Monster top, no pop.

[AlowlyR9]

I think I have what might qualify as a monster top. It is a 2009 Burnt Orange burst, with pretty straight flame across both halves. However I only see it at one angle. If the guitar is viewed straight on it almost looks like there is no flame. However if viewed from above it has a real 3d quality. I understand that the 90s versions had a finish where they put something extra to make the flames pop. I guess I just felt like whining. Thanks for listening.

 

[AlowlyR9]

Different views.

 

[JazzMuzak]

my 2023 R9 is pretty similar. Straight on its nothing crazy, but from the side it's an absolutely insane top. maple is just that way sometimes.

 

[K Dub]

I believe this common characteristic of flamed maple is called chatoyance.

 

[FenRx]

Looks great but not a monster too imho

 

[60thR0]

That’s the best kind IMHO. I’m not a fan of heavy flames that look the same the same from all angles.

 

[CS Murphy 'R9]

I believe this common characteristic of flamed maple is called chatoyance.

I cannot believe you did not immediately summon TROGLY by saying "Chatoyance"

 

[AlowlyR9]

my 2023 R9 is pretty similar. Straight on its nothing crazy, but from the side it's an absolutely insane top. maple is just that way sometimes.

Sometimes I wonder if it is just because it is Murphy aged, so the gloss was taken off. But could probably be restored with a buffer. I am not sure if that would make the finish less "Cloudy."

 

[LyleGorch]

Have a 23 R9, straight on its poop, slight tilt it’s beautiful.

 

[JazzMuzak]

Sometimes I wonder if it is just because it is Murphy aged, so the gloss was taken off. But could probably be restored with a buffer. I am not sure if that would make the finish less "Cloudy."

I don't think it has much to do with the aging. Mine is a gloss factory burst.

 

[LyleGorch]

Yeah, mine is VOS too.

 

[LyleGorch]

Yeah, mine is VOS too.

 

[LyleGorch]

Yeah, mine is VOS.

 

[LyleGorch]

Wow, something happened.

 

[jb_abides]

Wow, something happened.

Well put.

 

[DvnLesPaul]

I should put together some good side by side pictures, but, I recently bought an R9 off reverb and what arrived is certainly the same guitar but, I'll be damned if I know how they managed to capture the appearance of tiger striped flames in EVERY pic on the ad when the only way I can reproduce it now is standing on my head tilting into a vivid sunset. That being said, the thing rips, feels and sings like no other and I'd never part with it!

 

[AlowlyR9]

I should put together some good side by side pictures, but, I recently bought an R9 off reverb and what arrived is certainly the same guitar but, I'll be damned if I know how they managed to capture the appearance of tiger striped flames in EVERY pic on the ad when the only way I can reproduce it now is standing on my head tilting into a vivid sunset. That being said, the thing rips, feels and sings like no other and I'd never part with it!

Yes. I am wondering if it is the darker finishes that oppress the flames. As long as I am looking down at the guitar it shows them very well, but from front on it looks like a blurry mess.

 

[CS Murphy 'R9]

I think I have what might qualify as a monster top. It is a 2009 Burnt Orange burst, with pretty straight flame across both halves. However I only see it at one angle. If the guitar is viewed straight on it almost looks like there is no flame. However if viewed from above it has a real 3d quality. I understand that the 90s versions had a finish where they put something extra to make the flames pop. I guess I just felt like whining. Thanks for listening.

I had thought that was what was known as a "peak a boo" top? My 2023 Heavy aged Murphy R9 is like that, some angles it looks kind of plain and other angles it looks glorious!