Flame maple, also known as flamed maple, curly maple, fiddleback or tiger stripe, is a feature of maple in which the growth of the wood fibers is distorted in an undulating pattern, producing wavy lines known as "flames". This effect is often mistakenly said to be part of the grain of the wood; it is more accurately called "figure", as the distortion is perpendicular to the grain direction. Prized for its beautiful appearance, it is used frequently in the manufacturing of musical instruments, such as violins, and fine furniture. Another well-known use of the material is its use in electric guitars, especially the venerated Gibson Les Paul. The first models of the Les Paul, introduced in 1958 and 1959, known as the "Standard", sported a top of flame maple, finished in a cherry-red sunburst, on a mahogany body. Today, these instruments are some of the most prized on the vintage guitar market.
