It is always satisfying to plane bridge blanks and find colours like these hidden under the oxidized and rough-cut surface. As with most of the wood we use, a straight-grained piece cut on the quarter is best but equally important is the species. I prefer a relatively lightweight rosewood although I save the lightest ones for my flamencas. If I am planning on inlaying anything in the wings I like to use the darkest bridge available since that makes the job easier to do cleanly.