i used to think flame top meant they would take an actual flame to the wood and it would bring out that striping. and with quilt tops it was just a different pattern they did with the flame. now im wiser and know its just a different type of maple wood. there are a lot of beautiful woods out there. my fav, lacewood
http://www.harryj.net/lacewood.jpg
a bit busy but in a deep red i bet the iridescences of the "lace" would really shine through