Hi Stereo
We don't use Maple (with the exception of Tuning Bars sometimes), but I wanted to address the size comment. The more refined the wood platform business gets the more your going to see platforms graded by tone. A lot of times to get the lower tones you go with a bigger board and different thicknesses. So, some of these guys are going to look a little "too big, chunky" but that might be on purpose to achieve a certain sound. The whole science of mechanical transfer is a blast.
Michael Green
www.michaelgreenaudio.net