Figured Guitar Wood: Curly, Quilted, and Flame Explained

What Is Figured Wood?

Figured wood is any lumber that displays an irregular, decorative grain pattern beyond the normal straight grain. While wood grain is mostly determined by how the tree grows, factors like stress, disease, or genetic mutation can create ripples, waves, and other patterns. The most familiar figures on guitars are flame (also called curly), quilt, and bird's eye. These patterns are most common on maple, but you also see them on koa, walnut, and other tonewoods.

On a guitar, figure is almost always used for aesthetic appeal. The wood is usually sliced so that the figure becomes visible as a top, back, or veneer. Figured maple tops are a classic choice on electric guitars, while acoustic guitars may feature figured back and sides for a striking appearance. To understand how the top is cut, see Guitar Top Thickness and Bookmatched Guitar Tops.

Flame (Curly) Figure

Flame figure appears as a series of parallel stripes that run across the grain, often resembling ripples or tiger stripes. It is also called curly figure or fiddleback, because it was historically used on the backs of violins. On a guitar, flame maple is commonly seen on the top of electric models and on the neck or back. The stripes are caused by undulations in the orientation of the wood fibers, which catch light differently as you move the guitar.

Flame figure can range from subtle to dramatic, depending on the cut and the individual piece. It is often graded by the tightness and contiguity of the stripes. On electric guitars, a flame maple top is usually a laminated piece over a standard wood body, but it can also be a solid cap on higher-end models. Flame is also found on acoustic guitars, typically on the back and sides, where it adds a classic, elegant look. If you're shopping for a flame-topped electric, explore the best electric guitars or for acoustics, the best acoustic guitars.

Quilted Figure

Quilted figure is characterized by a three-dimensional, puffy appearance with rolling, cloud-like blobs that seem to shift as you change viewing angle. It is rarer than flame and is especially prized on maple. Quilted maple tops are often used on high-end electric guitars and bass guitars, where the deep, lustrous pattern is a centerpiece. Because of its visual complexity, quilted wood is often paired with a transparent finish to showcase the pattern.

The quilted pattern comes from a wavy grain that creates convex and concave regions, reflecting light in multiple directions. It is less uniform than flame and can vary from a broad, open quilt to a tight, intricate one. While quilted maple is the most famous, quilted koa and other woods also exist. On acoustics, quilted back and sides are less common than flame, but they are used on some premium models. For high-end options, check our high-end guitar guide and learn about wood combinations.

Other Figure Types

Beyond flame and quilt, guitar makers use other figured woods. Bird's eye maple shows small, roundish spots that resemble birds' eyes, often appearing on necks and fretboards. Bee's wing figure looks like fine, elongated shapes, while burl wood features chaotic swirls from tree growths. These are less common on production guitars and more typical on custom or limited editions.

When you see a guitar listed with 'flamed,' 'quilted,' or 'curly' maple, the maker is highlighting the visual character of the wood. Figure does not affect playability or fundamental tone, but it does influence how the instrument looks in person and among your peers. For more on how the neck and body are constructed, see Guitar Neck Woods and Laminate vs Solid Body Wood.

Does Figure Affect Tone?

The short answer is no in any measurable way. Tone is primarily determined by the wood species, density, and stiffness of the wood, plus the guitar's construction and bracing. Figure is a visual property of the grain, and while it may coincide with slightly different densities due to grain irregularities, it does not reliably change the acoustic or electric signal. Many players find that a figured top sounds identical to a plain top made of the same species.

Martin's wood guide states that the wood's grain, color, and finish make a guitar unique, but it is the material itself that shapes tone. So a flame maple top on an electric guitar will sound like a maple top; the flames are just for looks. On acoustic guitars, the top, back, and sides affect resonance, but the figure itself is not a tonal ingredient. Choose figure for aesthetics, not for sound.

How to Choose a Figured Guitar

When choosing a figured guitar, decide which pattern appeals to you. Flame offers a classic, linear look; quilt provides a more organic, three-dimensional appearance. Also consider where the figure appears: on an electric, the top may be a veneer over a solid body, while on an acoustic, figure is typically on the back and sides, or occasionally the top. You'll want to see the guitar in person or view high-resolution photos, because figure can look different under different lighting.

If you're buying online, check the descriptions for terms like 'flame top' or 'quilted maple.' Remember that figure does not affect playability, so you can focus on neck profile, pickup configuration, and body shape. For a first guitar, a figured top adds visual appeal without affecting your learning. If you're on a budget, look for accurately described models with flame or quilt veneers, which can be more affordable than solid figured tops. Check our beginner guitar guide and budget-friendly guitar picks.

Care and Trade Considerations

Figured wood requires the same care as any guitar wood: keep it humidity-controlled and avoid extreme temperature swings. The finish, whether gloss or satin, protects the figure. Some exotic figured woods, such as Brazilian rosewood, are regulated by CITES, and international movement may require permits. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service explains that CITES is a global treaty to ensure international trade in wild plants and animals is legal, traceable, and biologically sustainable. If you buy a guitar with a regulated wood, confirm that it comes with the necessary documentation.

For most players, this is a concern only if you plan to take the guitar across borders. Domestic sales are usually fine, but international shipping can be complicated. If you favor sustainability, many makers now use domestically grown figured woods or alternative species that are not threatened. Always check the species listed on the guitar's spec sheet.

What to pick for your use

Questions

What is the difference between flame and quilted maple?

Flame maple shows parallel rippled stripes, while quilted maple shows three-dimensional, cloud-like blobs. Both are visual grain patterns and do not affect tone.

Does figured wood sound better than plain wood?

No. Tone is determined by the wood species and construction, not the visual figure. A figured maple top sounds the same as a plain maple top.

Is figured wood more expensive?

Figured wood is often graded higher and can cost more due to its rarity and aesthetic appeal, but the price is for looks, not for sound quality.

Can figured wood be used on acoustic guitar tops?

Yes, but it is less common. Most acoustic tops are made of spruce or cedar for tonal reasons. Figured tops like koa are used on some models for visual effect.

Are there any trade restrictions on figured wood?

Some exotic woods, including Brazilian rosewood, are regulated under CITES. If you buy a guitar with a regulated wood, check the documentation for international travel.