maple top question

[kingtone]

I just recieved a catalog and pricelist and I see the option in the list for quilt maple top. I heard something about a "select" top. I assume this means the best quality. I guess what I mean is if I order a quilt top I want the best one available and just wanted to verify the meaning of what I heard and have it confirmed or not. Otherwise the regular upcharge top is what I will get. Thanks.

[SonicGator]

The Select Top is Tom's personal selection of a "10 Top; AAAAA" whatever term to use there. I've seen one of Tom's personal Select choices in person and the top was stunning, very 3D like...I wanted to keep staring at it to see if the Fractile image appeared ;)

If you're looking for the best grain and look in a top, then definitely go for Select Top.

[tom]

we only buy the highest grade but since it's a natural thing it varies of course. we do lots of "standard" tops that are insanly beautiful. quilt can be slab sawn or quarter sawn. both yeild distinctly different looks. personal selection is mostly for the person that wants a particular look, and is willing to pay for it.

[replayboy]

I have a "select " top on my new hollow drop top T in light tigers eys burst which is beautiful. I can sen you a picture if you send me your Email address? I cant post it on the forum because the file size is too large. Its well worth the money when you see it:)

[wolf]

you wanna see a select top ? .. here ya go !!

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x182/wolf5151/FSCN0014.jpg

My fave thing.. EAT YOUR HEART OUT PRS OWNERS

[LearnedHand]

That is a pretty awesome top, wolf.

[santellavision]

Here's another eye-candy "Select Top" for ya!

http://www.santellaproductions.com/guitar/AtomHuge.jpg

[stevem7]

Beautiful pics guys. I wonder if there's such a thing as a select koa top? Koa is my favourite figured wood. Tom, you mentioned there's a big difference between slab sawn and quarter sawn tops. Do you or anybody have any pictures that can be posted somewhere that highlight the differences, to show those of us who aren't familiar with woodworking?

[tom]

most people are quartering koa these days because it's worth lots more to acoustic guys that way. it does show the curl better as well. a year or so ago we got some koa that i would call select grade. we charged a bit more for 4 of them. they were kinda quilty. we just received 20 or so tops, i think they're already spoken for, but i have not seen them anything but rough to know if there are any extra special pieces. they are all from the same chunk, so i expect they will be pretty similar to each other.

[kccheers]

Koa ROX!

http://kccheers.smugmug.com/photos/217103501_NiDLt-L.jpg