Soundboard panels

[ANRPiano@AOL.COM]

I am about to take the plunge and do my first set of soundboards.  I hope to 
avoid a trip to the University of Hard Knocks and was hoping for a little 
help.  I have found at least four suppliers of panels and am wondering what 
your experiences are with the various sources out there.  Is there really 
that much difference between the different species?  Do some suppliers dry 
their panels more or less?  Are some suppliers more helpful in supplying 
unique panels?  Am I missing anything along these lines?  I know I have asked 
a couple questions which have no "right" answer, I am just looking for 
perspective and input.

Thanks in advance

Andrew Remillard