Reply by Tennessee

Here in the South, there is more than one mill that is struggling, mainly due to housing not being where it was. I would concentrate on providing mainly as exotic woods as you can, and stay away from the “oak/maple/cherry” train if possible. And figure a planer in your plans.
I can buy 4/4 red oak, number one, ten foot long planks, knot free, planed 2S, 11-12 inches wide, for $2.50 a bd. ft. down here all day long. I’m paying $5.50 a bd. ft. for 4/4 AA flame maple. But odd stuff is higher, like true exotics like zebrawood and paduak. Like ssnvet says, you gotta put a LOT of BF through a mill, kiln and planer to make a living on domestics.

-- Paul, Tennessee, http://www.tsunamiguitars.com