Best controller for modding?

[Zilverwood]

I've been looking to get into modding recently and wanted to invest in a good controller to mod, but I'm not sure which type of controller I should get. I was looking on Japanese Amazon for controllers, and I'm In between an original JP white, a sm4sh white/black, or an Emerald blue. I'm curious which has the biggest chance of having a T3 stick box and in general some pros and cons for the different types of controllers.

For context, I was going to get the FIRES Performance Modkit and a snapback capacitor. I'm also interested in trying to make various notches later down the line.