I've got this piece of timber to identify.
I cleaned it back a bit to show the grain better. It's plain sawn, I think. I've got a bit of reading to do to see how it might affect the build. I found this.
@Owen kindly sent me a headphone practice module that he got from @Chopthebass. It's got an Aux-in as well. Another member has promised to send me a rather nice pre-amp too.
In addition, I've posted a topic in Recycling asking for donor instruments that are beyond economic repair so that I might start a parts collection.
I should start sketching soon.