African Padauk Luthier Guitar Body Blank 21in x 14in x 1-3/4in

In this review the focus is a ready-sized Luthier guitar body blank milled from African Padauk, intended for builders who want a visually striking, stable tonewood blank to shape into an electric or bass solid body. The single biggest reason to consider this blank is its combination of kiln-dried stability and distinctive vermillion color, which saves a builder time on drying and gives a predictable starting point for routing and finishing. This review is written for makers who prioritize tonal character and straightforward preparation over ready-to-assemble kits.

Key Features

• African Padauk wood: The natural vermillion hue of Pterocarpus soyauxii provides a striking top color that can be showcased under thin finishes or dyes.
• Kiln dried to 6%-8% MC: The controlled moisture content reduces movement and shortens acclimation time before routing and gluing.
• Luthier blanks sized 21in x 14in x 1-3/4in: A conventional blank size that fits most solid body electric and bass templates for flexible design work.
• Glued, planed construction: The three-piece glued and planed blank offers a stable, flattened surface good for further milling and shaping.
• Tailored to specifications: The seller will adjust planing and glue-up options on request, which helps builders receive a blank closer to their workflow needs.

Who It's For

This blank is best suited to experienced luthiers and amateur builders who want a solid body blank with notable visual character and predictable stability; its kiln-dried state means less waiting and more immediate work on routing and shaping. Builders who plan to show the wood grain or use transparent finishes will appreciate the Padauk color and three-piece construction.

Novices who want a pre-routed, ready-to-assemble body or a pre-drilled neck pocket should look elsewhere, since this listing supplies a raw blank tailored for those prepared to do finish milling, routs and hardware placement themselves.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Distinctive padauk coloration gives a standout aesthetic for natural or translucent finishes.
• Kiln drying to 6%-8% MC provides dimensional stability and reduces acclimation time.
• Glued, planed three-piece construction creates a flat, workable surface for precise routing.
• Seller offers customization on planing and glue-up, useful for specific build requirements.

Cons

• Arrives as a raw blank requiring routing, drilling and finishing; not suitable for builders seeking plug-and-play bodies.
• Prices exclude duty for shipments outside the US, so international buyers should account for additional import costs.

Specifications

Wood Name	African Padauk (Pterocarpus soyauxii)
Dimensions	21in x 14in x 1-3/4in
Construction	Glued, planed (3 pieces)
Moisture Content	Kiln dried 6% to 8%
Intended Use	Luthier guitar body blanks for electric or bass
Customization	Planed and glued options available on request

Our Verdict

This African Padauk body blank is a strong pick for builders who want an eye-catching tonewood with good stability out of the crate; the kiln-dried, three-piece blank saves time and offers a reliable starting surface for routing and finishing. It represents solid value for luthiers prepared to do the machining and finishing work, while international buyers should factor in any additional duties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the blank ready to route?
The blank is planed and glued into three pieces, providing a flat surface ready for routing, but it is not pre-routed for cavities or hardware.

Can the seller alter thickness or glue-up?
Yes, planed and glued options can be tailored on request to meet specific luthier specifications.

What about shipping outside the US?
Prices are exclusive of duty for shipments outside the US, so import taxes and fees may apply and are the buyer's responsibility.