Lights Out for me.
Main starter is slate over glass, with any hardwood. I also have maybe 8-10 different Lights Out strikers, mostly the laminated ones.
Aluminum is a bit louder, I've got several of those too.
Favorite wood? I like harder woods like; laminates, padauk, bubinga, etc.
Persimmon dyed green is one of my favorites too...
Just tell him what you want, and he generally gets it right!
mudhen