Bare Knuckle Pickups Forum

Forum Ringside => Guitars, Amps and Effects => Topic started by: Twinfan on May 06, 2009, 12:58:37 PM

Title: What do you think of this maple top?
Post by: Twinfan on May 06, 2009, 12:58:37 PM
I can't decide if I like it.  Clearly a slip-match that isn't really that close a match as the wood grains are very different.  Not what I would expect on a mid-high end PRS.....

(http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r267/junkacct/DSC_0262.jpg)
Title: Re: What do you think of this maple top?
Post by: bamboofrog on May 06, 2009, 01:04:18 PM
I like the lower half, really nice tiger stripes but they don't match up well enough for me. It would bug me :(
Title: Re: What do you think of this maple top?
Post by: MDV on May 06, 2009, 01:09:22 PM
Its a cool colour scheme, but the bookmark isnt very good.
Title: Re: What do you think of this maple top?
Post by: d1dsj on May 06, 2009, 01:11:42 PM
I think the fact they don't match up appeals to me.... what model is that?
Title: Re: What do you think of this maple top?
Post by: AndyR on May 06, 2009, 01:23:52 PM
I think I'm with d1dsj...

I find that much more appealing than most of the PRS shots I see on here.

Surely it can't be just cos the stripes don't match?! If that was the case, you could sell me custom double-glazing, where the frames don't match, at a higher price than the standard matching solution! :lol:

But the colour - oh wowwww, for me that's absolutely yummm....

So what is "mid-high end PRS" - not down near £600-£800 I'm guessing! :lol:
Title: Re: What do you think of this maple top?
Post by: Twinfan on May 06, 2009, 01:48:13 PM
It's a Modern Eagle in Red Tiger - a colour only available on that model.

As you guys say, it's a rubbish slip match.  Book match would, in fact, match(!) as the log is split like a book.  Slip matching is when two separate pieces of wood are slid together into a matching place.

Or not  :lol:

Interesting opions so far with more liking than not liking....
Title: Re: What do you think of this maple top?
Post by: Lew on May 06, 2009, 02:34:26 PM
I think it looks great too
Title: Re: What do you think of this maple top?
Post by: PPPMAT on May 06, 2009, 03:15:36 PM
I like it but then I am more drawn to the more unusal PRS tops
Title: Re: What do you think of this maple top?
Post by: FernandoDuarte on May 06, 2009, 03:21:19 PM
If it's a bookmatched, the saw they used to split it is alike 1inch thick :lol:
the lines on the half don't match in any place...
Title: Re: What do you think of this maple top?
Post by: Twinfan on May 06, 2009, 03:25:01 PM
It's not bookmatched for sure.

Interesting to feel the love for this guitar.  Maybe I should buy it....
Title: Re: What do you think of this maple top?
Post by: Lew on May 06, 2009, 03:36:58 PM
I used to be drawn to 'perfect' tops, flames that were dead straight and bookmatched and long tubular quilts but over the last year or so I've been far more drawn to the unique tops - they just seem to have more character. Anyway, top aside that finish is really really good looking.
Title: Re: What do you think of this maple top?
Post by: blue on May 06, 2009, 03:41:52 PM
yeah, i've always preferred the more unusual looking tops.  that one's quite good looking, moody.

i remember a Gibson ad with Aerosmith in it, Brad Whitford was holding a Les Paul with a flame top where one part of it had a big freaky bit (bad description), i loved that guitar! 
Title: Re: What do you think of this maple top?
Post by: exoslime on May 06, 2009, 03:45:09 PM
i like it... its something you dont see everyday...
Title: Re: What do you think of this maple top?
Post by: WezV on May 06, 2009, 03:51:03 PM
it would be great as a bonus on a cheaper maple topped model...

but for the price they would be asking for this guitar i would want better


Title: Re: What do you think of this maple top?
Post by: Dazza1004 on May 06, 2009, 03:57:39 PM
it would be great as a bonus on a cheaper maple topped model...

but for the price they would be asking for this guitar i would want better




+1
Title: Re: What do you think of this maple top?
Post by: hunter on May 06, 2009, 03:59:07 PM
I like.

What I would do is replace the bridge screws with matte nickel ones like they do on some guitars I've seen, e.g. this one:

(http://www.guitars4you.co.uk/guitars/2602c.jpg)
Title: Re: What do you think of this maple top?
Post by: blue on May 06, 2009, 04:47:58 PM
it would be great as a bonus on a cheaper maple topped model...

but for the price they would be asking for this guitar i would want better




+1

that is a very good point! i do like it, but for what a modern eagle costs, it's not really on.
Title: Re: What do you think of this maple top?
Post by: Bradock PI on May 06, 2009, 04:57:57 PM
The problem isnt that they don't match so much that the bottom half is really interesting and different and the top half looks like it should be the other half to a book or slip match. If the top didn't match but was also interesting it would be cool but as it is I think it looks a dog and the novelty would soon wear thin.
Title: Re: What do you think of this maple top?
Post by: Crazy_Joe on May 06, 2009, 05:29:07 PM
I like the top but i think the gold hardware ruins it.
Title: Re: What do you think of this maple top?
Post by: dave_mc on May 06, 2009, 05:58:02 PM
Its a cool colour scheme, but the bookmark isnt very good.

agreed.
Title: Re: What do you think of this maple top?
Post by: shobet on May 06, 2009, 06:25:05 PM
Is slip matching the same as flich matching?

From my understanding how the wood was cut would also effect the figuring and grain? Could this be from a flat sawn, rift sawn or quarter sawn plank? I believe carving the top would also change the grain and figuring. 
Title: Re: What do you think of this maple top?
Post by: Philly Q on May 06, 2009, 06:45:27 PM
it would be great as a bonus on a cheaper maple topped model...

but for the price they would be asking for this guitar i would want better


+1

+ another 1.

Personally I can't get all that excited about bookmatched maple tops anyway, so I think this one is actually more interesting.  But given the price they're taking the piss.
Title: Re: What do you think of this maple top?
Post by: Afghan Dave on May 06, 2009, 06:57:27 PM
it would be great as a bonus on a cheaper maple topped model...

but for the price they would be asking for this guitar i would want better


+1

+ another 1.

Personally I can't get all that excited about bookmatched maple tops anyway, so I think this one is actually more interesting.  But given the price they're taking the piss.

Same here.

I really like this top - its got bags of character and a lovely colour but I'd be a fool to pay what they would be asking. Shame really.
Title: Re: What do you think of this maple top?
Post by: Jonny on May 06, 2009, 08:59:07 PM
I only like the left side of it.

I like more dark/light contrast than big stripes of dark.
Title: Re: What do you think of this maple top?
Post by: Twinfan on May 06, 2009, 09:31:21 PM
How about if it was £2500?  Would that make it more attractive?
Title: Re: What do you think of this maple top?
Post by: Dmoney on May 06, 2009, 09:37:02 PM
you couldnt give me that junk for free....






...maybe
Title: Re: What do you think of this maple top?
Post by: Will on May 06, 2009, 09:51:16 PM
That top has way too much figuring for the kind of character I like.

I would prefer the border of plain / lightly flamed, depending on angle. Sorry, but yuck!
Title: Re: What do you think of this maple top?
Post by: d1dsj on May 06, 2009, 09:56:36 PM
How about if it was £2500?  Would that make it more attractive?

Hell yeah!! I'd have it for sure if I had the money and I'd gig the thing to death given the chance.
Title: Re: What do you think of this maple top?
Post by: Tellboy on May 06, 2009, 09:57:05 PM
It's not bookmatched for sure.

Interesting to feel the love for this guitar.  Maybe I should buy it....

Come on Dave.......you knew you wanted buy it before you started this thread  :lol:

It must be at least a week since you've bought a guitar. Gordon Brown is relying on you to get the economy moving. If you stop buying guitars the UK will really be in the ***t  PDT_003
Title: Re: What do you think of this maple top?
Post by: shobet on May 06, 2009, 10:02:55 PM
Personally, I'd be asking what does it sound like.

It could be a case of the stunning looking girl that's as much fun in the sack as a bag of spuds, or the not so good looking one that makes starts go bang in your heads.
Title: Re: What do you think of this maple top?
Post by: ailean on May 07, 2009, 06:06:39 AM
I love the colour, but I'd expect better on a guitar of that (supposed) standard.

It might just be a Friday afternoon job, or it might be that PRS have decided they can sell anything for any price.

For £2500 I'd live with it, it doesn't bother me that much.
Title: Re: What do you think of this maple top?
Post by: PPPMAT on May 07, 2009, 02:12:39 PM
I'd buy it at £2.5k thats too cheap. You can't even get a decent SC245 for much under that
Title: Re: What do you think of this maple top?
Post by: HairyChris on May 07, 2009, 03:43:13 PM
How about if it was £2500?  Would that make it more attractive?

I like the top.

My CuRo 24 AP + BKPs added up to almost that price too. I don't get on with PRS fixed bridges though. :(
Title: Re: What do you think of this maple top?
Post by: Twinfan on May 07, 2009, 04:56:46 PM
The guitar is not actually a Modern Eagle, but it's almost there.  It has an IRW neck in place of a BRW neck, but the fingerboard is Braz and it has the matt nitro finish etc etc.  I'm considering buying it and selling one of my McCarty Rosewoods.....
Title: Re: What do you think of this maple top?
Post by: Gizmo on May 07, 2009, 05:35:03 PM
I quite like the colour but im not a fan of the gold hardware on that colour.

The Braz fingerboard is nice. There is a nice pattern/variety of colours rather then a solid one tone rosewood colour.
Is it new?

I would try it before you buy. £2.5k is a lot of money but i guess its cheaper then a new PRS at current prices for the spec it has.
Title: Re: What do you think of this maple top?
Post by: PPPMAT on May 07, 2009, 05:40:15 PM
So if its not a ME is it an artist pack then?
Title: Re: What do you think of this maple top?
Post by: Lew on May 07, 2009, 05:57:10 PM
have you played it?
Title: Re: What do you think of this maple top?
Post by: Twinfan on May 07, 2009, 06:18:43 PM
Not played it no, and couldn't before buying.

It's an Artist Pack on McCarty Rosewood, but with the matt nitro finish and an ME colour too.  An unusual beast....
Title: Re: What do you think of this maple top?
Post by: Lew on May 07, 2009, 08:10:40 PM
shame!
Title: Re: What do you think of this maple top?
Post by: morgasm on May 07, 2009, 10:45:42 PM
i think that top is really nasty. prs are taking the piss imo
Title: Re: What do you think of this maple top?
Post by: dave_mc on May 07, 2009, 11:29:03 PM
How about if it was £2500?  Would that make it more attractive?

:lol:

being serious for a moment, i'd need to try it to see. if it's an awesome guitar in terms of tone and playability, then it might be worth it, regardless of the dodgy bookmatching job.
Title: Re: What do you think of this maple top?
Post by: FernandoDuarte on May 08, 2009, 12:22:52 AM
I'm considering buying it and selling one of my McCarty Rosewoods.....

Here in Brazil we call it "fire/shot on his own foot", don't see really why, yours are gorgeous and this isn't that much
Title: Re: What do you think of this maple top?
Post by: Philly Q on May 08, 2009, 12:27:44 AM
I'm considering buying it and selling one of my McCarty Rosewoods.....

Here in Brazil we call it "fire/shot on his own foot", don't see really why, yours are gorgeous and this isn't that much

Yeah, we say "shoot yourself in the foot" too!  :D
Title: Re: What do you think of this maple top?
Post by: Bradock PI on May 08, 2009, 01:06:11 AM
Yeah but that one is more like shot himself in the OOOhhherrrrarghhh thats got to hurt
Title: Re: What do you think of this maple top?
Post by: WezV on May 08, 2009, 08:10:47 AM
i thought an artist pack included the top upgrade as part of the price???   can it still be called an artist pack if it has a second rate top?


i actually really like the guitar but you have to wonder if it being 'an unusual beast' is going to help its value or hinder it further down the line... especially since you are likely to be trading it in for another at some point :P
Title: Re: What do you think of this maple top?
Post by: Twinfan on May 08, 2009, 09:04:53 AM
It's supposedly an Artist Grade top, which is better than a 10 top????  :?  Crazy talk.

Maybe it just doesn't photograph that well?  Who knows.  I think I'll stick with what I've got and hold out for a 'player' Modern Eagle if such a thing exists...
Title: Re: What do you think of this maple top?
Post by: BigK on May 08, 2009, 12:39:38 PM
I love that top, You could call it two face..... If only I had £2.5k. Were is it being sold since your not going to get it anymore?
Title: Re: What do you think of this maple top?
Post by: Twinfan on May 08, 2009, 01:06:25 PM
Haven't 100% decided if I'm buying it yet, so I'm keeping schtum  ;)

It's the closest you can get to full Modern Eagle spec without actually being one.  It's definitely a Braz fingerboard and has a thin nitro finish in Red Tiger, plus it's got the RP pickups.

Still can't decide how much I like top and if I'm prepared to gamble on buying it sight unseen....
Title: Re: What do you think of this maple top?
Post by: Philly Q on May 08, 2009, 01:14:39 PM
Haven't 100% decided if I'm buying it yet, so I'm keeping schtum :wink:

It's the closest you can get to full Modern Eagle spec without actually being one.  It's definitely a Braz fingerboard and has a thin nitro finish in Red Tiger, plus it's got the RP pickups.

But is anything about it actually "better" than a McCarty RW, apart from (arguably) the braz fingerboard?

I thought you'd talked yourself out of buying it in that post at the top of the page.   :P
Title: Re: What do you think of this maple top?
Post by: Twinfan on May 08, 2009, 01:18:44 PM
I love that top, You could call it two face.....

Ha ha!  Great idea!  Two Face  :)

(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/9/92/Batmanannual14.png)

(http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r267/junkacct/DSC_0232-1.jpg)
Title: Re: What do you think of this maple top?
Post by: Twinfan on May 08, 2009, 01:21:14 PM
But is anything about it actually "better" than a McCarty RW, apart from (arguably) the braz fingerboard?

I thought you'd talked yourself out of buying it in that post at the top of the page.   :P

I change my mind a lot  ;)

The nitro finish, Braz board and 'personality' are drawing me to it.  I really like 'Perla', but she's a bit boring looking  :(

(http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r267/junkacct/SlashLike.jpg)

(http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r267/junkacct/shmccartyrw.jpg)
Title: Re: What do you think of this maple top?
Post by: Bradock PI on May 08, 2009, 02:50:33 PM
Maybe somewhere in the world is the guitar that got the other two halves of that timber and is  a mirror image - the two face twins
Title: Re: What do you think of this maple top?
Post by: d1dsj on May 08, 2009, 03:13:33 PM
I keep looking at this guitar and I actually think it's the way it's been cut. The deep contouring also changes the way the grain reflects the light. As long as it plays, feels and sounds good, I'd love it over the more consistant flame tops you see. Just my opinion of course.
Title: Re: What do you think of this maple top?
Post by: WezV on May 08, 2009, 04:34:02 PM
I keep looking at this guitar and I actually think it's the way it's been cut. The deep contouring also changes the way the grain reflects the light.

i thought about that for a bit but came to the conclusion they are too different for that to be the case.   probably not even the same tree

i can see that as raw wood without a finish they probably looked like they would match quite well together, as a good slip match anyway - clearly never a bookmatch
Title: Re: What do you think of this maple top?
Post by: PPPMAT on May 08, 2009, 04:34:36 PM
I love the matte nitro finish (I have it on my sc trem) it wears through quick though - or that might just be me  :P
Title: Re: What do you think of this maple top?
Post by: Lew on May 08, 2009, 06:05:37 PM
y'know the prs 'nitro' has plasticizers in it to stop it from cracking/shrinking and is on top of the usual basecoat  8)
Title: Re: What do you think of this maple top?
Post by: Twinfan on May 08, 2009, 07:08:30 PM
Yup - I know  :)  Should still age nicely  ;)
Title: Re: What do you think of this maple top?
Post by: FernandoDuarte on May 08, 2009, 08:57:55 PM
y'know the prs 'nitro' has plasticizers in it to stop it from cracking/shrinking and is on top of the usual basecoat  8)

But it keeps the feel of nitro??? If you know exactly how it's done, tell me :D
Have been thinking in a while on a way get the nitro feel but without the cracking and aging (it's awesome for some guitars but for others it's not nice)
Title: Re: What do you think of this maple top?
Post by: WezV on May 08, 2009, 09:00:03 PM
the important thing is that the finish on PRS's is nice and thin.  thats more important than type as far as tone is concerned.

nitro just has the advantage that it thins as it ages
Title: Re: What do you think of this maple top?
Post by: Lew on May 08, 2009, 10:05:42 PM
Yup - I know  :)  Should still age nicely  ;)

Pretty sure they put plasticizers in the finish so that it doesn't age, could be wrong ofc ;)

y'know the prs 'nitro' has plasticizers in it to stop it from cracking/shrinking and is on top of the usual basecoat  8)

But it keeps the feel of nitro??? If you know exactly how it's done, tell me :D
Have been thinking in a while on a way get the nitro feel but without the cracking and aging (it's awesome for some guitars but for others it's not nice)

I don't know anything :D
Title: Re: What do you think of this maple top?
Post by: Twinfan on May 08, 2009, 10:07:41 PM
Oh no!  Nightmare!  Didn't know that  :(
Title: Re: What do you think of this maple top?
Post by: Twinfan on May 08, 2009, 10:11:17 PM
Ah well - the decision has been made for me.  The guitar is sold  :(  Sorry Don, guess I'll be keeping the McCarty after all!

it was on eBay if anyone wants to check it out:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=200337978201
Title: Re: What do you think of this maple top?
Post by: Philly Q on May 08, 2009, 10:25:20 PM
Yup - I know  :)  Should still age nicely  ;)

Pretty sure they put plasticizers in the finish so that it doesn't age, could be wrong ofc ;)

Yeah, I'd have thought if they put plasticizers in the finish to stop cracking/shrinking (and yellowing?), then they're actually cancelling out most of the qualities we like so much about an ageing nitro finish...

All seems a bit Emperor's New Clothes to me.
Title: Re: What do you think of this maple top?
Post by: d1dsj on May 08, 2009, 10:28:53 PM
Ah well - the decision has been made for me.  The guitar is sold  :(  Sorry Don, guess I'll be keeping the McCarty after all!

it was on eBay if anyone wants to check it out:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=200337978201

No problem, have to wait to see what my insurers say anyway. Just let me know if you change your mind as "IF" they do pay out I'll be looking for something REALLY nice to replace the '57.
Title: Re: What do you think of this maple top?
Post by: Twinfan on May 08, 2009, 10:37:55 PM
If you're heading up this way shopping give me a shout and we can meet up  :)
Title: Re: What do you think of this maple top?
Post by: d1dsj on May 08, 2009, 10:40:51 PM
If you're heading up this way shopping give me a shout and we can meet up  :)

Will do!  8)
Title: Re: What do you think of this maple top?
Post by: Lew on May 08, 2009, 10:49:07 PM
Oh no!  Nightmare!  Didn't know that  :(

Sorry, didn't mean to be the bearer of bad news! It doesn't mean it won't age in it's own way though, just not like an old F or G. The finish will likely still sink into the grain and ofc get well deserved dings :D



Yeah, I'd have thought if they put plasticizers in the finish to stop cracking/shrinking (and yellowing?), then they're actually cancelling out most of the qualities we like so much about an ageing nitro finish...

All seems a bit Emperor's New Clothes to me.

Yea it's misleading strategy imo. I was quite surprised when I saw a company who prides them selves on modern techniques trying to pull the vintage marketing card.

If it's got anything other than a satin feel then out comes the steelwool  :lol:
Title: Re: What do you think of this maple top?
Post by: JamesHealey on May 09, 2009, 09:07:53 AM
I like that top..