Do you consider these tops "AAA Flamed Maple"?

[Top-L]

I would expect more for a 3K guitar.

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/LPSS00APNH--gibson-slash-les-paul-standard-appetite-amber?serial=210030124

[GuitarStv]

I give one A at best.

[beaubrummels]

Actually, they very well could be AAA. Lighting has a huge effect on flamed tops, and Sweetwater really floods the zone in a way that doesn't let you see everything.

[JMP/HBE]

Barley one notch above plaintop.

[Seashore]

The other three tops are nicer than the one they picked for the main shot. I agree that first one doesn't look too great in the photo. Maybe it's better in person? Maybe whoever was grading tops that day had a quota of triple As to fill? It's all a bit subjective. I love flamed maple and LPs, but I wouldn't pay what they're asking.

[Securb]

They are AAA based on Gibson's spec, but yeah, I would pass on all 4, the first one is just okay. I passed on many LPs before I bought my first one, and the top was the main reason I passed on a few of them.

[Mincer]

That rating is abused by many people.

[Securb]

That rating is abused by many people.

Well, it is a marketing thing more than anything, isn't it?

[Mincer]

Well, it is a marketing thing more than anything, isn't it?

Right. Most people think there is some insider wood knowledge along with some complicated-looking pie charts and graphs that state what the different 'flame ratings in maple' are. In reality, Slash and Gibson want to move some guitars.

[Top-L]

They are AAA based on Gibson's spec, but yeah, I would pass on all 4, the first one is just okay. I passed on many LPs before I bought my first one, and the top was the main reason I passed on a few of them.

I would rather have a solid than a bad flame.

[Rex_Rocker]

Ugh. Do people find that finish attractive? I hate the traffic-sign yellow color.

[Securb]

I would rather have a solid than a bad flame.

I have five Gibsons; 4 are solid finishes, one has the "AAA" top and I wouldn't even consider that the best-looking of the group.

[eclecticsynergy]

They don't look AAA to me, but I agree it could be the lighting. One or more of them might be stunning in person.
Still, great flame usually is apparent in almost any lighting, even if it isn't being shown at its best that way.

[JMP/HBE]

This one i had was AAAA.

[GuitarDoc]

There are lots of factors that go into rating the flame of maple. I've seen some legitimately rated AAAA wood that just "looked" like A to me as far as depth of flame is concerned. You also have to consider the consistency of the flame throughout the entire piece of wood (length and width), the size of the flame, etc. Those tops could very well be AAA tops, even though the 9lbs 1oz to me only appears to be A grade.