flame vs plain maple?

voxac30dude · 05-07-2008, 01:23 AM

i was wondering if there is any sound difference between a flame and a plain top les paul.

diceman · 05-07-2008, 01:32 AM

Nope! Some flame tops are veneers, which could possibly have a (so slight that you or I couldn't hear it) small effect compared to a plain top that wasn't a veneer, I guess. As far as I know - shouldn't make a difference at all...

ninny404 · 05-07-2008, 01:45 AM

Just a visual preference. As Diceman said, if there is a difference, you woudn't be able to hear it

Thickfreakness · 05-07-2008, 03:15 AM

Isn't the flame top more expensive?

shotgunlew · 05-07-2008, 03:56 AM

The difference in tone I believe would have to do with the density, how poreis the wood is, and such, I dont believe figure has anything to do with it, Some one here can correct me if im wrong ( roman, greg, )but i think i might be right

chris

johnbeloe · 05-07-2008, 04:06 AM

i also think that it can't make much, if any difference, but i read not that long ago in Guitarist Magazine that many feel plaintops sound better - may not be much truth in it, i don't know

ninny404 · 05-07-2008, 07:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thickfreakness

Isn't the flame top more expensive?

I think it's a difference of about $100.. same concept as the Studio < Standard & Standard < Custom, paying a bit more for a few cosmetic extras

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnbeloe

i also think that it can't make much, if any difference, but i read not that long ago in Guitarist Magazine that many feel plaintops sound better - may not be much truth in it, i don't know

Mostly likely just a way for them to feel superior when in actuality the "Flame"-Top is really just aesthetic. Either that, or it's just a mental thing, like people saying water has different tastes.

Eggy · 05-07-2008, 07:45 AM

Seeing as this is posted in the Epi section of the forum I'm gonna say no. There's no difference in tone between Epi falme and Epi plain tops because the tops are a thin veneer. When you get into the thicker pieces of maple on a Gibson then it'll take somebody more knowledgeable than me to tell you if there's a difference. I could perceive how there might be, two pieces bookmatched together against a one piece slab. It's possible that they might have tonal differences.

The million dollar question is which looks best?
For years I thought it was flame tops but since spending some time on this site I've seen some really beautiful plain tops.

hbucker · 05-07-2008, 09:51 AM

Does it (plain, flame, veneer) sound different? Does a blue guitar sound different than a red guitar?

Depending on the manufacturer a flame/quilt top can cost you hundreds more. Sometimes over a thousand. This is for a solid piece of flamed wood though. Not veneer. Veneer is usually only a little more expensive, if at all.

The lure of flame/quilt is that someone tends to look at the guitar and without ever touching it say, "Wow! What an awesome guitar!" The impression is that it is better when in fact it may only look better. At least most people like the look. Some prefer plain or solid colors. But they're wrong...

diceman · 05-07-2008, 10:45 AM

I LIKE plain tops and flame tops equally! As for price, the difference between an R8 and an R9 is about $2000!!!!!

Droog · 05-07-2008, 04:43 PM

I personally love the look of a figured plaintop. And if you go back to the original bursts of the '58-60 era, flametops were originally considered a flaw in the wood.

InTheEvening · 05-07-2008, 05:18 PM

I prefer plain tops....yet I own a standard plus.

Seriously though on an Epi I doubt if there is little if any difference in tone, atleast nothing I noticed.

My biggest regret though is not getting the standard plain top. It had all mahogany and I would have saved $100. Oh well...the plus top i have plays nicely.

diceman · 05-07-2008, 08:02 PM

...

WhippingPost · 05-07-2008, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Droog

I personally love the look of a figured plaintop.

LPJones · 05-07-2008, 11:02 PM

Plain Baby!!

Bucknasty · 05-07-2008, 11:11 PM

I love the plain top!

Rico · 05-07-2008, 11:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eggy

For years I thought it was flame tops but since spending some time on this site I've seen some really beautiful plain tops.

+1.

voxac30dude · 05-08-2008, 02:33 AM

do the lp plain tops really have a quarter inch maple cap or a veneer?

diceman · 05-08-2008, 03:42 AM

Not sure on the regular Epi line. My Elitist is a solid maple cap w/ no veneer...

Spike1882 · 05-08-2008, 10:57 PM

not to steal his thread or anything but i'm just wondering, is the plain top still arched like the standard plus? and i do like the look of plaintops now that i've seen some on here. and now i wish i had gone with one, but i love my standard plus.

voxac30dude · 05-08-2008, 11:08 PM

it wouldn't be a les paul standerd model if it didn't have a arched top. and dont worry your not stealing my thread. ask away my friend, ask away.

diceman · 05-08-2008, 11:15 PM

Traditionally, the only Les Paul models w/out carved tops are the Junior and the Special.

LMcI · 05-11-2008, 11:36 AM

Hmm, I think I prefer the gold....

(Sorry, couldn't resist).

L

05-07-2008, 01:23 AM	#1 (permalink)
voxac30dude Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: hawaii Posts: 257 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	flame vs plain maple? i was wondering if there is any sound difference between a flame and a plain top les paul.

05-07-2008, 01:32 AM	#2 (permalink)
diceman V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 6,454 Thanks: 16 Thanked 4 Times in 2 Posts	Re: flame vs plain maple? Nope! Some flame tops are veneers, which could possibly have a (so slight that you or I couldn't hear it) small effect compared to a plain top that wasn't a veneer, I guess. As far as I know - shouldn't make a difference at all... __________________ 1969 Gibson Deluxe / 08 Gibson R8 / Epi Elitists: Standard & Custom / Epi Custom & Studio Goth - '65 Fender Jaguar My Band: www.comeupswingingmusic.com or www.myspace.com/comeupswinging

05-07-2008, 01:45 AM	#3 (permalink)
ninny404 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Moreno Valley, CA Posts: 543 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: flame vs plain maple? Just a visual preference. As Diceman said, if there is a difference, you woudn't be able to hear it __________________ My Videos

05-07-2008, 03:15 AM	#4 (permalink)
Thickfreakness Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Haugesund, Norway Posts: 117 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: flame vs plain maple? Isn't the flame top more expensive? __________________ Why can’t a heterosexual guy tell a heterosexual guy that he thinks his booty is fly? Epiphone Les Paul Standard - Honeyburst Fender Champion 600

05-07-2008, 03:56 AM	#5 (permalink)
shotgunlew V.I.P. Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 2,782 Thanks: 28 Thanked 6 Times in 2 Posts	Re: flame vs plain maple? The difference in tone I believe would have to do with the density, how poreis the wood is, and such, I dont believe figure has anything to do with it, Some one here can correct me if im wrong ( roman, greg, )but i think i might be right chris __________________ 60% of the time...it works every time.... Gun Control = Using Both Hands!! Everyone Please Pray for Sgt Jeffery Crones and the rest of the boys in iraq! Get some boys! Chris "The Gunhand" Of the MLP Pirates Crew

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05-07-2008, 04:06 AM	#6 (permalink)
johnbeloe Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 200 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: flame vs plain maple? i also think that it can't make much, if any difference, but i read not that long ago in Guitarist Magazine that many feel plaintops sound better - may not be much truth in it, i don't know

05-07-2008, 07:45 AM	#8 (permalink)
Eggy Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Cumbria UK Posts: 439 Thanks: 3 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: flame vs plain maple? Seeing as this is posted in the Epi section of the forum I'm gonna say no. There's no difference in tone between Epi falme and Epi plain tops because the tops are a thin veneer. When you get into the thicker pieces of maple on a Gibson then it'll take somebody more knowledgeable than me to tell you if there's a difference. I could perceive how there might be, two pieces bookmatched together against a one piece slab. It's possible that they might have tonal differences. The million dollar question is which looks best? For years I thought it was flame tops but since spending some time on this site I've seen some really beautiful plain tops. __________________ My videos - http://uk.youtube.com/profile?user=Eggy777

05-07-2008, 09:51 AM	#9 (permalink)
hbucker Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 819 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: flame vs plain maple? Does it (plain, flame, veneer) sound different? Does a blue guitar sound different than a red guitar? Depending on the manufacturer a flame/quilt top can cost you hundreds more. Sometimes over a thousand. This is for a solid piece of flamed wood though. Not veneer. Veneer is usually only a little more expensive, if at all. The lure of flame/quilt is that someone tends to look at the guitar and without ever touching it say, "Wow! What an awesome guitar!" The impression is that it is better when in fact it may only look better. At least most people like the look. Some prefer plain or solid colors. But they're wrong... __________________

05-07-2008, 10:45 AM	#10 (permalink)
diceman V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 6,454 Thanks: 16 Thanked 4 Times in 2 Posts	Re: flame vs plain maple? I LIKE plain tops and flame tops equally! As for price, the difference between an R8 and an R9 is about $2000!!!!! __________________ 1969 Gibson Deluxe / 08 Gibson R8 / Epi Elitists: Standard & Custom / Epi Custom & Studio Goth - '65 Fender Jaguar My Band: www.comeupswingingmusic.com or www.myspace.com/comeupswinging

05-07-2008, 04:43 PM	#11 (permalink)
Droog Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 122 Thanks: 4 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: flame vs plain maple? I personally love the look of a figured plaintop. And if you go back to the original bursts of the '58-60 era, flametops were originally considered a flaw in the wood.

05-07-2008, 05:18 PM	#12 (permalink)
InTheEvening Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: On the moon Posts: 195 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: flame vs plain maple? I prefer plain tops....yet I own a standard plus. Seriously though on an Epi I doubt if there is little if any difference in tone, atleast nothing I noticed. My biggest regret though is not getting the standard plain top. It had all mahogany and I would have saved $100. Oh well...the plus top i have plays nicely.

05-07-2008, 08:02 PM	#13 (permalink)
diceman V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 6,454 Thanks: 16 Thanked 4 Times in 2 Posts	Re: flame vs plain maple? ... __________________ 1969 Gibson Deluxe / 08 Gibson R8 / Epi Elitists: Standard & Custom / Epi Custom & Studio Goth - '65 Fender Jaguar My Band: www.comeupswingingmusic.com or www.myspace.com/comeupswinging

05-07-2008, 11:02 PM	#15 (permalink)
LPJones Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Central New York Posts: 360 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: flame vs plain maple? Plain Baby!! __________________ 2003 Epiphone Elite Les Paul Standard 2004 Epiphone Zakk Wylde Bullseye 1987 Washburn D20S Peavey Valveking 112 (w/ Celestion Vintage 30)

05-07-2008, 11:11 PM	#16 (permalink)
Bucknasty Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Charleston, SC. Posts: 132 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: flame vs plain maple? I love the plain top!

05-08-2008, 02:33 AM	#18 (permalink)
voxac30dude Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: hawaii Posts: 257 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: flame vs plain maple? do the lp plain tops really have a quarter inch maple cap or a veneer?

05-08-2008, 03:42 AM	#19 (permalink)
diceman V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 6,454 Thanks: 16 Thanked 4 Times in 2 Posts	Re: flame vs plain maple? Not sure on the regular Epi line. My Elitist is a solid maple cap w/ no veneer... __________________ 1969 Gibson Deluxe / 08 Gibson R8 / Epi Elitists: Standard & Custom / Epi Custom & Studio Goth - '65 Fender Jaguar My Band: www.comeupswingingmusic.com or www.myspace.com/comeupswinging

05-08-2008, 10:57 PM	#20 (permalink)
Spike1882 Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 32 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: flame vs plain maple? not to steal his thread or anything but i'm just wondering, is the plain top still arched like the standard plus? and i do like the look of plaintops now that i've seen some on here. and now i wish i had gone with one, but i love my standard plus.

05-08-2008, 11:08 PM	#21 (permalink)
voxac30dude Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: hawaii Posts: 257 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: flame vs plain maple? it wouldn't be a les paul standerd model if it didn't have a arched top. and dont worry your not stealing my thread. ask away my friend, ask away.

05-08-2008, 11:15 PM	#22 (permalink)
diceman V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 6,454 Thanks: 16 Thanked 4 Times in 2 Posts	Re: flame vs plain maple? Traditionally, the only Les Paul models w/out carved tops are the Junior and the Special. __________________ 1969 Gibson Deluxe / 08 Gibson R8 / Epi Elitists: Standard & Custom / Epi Custom & Studio Goth - '65 Fender Jaguar My Band: www.comeupswingingmusic.com or www.myspace.com/comeupswinging

05-11-2008, 11:36 AM	#23 (permalink)
LMcI Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 26 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: flame vs plain maple? Hmm, I think I prefer the gold.... (Sorry, couldn't resist). L __________________ Larry ______________________ 2004 Epi Sheraton (recently departed) 2007 Fender AmDlx Strat (Tobacco burst) 2008 56 Epi LP Goldtop 2002 Home-made jobber (see insert)

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