like Exotic Hardwoods UK may be a better starting point.