Most stock makers have a ready supply, however it isn't uncommon for a customer to bring his own wood to the maker either. If you buy your own, please talk to a good dealer (like Luxus above). Grain flow through the grip of your stock is quite important.
I always like the ones with awesome color, wild grain flow in the butt, great grain flow in the grip, dense, air dried, fiddle back, good contrast, dark streaks, etc... When you find a bunch of these really cheap,let me know would ya. Maybe as a finder's fee I can buy you a piece.
Really though, Clay has some great wood and is quite reasonable on price. If you are looking to do the project soon, let him know you want it dry and ready to go as he also sells green wood. It's less expensive, but you have to wait a few years. He just got two more shipping containers of Turkish Walnut in recently (i.e. he has a lot of wood).
If the maker you choose is close by, it is always nice to hold the wood in your hands. It beats a picture by a long shot. If it looks good in a picture most of the time it looks great in person.
My 2cents
