AAA maple top question

[dleth]

What makes a maple top AA or AAAA.

Also, does anyone know how the maple tops on the re-issues would be graded?

 

I've posted a picture of my R0 on a previous thread and am curious about the top.

Thanks

[rockstar232007]

Gibson grades their tops (A, AA, AAA, etc) on a number of factors.

 

1.) The color of the maple (dark vs. light)

2.) The amount of figure (plain vs. light figure vs. extreme figure (killer top))

3.) The direction of the figure/flame (grain orientation, etc)

 

A "AA" top would be something like Jimmy Page's #1, and a "AAAA" top would be something like the ones used for Les Paul Supreme.

[GibSinCity]

What makes a maple top AA or AAAA.

 

Basically, it has to do with how pronounced the flame figuring is.

That and the amount of, and or length of the figuring.

 

"Slightly Figured" probably "AA"

http://i17.ebayimg.com/01/i/001/3b/5a/ce0b_12.JPG

 

"Highly Figured" probably at least "AAAA"

http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/8749/img9470xb3.jpg

 

Scroll about halfway down at this page and there will be expanding thumbnails of various grades of Maple.

 

http://www.warwick.de/modules/custom_shop/options.php?TYP=WOODS&submenuID=14620&katID=14627&cl=EN

 

Hope this helps.

[BigKahune]

A couple of good answers there.

 

Gibson sometimes shys away from grades using the more loose terms: "figured" and "highly figured", so they have some wiggle room on the interpretation. I recall when the Dark Fire came out there were a lot of people complaining about the top figuring, because somehow a quote got out that the Dark Fire was spec'ed "AAA", and some tops were definitely not "AAA", not even "AA". Gibson always claimed the spec was "figured". Anyway, you can see way these grades can cause problems.

 

The reissues - Gibson is careful there, usually using the words "figured" or "flamed". The ones I've seen run from "AA" to "AAA", although I have seen a couple owned by members here that would be "AAAA". So you can see why Gibson is sticking with words rather than grades.

 

My LP was spec'ed by Gibson to have a "AAA" top (yep, graded), so here it is for comparison -

 

[dleth]

A couple of good answers there.

 

Gibson sometimes shys away from grades using the more loose terms: "figured" and "highly figured"' date=' so they have some wiggle room on the interpretation. I recall when the Dark Fire came out there were a lot of people complaining about the top figuring, because somehow a quote got out that the Dark Fire was spec'ed "AAA", and some tops were definitely not "AAA", not even "AA". Gibson always claimed the spec was "figured". Anyway, you can see way these grades can cause problems.

 

The reissues - Gibson is careful there, usually using the words "figured" or "flamed". The ones I've seen run from "AA" to "AAA", although I have some a couple owned by members here that would be "AAAA". So you can see why Gibson is sticking with words rather than grades.

 

My LP was spec'ed by Gibson to have a "AAA" top (yep, graded), so here it is for comparison -

 

[img']http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww249/BigKahune/LPflametopsm.jpg[/img]

 

 

Thanks for clarifying that BigKahune. Especially with your own example.

I guess what it really comes down to is: If you get what is nice to you, then who cares how it is spec'd. I personally really like lots of deep flaming tiger stripes. Actually I think I like them all for different reasons. Are nine's new 68 re-issue is a beautiful example of solid color with really nice hardware.

 

Dave

[Hall]

The highest grade, is not always the one you will like most.

[BigKahune]

dleth -

 

I commented on your top in the other thread. It is very premium - "highly figured". It would be graded at least "AAA" and probably "AAAA". You've got beautiful, wide flame banding with standout visability that runs all the way to the edges of the top. Sometimes the bands "run out" before (don't continue to) the edge of the top, but yours runs all the way to the edge. The flame banding is also easily visible through the darkest parts of the burst finish. The figuring is very consistant throughout and there are no "dead spots" where the figuring is too faint to be seen. Outstanding. I copied in a pic of yours so people can quickly see what we're talking about.

 

dleth's R0 -

[rocketman]

It really is all subjective. I've seen some AA's that I think are AAA's. Here are my two AAA's:

 

 

[BigKahune]

Rocketman -

 

They're both awesome.

 

Your stunning 339 is giving me major GAS. Whoa!

[dleth]

Gorgeous guitars.

Must be awesome in person.

[deepblue]

Gibson calls my R9 "AAA"

Warmoth calls my Fender neck "AAA"

 

Can you guys see a difference?

 

 

[BigKahune]

deepblue -

 

More gorgeous flame.

 

Man that top is really nice.

 

In the photo, the neck flame is not quite as prominent and I see a couple dead spots.

 

I'd say the top in more toward "AAAA" and the neck is in the "AAA" range. But that's IMHO.

[deepblue]

deepblue -

 

More gorgeous flame.

 

Man that top is really nice.

 

In the photo' date=' the neck flame is not quite as prominent and I see a couple dead spots.

 

I'd say the top in more toward "AAAA" and the neck is in the "AAA" range. But that's IMHO.

 

[/quote']

 

 

Thanks Big Kahune....

I always thought it was more of a "AAAA" but who am I to argue with Gibby.

 

Your guitar has some sweet flame too.....thats a beautiful top.