Maple Back Wood

[Yonkle]

Hi Guys: I am about to start my F5 #5, I actually sold one of my others and even made a little profit, so I have funds for a better one for me.
I want to get a very high figure quilt back. Can anyone direct me to a website or person who sells maple back wood, with the boards already bookmatched and squared off big enough to carve a back from.
I have a piece coming, but after seeing photos of it, I'm not sure about it. Once I see it up close I may change my mind, but I wanted a certain look and not sure if this one coming is it.
Is there a supplier who will send e mail pics of the slab, so you can see it first? Thanks for any Help. JD

[Bill Snyder]

Yonkle, you could contact Bruce Harvie at Orcas Island Tonewoods. I don't know if he will final join for you are not. His website does not appear to be updated very often, but several of the builders have posted pictures of instruments built with wood he supplied and some were stunning examples of quilted maple.
LMII sells quilted maple and they offer sanding and joining services. I don't know if they would email pictures of the piece before they joined it or not. You could always call and ask them.

[sunburst]

I saw some of the quilted maple that Bruce had, last summer at his wood barn. I don't know how much of that he has left, but it's the stuff!
I don't think he normally joints and mills backs, but the pieces I saw were wide enough for one piece backs anyway.

[austin]

John(Yonkle), I don't know about the pictures, but every piece of quilt I have gotten from Bruce has been spectacular, although some required more milling than others. #Lmi is a good bet if you spend the $$ on their "high figure" stuff. #If you need help with the milling and joining, give me a call or email me, you are welcome to come use my shop and tools.

[Yonkle]

Thanks Austin: I will e mail you later about this JD

[Luthier]

....and if push comes to shove, send me what you need and I shall be happy to machine and glue it for you.

Don