I like the Shedua or Imbouya in the standard woods--love the Cocobolo in mine though. Since Yew is no extra in a Crusader, why not get Yew cores with a darker veneer? Walnut is sharp, and really dark. My experience has been like Pat's--the Yew limbs in both my Crusaders has darkened--the older one is a dark golden hue-but you may not want to wait for yours to do that. In my opinion Yew is the best limb wood for a Crusader--mine gains 2.5# per inch--but for a darker wood, go with Walnut or Walnut veneers over Yew cores. The center core is usually actionwood, but you have a choice on that too. If you need more info., you can give me a holler.

Chad