Six Of The Best: flame topped guitars
![Carvin FG1 Frank Gambale](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/b5cc44460393d2a1743a9771f31d43d8-320-80.jpg)
Carvin FG1 Frank Gambale
The FG-1 is fusion great Frank Gambale’s signature 335-alike, with a smaller body shape.
We said: “Constructed from mahogany, with a slip-matched 4A maple top, it sounds somewhere between a quality solidbody and an ES-335”
For more information visit the official Carvin website
![Hagstrom Super Swede Flame](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/f6e8a29808c386637e4c4b6aed0724f8-320-80.jpg)
Hagstrom Super Swede Flame
This is the best Super Swede yet. Its Cosmic Black Burst finish is contrasted with maple binding.
We said: “An open-sounding amplified performance means it offers viable competition in the single-cutaway electric stakes”
For more information visit the official Hagstrom website.
![PRS P22](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/3e4983cba2b3aac181cb77c7ce8aab6e-320-80.jpg)
PRS P22
This hybrid electric with LR Baggs piezo system for acoustic sounds is flashy, with a faded finish under blue stain revealing the maple.
We said: “If you want to add some acoustic textures to your sound, the P22 is one of the most elegant solutions available. It costs a substantial amount, but it’s very hard to find fault with”
For more information visit the official PRS website
![Gibson Les Paul Standard 2012](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/8f0fcc766bbcf326bc723acd297e1657-320-80.jpg)
Gibson Les Paul Standard 2012
Gibson’s latest update to the Les Paul Standard has a slip-matched AAA-grade flamed maple top beneath a nitrocellulose finish.
We said: “The new Standard is two guitars in one: a vintage- informed modern ’Paul, with expanded tones if you need them... A very well-made guitar”
For more information visit the official Gibson website
![Fender Select Series Stratocaster HSS](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/2f8c01c6b5d89d3452267607f037c261-320-80.jpg)
Fender Select Series Stratocaster HSS
Fender’s luxury Strat teams an alder body with a 3mm flamed- maple facing and an Antique Burst and nitrocellulose finish.
We said: “A classy, big-sounding Strat with a beefy sonic range, and a classic ‘modded vintage’ vibe”
For more information visit the official Fender website
![Collings I35LC](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ff47358cd3354275c52a316de9995bc4-320-80.jpg)
Collings I35LC
Collings’ high-end scaled-down, thinline semi has a laminated maple top, back and sides with a solid-maple centre block, and unimpeachable build quality.
We said: “Collings redefines the term ‘boutique guitar’. One of the finest thinline semis we’ve played”
For more information visit the official Collings website