Book Matched Maple Tops

[Schnozzalee]

Hi Guys,

I just wanted to ask about this - I've recently noticed various basses with book matched flame/quilt maple tops.

Nowadays you can buy a nice one piece top from Overwater or Marleaux etc, but the Vintage stuff seems to two piece.

Some perfectly match, some perfectly mismatch and some are just plain unsymmetrical...So what do you prefer?

(I'll try and find some suitable piccies soon!)

[BassBus]

I think it very much depends on the piece of wood being used. With some pieces they open out into the most beautiful patterns. In that case why would you want anything other than book matched. On the other hand, a bass is not a symmetrical object so does it really need a symmetrical face on it? I'm happy if it's just a good looking wood on the face.

[HowieBass]

If I were paying some premium for a good looking top I'd always go for book matched.

[PlungerModerno]

I'd want a good bookmatch or a single piece - although if it's pretty unremarkable grain, especially if it's stained or translucent finish - I couldn't care too much.