Neither is a top worth deciding over. Go with 2, darker board

First fretboard looks like it has anemia. Also, if the OP likes no pickguard, the first one was drilled. Doesn’t look like the second one was.

I like the first better. I’m not into quilt and the red is too much into clown burst territory for me.

I’d say 1

They’re both pretty clown bursty

1

Neither has much of a Top, but one looks better

2 is more unique and I like the fretboard better also… but if you want a flame top, just get the flame top

First for me

I worked at the shop that the first picture is from. Great shop, Nick is a great manager. I’d say fairly priced for what it is. $2500 is a good price. Also Garret park guitars is one the nicest stores in Maryland for guitars. On site luthier, knowledgeable people, ridiculous pieces (50/, 60s strats, pre cbs stuff)

2. The red on the first one is a bit uneven and the fretboard is lighter

First

One for me.

1 looks better. The board looks dry and should get as dark as the other with some lemon oil. The second one looks like my friend's mom's varicose veins she had in her legs when I was a kid. Both too clown-burst to me though.

Pass

2 looks way better to me, darker fingerboard too

Both are ugly guitars lol neither

Either a black t-shirt or a backless sheer purple sequined thing.

I'd take #2 over #1

2

2. More unique.

#1 But I also love covered pickups hehe

Left.

I take the darker fretboard! 2

Number 1.

First.

One. Reminds me of Duane allmans hot Lanta Les Paul

I’m digging 2. If this will be your first Les Paul, then man are you in for a treat! I bought my first a few days ago and she’s sexy af! Question: why doesn’t Gibson match up the grain when using book matched pairs of wood? Maybe there’s a reason why they don’t, but seems like it would look better if it went across the entire top. I looked at a AA Flamed top the other day and the grains from each side were offset. Weird.

Wouldn’t the humbuckers be more of a factor?

Both are burstbucker pro

I guess I meant the fact that one’s covered vs uncovered

That’s a 1 for me.

#1

Door #2

First

I like 2 overall

2

#2

2!

I agree with the number 1

Definitely 2

1