Does a maple top add or substract to the sound on a guitar?

[AD Chaos]

Been wondering for the reason behind this- does it affect the tonal qualities to have this as part of the body, or is it put there solely for the aesthetic reasons? (eg. a flamed maple top, or the like)





Thanks much for your opinions

 

[Trevoire520]

I've always found maple topped guitars to have a bit more upper mid bite. Nice to add a bit of edge to an otherwise all mahogany guitar.

 

[JeffTD]

1/8" and thicker = brighter, bit more snap on the pick attack. Anything less and it's a veneer and won't really affect tone.