What about Korina? I've seen Gibson Explorers made from it. Not sure about the tonal characteristics of it, though.

Also, as far as tonal characteristics of the wood are concerned, when in doubt, just get active pickups like EMGs and the wood pretty much goes out of the equation. Not entirely, of course, as a guitar made out of quality woods will sound better than a guitar made out of firewood, even if they both had EMGs. But EMGs and other actives are definitely a quick and easy way to get a pretty good sound out of a lower end guitar.

__________________