I would expect more for a 3K guitar.
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/de...paul-standard-appetite-amber?serial=210030124
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/de...paul-standard-appetite-amber?serial=210030124
Do you consider these tops "AAA Flamed Maple"?
- Thread starter Top-L
- Start date
beaubrummels
Well-known member
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.
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
One of Jerry's Kids
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.
I would rather have a solid than a bad flame.
Rex_Rocker
Well-known member
Ugh. Do people find that finish attractive? I hate the traffic-sign yellow color.
Securb
One of Jerry's Kids
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
Well-known member
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.
Still, great flame usually is apparent in almost any lighting, even if it isn't being shown at its best that way.
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.
Phantasmagoria
watch where you point that sabre
The one on the $350 Sterling Axis I bought last week looks way nicer than any of those and it's pretty so-so as far as flame tops go....for $350 it makes me happy. For $3500 ....uhm ..maybe not.
Veneer tops don't count. Any idea how hard it is to get an AAA grade flamed maple top, full thickness? Full thickness is 18-22mm. It's bloody darned hard.
Phantasmagoria
watch where you point that sabre
Hey I'll take your word for it, though you'd think a company like Gibson could probably source something a bit better than ^^ (guitars in the 1st post)
But as far as I'm concerned a decent looking veneer is still more my thing than an actual cap that's washed out looking especially if it's on a $3000+ guitar.
But as far as I'm concerned a decent looking veneer is still more my thing than an actual cap that's washed out looking especially if it's on a $3000+ guitar.
Texsunburst59
New member
This is the guitar top in question.
I wouldn’t pay big $$$ for this too .
Here’s the top on my ‘00 Gibson Classic Premium Plus that blows that top away.
I wouldn’t pay big $$$ for this too .
Here’s the top on my ‘00 Gibson Classic Premium Plus that blows that top away.
