Jump to content
Gibson Brands Forums

Gibson Les Paul Standard


iluvcrap2000

Recommended Posts

 

Whatcha think? Think it's a AAA top? I've been looking for months for something nice. thanks

Well, grading tops is largely a matter of opinion. Some say to much is made of it.

 

Really, it's just a guide.

 

The other side of it, it what it's SUPPOSED to be, as per the catalog, could effect "value" or price.

 

In other words, it hardly, barely matters what one THINKS is AAA or AA or AAAA for any given top.

 

If you want my opinion of this one, it's one of my personal favorites for what I personally like. Enough flame to pop out, not too much to not see the rest of the grain. Some interesting swirlies, and great color of the burst to compliment it. Like being in love with a woman, hard to see faults, but everything you see makes you fall more for it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

.

The top figuring is very nice, but still allows the grain to be seen. I like that, and I think it fits into Gibson's AAA grade range. BTW, beside the very nice figuring and grain lines, the burst is gorgeous on that one - love the subtle gradient.

 

The amount of figuring in the top is sometimes a crap shoot. First, there can be a lot of variance in each grade - A, AA, AAA, AAAA, AAAAA. Second, if Gibson doesn't specify the grade and just uses the term "figured", there can be a much wider variance in the figuring between guitar tops. Generally speaking, as a guide: A (aka Plaintop) has very little if any figuring. AA (aka 'Plus' top) has pronounced figuring but with some spottiness and figuring run outs in the center and the edges. AAA (aka 'Premium Plus' top) is nicely figured with a few run outs, but mostly the figuring goes to the edges. AAAA figuring goes out to the edges with good contrast between the light and dark bands and no run outs or bald spots. AAAAA is reserved for pieces with the most beautiful and highest amount of figuring.

 

 

.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm like a lot of other people. I couldn't tell what grade is what, just if I think it looks good or not. And I say take it and don't look back. It's a beautiful top. Now go forth and crank your amp to 10. At least

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

×
×
  • Create New...