There are the traditional choices... then there are the gazillion other great options!
In this video I go through what properties make great back brace wood and why you should worry less about it.
Please note that this video is specifically for back braces. When it comes to the soundboard braces that are under many different forces one should carefully weigh the pros and cons of trying a non-traditional wood.
I actually use 5 species of wood for my top bracing, but each is carefully chosen according to what stresses are acting on them and what physical properties would be of most benefit in its place in the system.
Hope you enjoy this video!
-Zach
