NGD Slash AFD - a bit disappointed

[el dug]

I like the top on your guitar, I also have owned a couple Slash standards. Great guitars!

I returned an AFD because I wasn’t happy with top and it has a couple finish issues.
I was a bit hesitant to return cause it played great and was under 9lbs.

However I found another one that has the look I wanted, weight, neck profile etc..
I immediately bought it, because it is exactly what I was looking for, I love the new guitar and every time I open the case I think “what a beautiful guitar “

Here’s a pic I think of his original AFD guitar. Flame tops can be difficult to capture in an image.

Here’s a few pics of mine, you can see how it looks change in every angle.(pro pics from dealer too)

 

[shyre]

Here's mine, they're different, it's the nature of wood.

 

[L3rxst]

I think it’s a great top, a little understated maybe but classier for that.
More worryingly are you US guys still using 40W incandescent lamps??

 

[drivers1959]

I like the top on your guitar, I also have owned a couple Slash standards. Great guitars!

I returned an AFD because I wasn’t happy with top and it has a couple finish issues.
I was a bit hesitant to return cause it played great and was under 9lbs.

However I found another one that has the look I wanted, weight, neck profile etc..
I immediately bought it, because it is exactly what I was looking for, I love the new guitar and every time I open the case I think “what a beautiful guitar “

Here’s a pic I think of his original AFD guitar. Flame tops can be difficult to capture in an image.

Here’s a few pics of mine, you can see how it looks change in every angle.(pro pics from dealer too)

congrats....here's my 2017 Slash Anaconda

 

[Zac911]

So ... first off, I think your guitar is gorgeous, and congrats to you for scoring such a fine instrument. That being said, flame can vary depending on the angle. You just walk into Guitar Center and see so much maple-top flame everywhere (even the cheap and illegal Chibsons are all flamed out) that it loses its "special" factor to me. Personally, I prefer more "understated". I know that there are many here that differ from that viewpoint and want the Flame Meter to be pegged on "10". Your guitar actually looks pretty flamey to me so some slight variances in "flame strength" to me would be a good thing. That is just me, though. Aside from the flame, do you have any thoughts on the overall fit/finish and how it plays?? (just curious)

Not that my opinion matters at all- I think you are spot on with your Understated comment. I've owned some brilliant flame top guitars that are just incredible to look at, and in my hands it feels like peacocking or undeserved.

I tend to gravitate towards satin finishes and gold tops for sure. I focus more on what I pick up and play the most- If it feels right you go with that.

At the end of the day what matters is the OP's feelings / bonding with the guitar. You can't fake it- You either love it or find something you do.

 

[Guitar gods]

I've got new LP Slash Appetite AFD and feel a bit disappointed with the top. Seeing various photos online I expected more visible horizontal burst lines, however my guitar seems to have more understated lines.

What do you think? Is it how it's supposed to be?

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Trouble is that slash never played a gibson les paul on AFD.

 

[Dr Don]

I've got new LP Slash Appetite AFD and feel a bit disappointed with the top. Seeing various photos online I expected more visible horizontal burst lines, however my guitar seems to have more understated lines.

What do you think? Is it how it's supposed to be?

I bought these 2 LP clones a few weeks apart, they were posted as being basically identical. As you can see, they take some liberty in the top grain. I didn't mind so much as I was more interested in the maple fingerboards. But being as wood is naturally occurring and patterns aren't definite, I guess they use that fact to fudge a bit.

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[Cygnus X-1]

Since it’s on topic here’s my CS that I ordered to replicate the AFD model.

 

[Joeydego]

Not saying this to be spammy and I’m not a shill. Gibsons are great at being Gibsons and understated flame tops are part of it. Knaggs and other high end brands even their standard tops beat most historics and high end Gibsons. A PRS private stock kind of top is one in a million on a gibson. Some of the historic flame tops look so poorly matched to me it’s a wonder anyone bought them.

 

[Guitar gods]

Trouble is that slash never played a gibson les paul on AFD.

Not to say that that's not an attractive guitar, because it looks fantastic. I'm just always amazed how gibson and slash have exploited this business arrangement. I get the feeling slash maintains gibson as a business.

 

[Slash'n'Burn]

If you really want a specific flame or maple look then you need to pick one in a store.
They will always publish photos of their best example, not their typical.

 

[Ryan opfer]

My AFD I had but my Wildwood Select gets the nod..

 

[LeftyF2003]

I have one of the '90 Pre-Historic super tops on my '59 RI, but it looks downright dull unless it's in the right light. Here it is in the sun looking super flamey:

I can't find a pic from indoors in low light, but it looks almost like a plain top.

 

[vintageguitarz]

Well wouldn't a "Disappointing Slash Appetite AFD" be expected from a Disappointing Has-been Saul Hudson that endorses China Junk Epiphoney's??

 

[SamMoor]

I've got new LP Slash Appetite AFD and feel a bit disappointed with the top. Seeing various photos online I expected more visible horizontal burst lines, however my guitar seems to have more understated lines.

What do you think? Is it how it's supposed to be?

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It is somewhat underwhelming but with wood it's always the tree that decides how it grows and what it will look like. Some are more spectacular, some less.
I don't want to be an asshole but if you buy a guitar without even having seen pictures of the actual instrument you're buying you really are gambling big time. Especially with a flame top.
I always tell people to buy their instruments in a shop, where they can actually see it, try it, touch it, smell it, play it. ESPECIALLY Gibsons that still are inconsistent in quality.

 

[Guitar gods]

To be honest, I find all these artist replicas the antithesis of rock n roll. If you want a Clapton strat, buy a strat, you want a hendrix flying v, get a v off the peg. Its all these guys did. We get all wrapped up in what these guys play when in reality these players just bought from a store.

 

[80smetalhead]

Here’s three different shots of my 2003 Gibson Les Paul Standard. They each look completely different depending on the light and angle they are shot. The difference in how the top flame looks is significant. FYI-I’ve swapped pickups a couple of times.

 

[Sneaks]

Cool looking guitar
LP’s without PG is just an ESP

Or some would say pick guards on a LP are like mud flaps on a Bugatti

 

[Wheelr]

I've got new LP Slash Appetite AFD and feel a bit disappointed with the top. Seeing various photos online I expected more visible horizontal burst lines, however my guitar seems to have more understated lines.

What do you think? Is it how it's supposed to be?

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As it ages it will get better n better, just need the shit played outta it!! It looks reallly goood

 

[musicman10_1]

the flame on mine is more or less visible depending on light and angle of viewing.