Very much "in school" for Southern, and TN specifically as far as I have developed my knowledge. AND also, that it can be QUITE challenging to carve (and neatly inlet) with the HARDsoftHARDsoft effect of the porosity of the grains.
Some say they'll never build with Ash again. I'm trying one of those next, you know, whilst i'm young and full of enthusiasm.
Join the club.
Also, a lot of Ash is being destroyed by the ash borer. If you have a "grand list" project that requires a piece, I'd go ahead an get it before any shortage changes stock blank pricing. About half the Ash timber coming off my place was affected, and the USForestry guys said "cut it all" there may be no more. Dangole bugs. This borer leaves huge holes, not "wormy" holes but the size of carpenter bees.