Need Some Advice on my First PRS - How Important are "10" Tops?

[László]

It's strictly a matter of taste. I've never been disappointed with any PRS, regardless of the looks of the top.

However, I am a sucker for Artist tops and women who..um..stand out from the crowd, so to speak.

 

[dsenoj]

While I voted "no", of my 5 PRS guitars, I have one 10-top and two Artist tops so maybe you should take my vote with a grain of salt.

 

[garrett]

I actually wish PRS would do more opaque finishes, the right solid color can be so much more elegant than a semi-figured top, JMO.

Especially with a natural back and neck. Something about a gold top or black top just gets me.

 

[markintime]

For myself, I went for the looks. And (my new avatar) it's not a 10 top, but out of the choices (and this is a mahogany top), this one had the best-looking grain. And the reason is that I know, regardless of looks, the guitar is going to sound great and, knowing that, I want to feel good inside every time I look at it, pick it up, and play it. Because I know, feeling like that, I am not going to want to put it down until I have to. But since it didn't cost me any extra... I think you are right in your choice.

 

[Hedonismbot]

My wife is thrilled that so many of you are encouraging me not to spend the extra money on a 10-Top :dancing:

 

[markintime]

Oh boy, can I ever relate to that!:beer:

 

[Aubs]

The money part is all relative, if you spend more for a 10 top or AP,..., or less for a non-10, non-AP, that same effect will happen when/if you sell it. If you are buying as an investment to sell, then spend money for the "better" top, baby it, sell it. If you are buying the guitar to enjoy it, then just buy the top that turns you on, regardless of 10 or not. Buy the guitar that feels right, sounds right, makes your heart leap. To me, buying a guitar is a very personal decision; feel, sound, look are all personal to me.

 

[sergiodeblanc]

Ten top and paint it opaque just to be extra subversive is my preferred style.

 

[rungles]

OK here's my two PRSi - the CU24 is a 10 top, the Singlecut isn't. Needless to say I prefer the top on the Singlecut:

 

[Aubs]

Asking more of a question than making a statement. Are Anniversary PRSs, Artist tops, and that is why they don't have "10"?

 

[tabl10s]

Wow, some great replies. You guys have been very helpful. I've yet to see an hgly PRS, and some "imperfections" can look awesome. I'm gonna pass on the 10 top. Someone suggested using that money on pickups if I'm not happy with the originals. I think that's a good idea. I've played the 57/08s but not at length to put them through their paces. If not happy, $400 ($100 less than a 10-Top) will get me a set of 50/09s. And being a Duncan fan, $320 gets a custom set from their Custom Shop, and $200 to $225 will get me a set of nickel covers production line pickups

There are some ugly ones around. I was told to make an offer, any offer on an '86-'87 Cu that wouldn't sell because it was a hideous dark blue/gold paisley. 10-tops didn't exist back then and it wouldn't have helped if it had one.

A nutritionist will tell you not to go to a supermarket hungry because you'll start stocking up on food. I say don't just pick any old wood top as you walk into the store just as you would't hit on the first woman who walks into the club as you may end up with ugly kids:laugh: After playing, I like to prop a guitar on my right knee and admire it. if doubt starts to kick in, it gets less play time.

 

[tabl10s]

I actually wish PRS would do more opaque finishes, the right solid color can be so much more elegant than a semi-figured top, JMO.

True.

 

[11top]

and women who..um..stand out from the crowd, so to speak.

There's your answer.

 

[shinksma]

(Although a moot point at this stage, I just voted "for completeness" because when I originally responded I was on a mobile device, which seems to inhibit the polling function.)

I must admit that there is no real reason to go for a 10 top if you find a non-10-top that looks fantastic to you - the qualifications for a 10-top are more technical than beauty-oriented, I suspect: is flame/quilt evenly distributed, are there any inconsistencies in the pattern, etc. That's why rungles's beautiful-looking SC didn't qualify for 10-top - that knurl/twist/knot on the bass bout (almost mirror to the 3-way switch). My 10-top CU24 doesn't look as splendid as other non-10 tops I've seen posted here - it was a lousy year for figured maple perhaps, and it "made the cut" into the top 10% more easily than other years.

Not that I don't like my guitar's top! It looks great. I just lust after a nice quilt now...

Anyway, my other point is: ordering a 10-top sight-unseen will likely get you a better top than a non-10-top sight unseen. However, I would bet that if you went to a store in person, or browsed the online places that let you examine specific serial numbers (Sweetwater, Brian's, etc), you may easily find a non-10-top that is just what you want.

Again, all a moot point now, but I needed to get it off my chest.

 

[tabl10s]

Especially with a natural back and neck. Something about a gold top or black top just gets me.

I've never seen a nice looking gold top except on an old LP and even then I'd only get one if it were old(not a '68).

 

[11top]

- it was a lousy year for figured maple perhaps

I hate it when trees go on strike.

 

[shinksma]

Especially with a natural back and neck. Something about a gold top or black top just gets me.

I've never seen a nice looking gold top except on an old LP and even then I'd only get one if it were old(not a '68).

I was never particularly attracted to opaque tops, especially gold tops, despite their legendary status for Les Pauls. But then last year, for the last non-PRSi I am ever likely to buy, I bought a gold top Epiphone Casino. It just seemed to look really nice. It also plays very nicely, otherwise I wouldn't have bought it, of course.

The solid antique-white looking finish PRS offers looks quite stunning too, I must admit. But I'm still a sucker for quilting, flame, and swamp ash grain.

 

[HANGAR18]

Nice to have but not required is my official answer. But I do feel a bit hypocritical in saying that because two of my PRS guitars are genuine 10 Tops, one is a cross between a Private Stock and a 10 Top but has no grade marking and the fourth one is damn close to a 10 Top. Each of my guitars has a specific purpose, a specific job to do, has their own unique tonal qualities which justifies their place in my colection. I really like having good looking guitars with 3D figured tops but the performance value of each guitar is ultimately more important.

 

[rugerpc]

Ordering is a crapshoot. It doesn't matter whether you spec a non-10, a 10 or even an artist top, someone other than you will be picking your wood. I've seen jaw-dropping stunners in all 3 categories and ones that just don't do it for me in all 3. It's just too damn personal a thing.

Maybe you like wide flame and you get narrow even flame or vice versa. There are guys who like one but not the other.

I personally like a little jumble or uniqueness in the flame. For me, there would be a better chance of getting that with a non-10 top.

I have all of the above except an artist top. At some point, I'll bite the bullet and get a private stock where I pick the wood. That's where the real chance to get what you want.

I ordered a 12 string 10 top. I had no input other than the color. But because it was built specifically for me, I fell in love as soon as the case was opened. You will too, no matter what you order, and for the same reason.