I use mostly basswood, found a man in wisconsin that has really good wood and good prices.....good wood makes it a pleasure to carve! His site is
members.tripod.com/~woodsource/index.html if you order any, tell him Dave Dunlap referred you...I don't get anything but promised I would help him get some business...he has a one man mill set up, sometimes is fast with his order, sometimes a little slower, but he will get it out and it is terrific wood! Probably more info than you wanted LOL