Figure Of Flatsawn Vs. Quatersawn Curly Maple?

[GuitarMaestro]

Am I right in my assumption that the figure of curly maple looks better/more intense when flatsawn? I am talking about a neck blank here. I have to buy some blanks without seeing them before and I have the choice between flatsawn and quatersawn. I know that quatersawn blanks are more stable for neck use, but I am only interested in the figure here as I use CF rods and bubinga stripes anyway....

[Jon]

For a top, I'd go flatsawn for what the figure will look like. In a neck, it depends how thick the laminate will actually be. It would be stupid to go with quartersawn if the laminate is going to be 1/8" - 1/4". This would yield merely a grain line or two throughout the entire piece, it would be extremely unstable. If the laminates are wider, say 3/4", quartersawn might be a better bet.

This is just speaking from experience. I cut a couple pieces of curly maple to where a grain line or two could be seen from the endgrain. They're very bowed.

[postal]

Depends on species a lot though too I think. Rock maple which is commmon for necks, little if any flame shows on the flatsawn edge, but looks good on the quarter.

Big leaf maple- the soft one which is common for bodies, typically shows flame on the flatsawn and quarter both.

[fryovanni]

Strongest figure is displayed in quartersawn curly maple. You will see the curly figure in rift, but it gets weaker as it goes to flat. This is not the case with quilted figure as it displays best from a flatsawn orientation. The highest grade of curly maple is quartersawn vertical grain. If you have the choice go for that.

Peace,Rich