There seems to be a lot of folklore around wood used for instrument bracing. I have Sitka Spruce, Red (Appalachian) Spruce, Hemlock and New England Spruce. Red Spruce seems to be favored right now because it has a high modulus, (Stiffness/ Strength to weight ratio), but Sitka is very close and works fine for most instruments. I can provide sticks so you can cut your own braces, cut-to-size pieces or fully roughed out braces.