Question about this "top quality" (pictures inside).

[prsuser]

Hello guys.

I'm new to the PRS and and I'm looking to buy a Custom 24 for a while, I found a ideal one for me but I'm not sure if the money is worth for the "top quality" of this guitar.

Take a look on some pics:
http://imgur.com/BWk0YZe,lzqXSxq,a8XR3zF#0
http://imgur.com/BWk0YZe,lzqXSxq,a8XR3zF#1
http://imgur.com/BWk0YZe,lzqXSxq,a8XR3zF#2

What "top quality" would you choose for this guitar? A normal top, 10 top, artist top or private stock top ?

 

[László]

I didn't vote, however, here's an artist grade top, this is my own Artist V guitar, and I think it's typical of an Artist top:



You should really decide for yourself if you like the look of the one you're considering, however if it came on an Artist package I ordered, I would not be disappointed.

 

[CJM3175]

IMHO the most obvious differences with tops are with quilts not flames. It's very easy to see the differences between a regular, 10, artist, and private stock with quilt tops... but honestly I don't think I can tell the difference between a 10, artist, or PS when it comes to flame tops. But if perfectly straight lines that all look identical do it for ya than more power to you! :top:

 

[prsuser]

Thanks for the vote and the replies.

The truth is... I ordered this guitar and received few months ago, it's an Artist Package. Don't get me wrong, I love this guitar, the top is beautiful, the upgraded ebony neck is awesome and the sound is amazing.

I just wanted to get some general impression from you guys.

My initial impressions were "ah, it's an okay top". But after some months seeing others PRS, it started to look "meh". I have seen a lot better tops in "10 top". Some amazing on AP (but it was quilt). Initially, I wanted a quilted top but I thought it was "safer" to go with the flame.

I think it's time to order another one with a quilted top :evil:

 

[László]

While I love a fabulous looking guitar, I think a balance has to be struck between finding just the right piece of fancy wood, and finding the right instrument for tone, playability, etc.

Sounds like you have a good one. I wonder if there are times when the obsession over these tops is a bit over the...er... top.

 

[Drew]

Certain stains don't lend themselves to pronounced figuring that jumps off the guitar. Grey black is one. The amethysts and violets are another.

 

[Johnnyboy94]

I say normal. I could be wrong though....

 

[garrettb]

Certain stains don't lend themselves to pronounced figuring that jumps off the guitar. Grey black is one. The amethysts and violets are another.

Agreed. Grey Black definitely doesn't "pop" like other colors, in my opinion. That's the chance you take when you order; no telling what the top is going to look like. That's still a nice top, though. I voted 10.

 

[11top]

I'm not sure if the money is worth for the "top quality" of this guitar.

What "top quality" would you choose for this guitar? A normal top, 10 top, artist top or private stock top ?

Brunettes, redheads, and blondes.

Subjective isn't it?

Allow me to elaborate. I remember someone starting a thread, that if they had received this top, they would send it back:



When I found this top in the wood library I nearly sh*t myself (or, that might have been an age thing :dontknow.



It eventually made it's way into the private stock calendar:



My point is that it's all in the eye of the beholder. Some guys want uniform straight lines, and they believe that anything else is worthy for the fireplace. I'll take the unusual anyday.

So, if it makes you happy....................

 

[CantankerousCarl]

That top reminds me alot of the tops from the Signature Limited runs. From my own collection, and photos of others, and my selective memory, I am feeling that they might be selected based upon the thin-ness and uniformity of the flame - and not necessarily the depth of it.

I think my Siggy (below) is a beautiful guitar, and I acknowledge the quality of the top, but I don't think it is particularly unique or distinctive (although it pops much more with different light., 2nd shot).

The GC Throwback Custom 24s were also considered artist-grade tops, and mine is much the same - a little more interesting due to the two knots (or whatever you call them) but most characteristic due to the uniformity and tightness of the figuring:

 

[wardog]

I think the top on the op's guitar is awesome!!!! If you look at most grey/black tops, they are none to interesting. Some figuring and some flame. I would say that is an artist grade and a very well done stain. Have fun finding a quilt top to accompany that beauty.

 

[aristotle]

That's the thing with these guitars. It's hard to tell the difference between top grades since they all are so good.

 

[xjbebop]

Why is the neck hidden on the op's pics?
The finish looks pretty rockin' to me...

 

[John Beef]

I think the only problem with the OP's guitar is the black isn't solid all the way across the top, like mine.

 

[prsuser]

Oh the color is not Grey Black, but Charcoal Burst. But yeah, probably choosing a more vivid color would put more "bright" on the top.

How the "wood library" thing works? It is basically a hand selected woods from the dealers, right?

And I hid the neck because of the ebony material that is usually not available on "normal" models if I'm not wrong.

 

[László]

I want to know what I win, since I immediately compared it to an Artist top.