les paul maple top

[JPizzzle]

Hey all,
Just wondering if someone can tell me why the flame tops are book matched instead of just using one solid piece. Is it because the chevron would not be symetrical? Are there any lp flame tops that are one piece maple? just curious
p.s. if there are can someone post a pic thx!!!!!

 

[marklp69]

I've seen 'em. They're out there. I think a bunch went to Japan at some point, but I don't have any pics.

 

[Mr Bones]

You can find them, but the reason is as simple as wide trees rarer than skinny trees.

 

[LoKi]

The book match does 2 things for aesthetics.

1: It creates a center seam, which gives the guitar symmetry along the body, with the line going straight up the middle from strap button to neck.

2: Bookmatches are never 'perfect' so this creates an organic or unique feel that give each guitar its own artistic personality.

There are 1 piece tops out there, but they don't look right to me. PRS has a few too.

 

[LongBeach]

IMO a solid top would look better than the seamed.
My Classic is a solid top, not A, AA, or AAA, but I really like the solid grain pattern.
I understand the symmetry theory, but I personally
dont like it "because" the pattern does not align.

Years ago I was in the veneer lumber buis. and yes, the
large diameter tree's are few and far between, but the biggest
problem is worm holes, knots, imperfections in general due to their
age.

 

[155]

I agree that it gives the organic look.when you see some with perfect pattern they are most likley veneers(not lps). Its wood a natually occuring substance it cant be perfect. Also some are bookmatched but when the carving is done it looks different because there is more material in some areas and less on others.

 

[JPizzzle]

interesting, thx for the info all. checked out the prs one piece, looks interesting. Couldn't find a flame les paul one piece pic though

 

[Robster]

One piece tops are hard to come by, maple trees are usually fairly 'skinny'. They're very tall, but not very wide. I'm sure it's primarily a cost issue - maple boards wider than 10-12 inches are very expensive, due to the lack of availability.

R

 

[dwagar]

this goes all the way back to violin construction, the backs are always seamed I think.
And on the big archtops, the good maple was saved for the backs, usually spruce on the tops.
The joining and matching is part of the artistry.
Costwise, it'd probably be cheaper to use a one piece top. Although the wood may cost a tiny bit more, think of the steps in construction they'd save.