Originally Posted by: aschleman... Flamed maple necks are the same as regular maple necks, they've just been flamed before they were finished...

??? :confused: WTF have you been smoking?

"Flame" refers to the visible grain pattern. It's a result of ripples that were produced by distortion of the grain, due to bending, or pressure, as the tree grew. Flamed woods are usually cut from the base of the tree, near the roots, or where a large limb meets the trunk. "Quilting" is more of the same, only the wood has been cut at a different angle relative to the grain. "Burl" is actually cut from the root.

In theory, the grain should be straight and clear for maximum strength. In practice, the neck is strong enough that warping due to string and truss rod tension is unlikely.

Enjoy the beauty of the wood. Both sight and sound.