I spent a couple of hours (car was in for service) played all the best back to back. PRS, Gibbys, the RS4. Clear winner the RS4. Going in I thought it would be close. It wasn't.
I'll label it the best "market" guitar in the world. (Gledura once told me his are the best and I do believe him - do a Google)
RS4 is downright amazing. I'll try to put into words what does it for me - For playing it my subjective tests are: feel, ease of ripping, accuracy, balance, controls, mojo for creativity, does it inspire.
For sound I look at : how it rings out, sustain, flat frequency response, range, clarity, intonation and is it strong enough to hold tune when I let loose on it during hard playing (dynamic and static tune).
And of course quality workmanship and appeal.
This is a $5000 worth of guitar, for (retail) $2499. The two RS4's that the store had in Victoria BC (Canada) have been on the shelf since I can remember. I cannot understand that. I was going to get the one on ebay but they cut me a deal on an amp so I got the black cheery/charcoal burst one yesterday.
I think I'll do a youtube vid on it the word needs to get out there.
Another convert. :bowdown:
Welcome to the congregation, SharkFM!
Signed,
The Rev.
Quote from: SharkFM on May 08, 2010, 02:40:07 PM
feel, ease of ripping, accuracy, balance, controls, mojo for creativity, does it inspire.
For sound I look at : how it rings out, sustain, flat frequency response, range, clarity, intonation and is it strong enough to hold tune when I let loose on it during hard playing (dynamic and static tune).
And of course quality workmanship and appeal.
This is a $5000 worth of guitar, for (retail) $2499. The two RS4's that the store had in Victoria BC (Canada) have been on the shelf since I can remember. I cannot understand that.
Welcome Shark I agree. Most buying a solid body electric today are buying for reasons other than what you listed. The name on the headstock or they just plain have no idea the RS4 is out there. The dealers are not pushing them. For the most part dealers are knowledgeable of instruments everything you listed is very clear in a one on one comparison so why are they not jumping up and down saying hey try this RS4??? I cannot understand either. I am confident tho this is just too nice of a guitar to remain anonymous for long. I firmly believe Matt LARRIVEE will be everything and more to the electric guitar world as his dad was/is to the acoustic
Quote from: JOYCEfromNS on May 08, 2010, 04:52:40 PM
Welcome Shark I agree.
Most buying a solid body electric today are buying for reasons other than what you listed.
The name on the headstock or they just plain have no idea the RS4 is out there.
The dealers are not pushing them. For the most part dealers are knowledgeable of instruments everything you listed is very clear in a one on one comparison so why are they not jumping up and down saying hey try this RS4???
I cannot understand either. I am confident tho this is just too nice of a guitar to remain anonymous for long.
I firmly believe Matt LARRIVEE will be everything and more to the electric guitar world as his dad was/is to the acoustic
Yes, if the dealers were doing part of their job, it would be to educate their customers about excellent new products (in this case, guitars) that will surpass their expectatons and make them say, "Wow! Where have these been?! This is THE ONE!"
I guess most dealers are too cautious ... or lazy. It's easier to just keep hanging Gibsons and PRSs on the walls, and wait at the cash register...
I like the RS4 being in the "space" it's in. Then again, I was an only child and was always adverse to sharing. :roll
SharkFM,
I second your sentiments 100% as I just recently traded a very nice mint condition Gibby LP Stand.
for my Rootbeer RS-4! The Larrivee just "KICKS THE GIBBY" to the curb in every way that you
would judge and compare one guitar to another if you were going for the superior instrument of
the "TWO"! :thumb
When you look at the playability,fit and finish and most importantly the tone their isn't a guitar
anywhere close to the RS-4 in its price range! :nana_guitar
Enjoy! Show us some pics of your new RS-4!
Mac
The problem I run into is when other guitarist see my Larrivee's and then make a funny face and say that a Larrivee is not a Fender, Gibson or PRS.
Well Duh! :wacko: I want my Larrivee's not something else. I like the way my RS4s sound and look. I understand that other people have their preferences, however some of these guys won't even give my RS4 a second look or even listen to it. I respect other peoples choices, but at least they could reciprocate. Their loss not mine. I have converted some to the dark side though. :thumb
Larrivee RS4 = Great Guitar, Great Price! :nana_guitar
Larrivee electrics rock! :nana_guitar
Mike
My RS-4 is so good that when I listened to recordings of it last night I asked, "I did that?" :thumb
Here's the "overture"
Crankin' straight into a new Traynor YCS50 All tube. Canadian made and awesome.
http://twitpic.com/1mm85o
Customer feedback, lettin' her ring
http://twitpic.com/1mm8b6
RS4 body on white
http://twitpic.com/1mm80r
http://twitpic.com/1mm7w2
The upper edge of the body is hard on my forearm. I might put a thin foam pad there and soften the nut a bit too at the top E.
Arriving at the Larrivee goes back maybe 2 years. This is serial # 100108 I was browsing and saw the two RS4's. First reaction was wow, thats a nice pce of work and what perfect neck. Didn't play it more than 10 seconds. Then I was looking at acoustics - played Martin, Taylor, Gibson and then the guy hands me a D09?? That acoustic just blew me away. What range, love the neck, jam session erupts. Didn't buy it, but kept thinking about it.
Fast forward to now I researched the history of the Les Paul cause Terry our shop manager has a '58 LP Special. The LP's are really a "collapsed" down electric acoustic. I read up on the history of PRS too from my guitar book. Got me thinking I need to go back to my roots (I started on a LP copy I customized).
Thanks for posting pics...nice!
When the RS-4 first came out, the Charcoalburst was my #1 color choice.
THEN I decided I would go "traditional" on this one and get the standard 3-color sunburst.
THEN the Rootbeer burst was introduced, and Matthew said they had some lefties almost done right when I was ready to order...the rest is history.
I used mine this week for the first time in Sunday worship (Wednesday practice and Sunday morning). Gotta say, don't know why I waited so long; I guess I thought some of our songs just required a Strat sound. But this thing played and sounded so great, it's going to be the "go-to" guitar for lots of Sundays to come!
Also used it Sunday evening for our men's group (we're studying Tony Dungy's book UnCommon - around 40-45 guys). The RS-4 worked great again for leading opening worship, no matter what the song...and Sunday evenings it's just me on guitar, a drummer, and two or three of us guys singing...but last night the music sounded so good I thought we were leading worship at a Promise Keepers event! The guitar and amp (Carr Rambler) had a LOT to do with that (as did our awesome drummer - thanks Brad)!
Song set Sunday night was:
Let It Rise
Hallelujah (Your Love Is Amazing)
O To See the Dawn
Change My Heart, O God
SharkFM,
Very Nice pics of your Charcoal Burst RS-4! :nice guitar:
That color is much more "EYE-CATCHING" :wacko: that I ever thought it would be!
Thanks for sharing with everyone! You don't realize how nice the RS-4's look when being
played until you see a pic of yourself or someone else with an RS-4 strapped on! :beer
Mac
I was torn with the colour choice. At first, I thought I wanted the sunburst but I have way too many sb's already, then I figured the charcoal burst and then I saw the amber in real life. Pictures don't capture the true beauty of the amber RS-4. Anyway, my thinking eventually went along these lines. Cherry burst and gold top = too Gibson. Charcoal burst = too PRS. Sunburst = my sixth TSB instrument. The amber is fantastic when you actually get to see how it reveals the maple grain and to my way of thinking the most "Larrivée" of the choices. It really allows the wood to speak. Visually, that is.
[attachment deleted by admin]
I probably would have given the amber the nod too, that's sweet. you know this cherry burst (or charcoal) was closest to the floor, so that is the one i grabbed and played. I never did try the sunburst one they had there. I had no intention of buying - was going to bid on the one in Georgia, but bought the thing a few minutes before walking out the door. price was getting lower every time I opened it to walk out.... :wink:
makes a good partner for the strat I picked up back in the early '80's from steve's music in TO. We were an indie band gigging clubs in TO at the time - El Macambo, Silver Dollar etc. even jamming with Ian Astbury (the cult) one night at Lee's palace, a highlight for sure.
http://twitpic.com/1n0kmh
Cool playing the ElMo! You've tread hallowed boards. :bowdown:
Quote from: ducktrapper on May 10, 2010, 06:06:28 PM
I was torn with the colour choice. At first, I thought I wanted the sunburst but I have way too many sb's already, then I figured the charcoal burst and then I saw the amber in real life. Pictures don't capture the true beauty of the amber RS-4. Anyway, my thinking eventually went along these lines. Cherry burst and gold top = too Gibson. Charcoal burst = too PRS. Sunburst = my sixth TSB instrument. The amber is fantastic when you actually get to see how it reveals the maple grain and to my way of thinking the most "Larrivée" of the choices. It really allows the wood to speak. Visually, that is.
I too luv the amber most - now Im sooo fickle tho when it comes to the RS4 colors :roll
Shot this vid yesterday morning. Audio was recorded using the cam in front of the amp, using the RS4 straight up, one take no dubs.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUzamJLyKEY
Ducktrapper,
Your AMBER RS-4 is definitely a "BEAUTIFUL GUITAR"!! I love the "HECK" out of my ROOTBEER RS-4
but I gotta say I would love to have the Amber RS-4 with P-90's but I'm going to have the Translucent
Amber RS-2 with P-90's so we'll see what happens? Ha! :wacko:
Fellow Larrivee Forumites I just got a "SMOKIN NEW AMP"! Traded the Little Boogie Transatlantic for
a PRS SWEET 16 Head! I am going to get to the point of this amp tonally and not gush on and on
like we all do when we get a new BOUTIQUE ALL TUBE HANDWIRED AMP! This amp allows you to
crank the gain to the level of overdrive you want and by crankin the Master Volume to about 3 or 4
o'clock you have many shades of "CLEAN TO CRUNCH" all with the flick of your volume control on your
guitar! I have never had an amp that does it anywhere as well as the PRS SWEET 16 does!
Beautiful CLEANS and very nice low-medium gain CRUNCH to cover many grounds of "BLUES,BLUES
ROCK AND CLASSIC ROCK! T-M-B tone controls as well as a "NICE NOT TO BOINGY REVERB" to fatten
up things just right! Check this amp out if you get a chance to play one for sure! I have had 3 very
fine sounding Boutique 6V6 based amps in the last year and the Sweet 16 reigns over all of them!
That's not to say that I think the Sweet 16 is a superior amp to the "BOGNER,PORT CITY or DIVIDED
BY 13" amps that I am referencing to! The Sweet 16 has its own "UNIQUE TONE" for a cathode-biased
6V6 amp but the ability to control the amp from "CLEAN TO CRUNCH" with nothing but the Volume
control on guitar sealed the deal for me! :nana_guitar
One loud MOFO for sure considering its 16 watt rating! :beer
Mac
Mac
Everyone go and listen to SharkFM's video at YOUTUBE that he just posted!
VERY VERY COOL! It shows just how "TASTY AND ARTICULATE" the split/middle position
pickup setting is especially when played clean! :+1:
One of the more "ORIGINAL IDEAS" for a video clip than I've seen in a long time!
HATS OFF TO SharkFM! Great job and playing on the video clip!
Mac
Quote from: macsmojado on May 14, 2010, 03:37:20 PM
Everyone go and listen to SharkFM's video at YOUTUBE that he just posted!
VERY VERY COOL! It shows just how "TASTY AND ARTICULATE" the split/middle position
pickup setting is especially when played clean! :+1:
One of the more "ORIGINAL IDEAS" for a video clip than I've seen in a long time!
HATS OFF TO SharkFM! Great job and playing on the video clip!
Mac
I 2nd that!!!!!
Yes, great video - and song and tone. :+1:
Great video, great location. I live in Vancouver so I don't get the surf but skimming works for me. One question though, Was this a self shot video? If it was, does that mean you surf alone? Not a problem if you do. I mtb the shore solo all the time and understand the risks going solo. Just wondering.
that beach has to be in the top 10 most awesomeness places in the world. must say the backdrop looks pretty amazing in HD.
I did shoot this vid and surf on my own. don't have a lot of time on my hands so i work quickly. 10 mins video, 2 mins audio. was the only one on the beach just b4 8am. A few other surfers showed up a bit later.
tofino area is pretty forgiving - sandy and deep enough. i am a water skier so been in the water for years. this winter the waves were HUGE. one day I battled to get out there and when I made it was alone in these monsters. scared the @&$^ of me. managed to hang onto a big one, and headed back in. i am a novice at it.
Amber Larrivee RS4 electric guitar in excellent condition. Includes the original HS case. Body: South American Mahogany, Top Plate: Extra Thick Flamed Maple, Neck: Single Piece South American Mahogany, Fretboard: Indian Rosewood. The craftsmanship and playability are fantastic..
Quote from: katieburton12 on August 30, 2010, 01:51:04 AM
Amber Larrivee RS4 electric guitar in excellent condition. Includes the original HS case. Body: South American Mahogany, Top Plate: Extra Thick Flamed Maple, Neck: Single Piece South American Mahogany, Fretboard: Indian Rosewood. The craftsmanship and playability are fantastic..
Welcome to the club, kb12! :nice guitar:
Since I already have one, I can only say ... Yes ... :nice guitar:
Hey guys, IM STOKED, just bought RS4 tobacco-burst & P90's.............have never played one, but my great experience with Larrivee acoustics is all I need (plus a little assurance from Matt Larrivee didn't hurt). Will be updating regarding this soon, I am on here a lot but usually cannot get logged in. See ya
markslife,
You have made a very wise and rewarding choice with your addition of the RS-4 with P-90's!
Congratulations and welcome to the "LARRIVEE ELECTRIC CLUB" here at the forum! :beer
You are in for a treat BIGTIME! I have a ROOTBEER RS-4 with HB"s and an AMBER RS-2
with P-90's! Truly SUPERBLY BUILT GUITARS WITH AMAZING TONES! BEST value in the
BOUTIQUE GUITAR industry! :thumb
Can't wait to hear you comments on your first couple of trial runs on your RS-4!
Mac
:cop:
RS4 alert.........ebay has about 4 right now, 3 different sellers - for those holding out for used/like new!
I really don't know how someone could let one of these go. Desperate times call for desperate measures I guess!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If one is on the fence I guess now would be a good time to buy. The prices they are going for right now is simply criminal. Would go for another myself BUT that just wouldn't be right :roll
Alright, preliminary results loking good............had about 15 minutes with my new 8lb baby (RS4) that arrived today. Anyway, all of the quality expected from Larrivee, including Larrivee-made P90s. Will have more to say soon. Can anyone verify if getting a new guitar is grounds for a paid sick/personal day, already need to babysit this thing! :arrow
Pics:
http://s1215.photobucket.com/albums/cc516/markslifetime/RS4/
Quote from: markslife on September 17, 2010, 11:06:42 PM
Can anyone verify if getting a new guitar is grounds for a paid sick/personal day, already need to babysit this thing!
It sure is!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :roll
The RS4 P90 ought to be a nice complement to that 67 SG your sportin.
Ya might now be considering an RS4 with the Larrivee Hummers :? Now that you see just how great these Gits are especially when you have another great one ( 67 SG) to compare the quality and workmanship to.
Very interested in hearing your thoughts and experiences :wave
Just got one for my son, tobacco burst. Even he says it sounds better than his Gibson!
Quote from: pigtown on September 24, 2010, 07:47:18 AM
Just got one for my son, tobacco burst. Even he says it sounds better than his Gibson!
Congratulations - and I trust your son is right :gotpics:
Sorry if this is already common knowledge, but what are some differences between the two styles of RS4 pickups? Thanks.
I have the Larrivee P90's RS4, thinking about getting another one with HB's.
P-90s are Gibson-born single coils but not as twangy as Fender types - kindof a creature of there own. Gibson has been using them off and on since wayyyy back and some serious guitarists play them. I have been playing P-90s since a kid on my 67 Gibson SG which has some extremely killer bite. The Larrivee P90's are a bit more controlled as opposed to the raw vintage edge I am used too, but this is not a bad thing at all. Larrivee's version are extremely well balanced in tone and more. I have had a bit of a challenge using my RS-4 w/P90s as my main electric guitar due to getting used to the pickups - guitar is top notch though!!!!
Humbuckers are Gibson patented double coils, hotter pickups - some may say richer/fatter sound, more depth, more sustain........you almost have to play both to understand. I have not played the Larrivee Hbs so maybe some of these guys with both can chime in.
Really depends on what you played in past, and what types of music and tones your after. I feel that the HB's are probably the safest choice if in doubt.
Quote from: markslife on October 04, 2010, 02:29:14 AM
...
Really depends on what you played in past, and what types of music and tones your after. I feel that the HB's are probably the safest choice if in doubt.
Just got an RS4 with Larrivee HB's so that's great to hear. Thanks!
Just received a tobacco burst RS-4. Incredibly beautiful guitar that plays and sounds great. I've alawys been a strat and/or tele guy. I may be crossing over to the dark side!
Quote from: gevans378 on November 13, 2010, 08:19:09 PM
Just received a tobacco burst RS-4. Incredibly beautiful guitar that plays and sounds great. I've alawys been a strat and/or tele guy. I may be crossing over to the dark side!
:welcome: to the Darkside gevans
You may find a slight adjustment period due to your Fender experience.
Tobacco Burst I assume Humbuckers and not P90's ( only because of majority) Larrivee or Lollar Humbuckers :?
Tell us what you think so glad to have another in our midst
Mine came with the Lollar humbuckers. The flatter radius is taking a bit of getting used to, but I'm enjoying the difference between the Larrivee neck and my strats and teles. I am able to pull a whole lot of great tones out of my Koch Studiotone with the RS-4. I think my other electrics are going to catch some dust for awhile.
Quote from: gevans378 on November 14, 2010, 07:45:06 AM
Mine came with the Lollar humbuckers. The flatter radius is taking a bit of getting used to, but I'm enjoying the difference between the Larrivee neck and my strats and teles. I am able to pull a whole lot of great tones out of my Koch Studiotone with the RS-4. I think my other electrics are going to catch some dust for awhile.
Welcome to this elite group! That Tobacco burst was my first choice until Larrivee came out with the Rootbeer burst, and I found out they had several lefties in process. I know of a new old stock Tobacco burst one with Lollars that's out there, and if I had the $$, I'd nab it today! (Mine has the Larrivee buckers, which are awesome.)
The Larrivee neck is very different from a Strat or Tele - it's a lot like their acoustic necks. I like both (the Fender style and Larrivees), and these Larrivees are just head and shoulders above some other set-neck brands in quality of wood, components and workmanship - it's just a no brainer great deal.
Make sure you check out the thread here about Larrivee on Good Morning America ... that is a fun clip to watch as that Larrivee RS-4 gets a workout (and I'm by no means a big fan of Reba - but it's great exposure for Larrivee!)
Quote from: ducktrapper on May 10, 2010, 06:06:28 PM
I was torn with the colour choice. At first, I thought I wanted the sunburst but I have way too many sb's already, then I figured the charcoal burst and then I saw the amber in real life. Pictures don't capture the true beauty of the amber RS-4. Anyway, my thinking eventually went along these lines. Cherry burst and gold top = too Gibson. Charcoal burst = too PRS. Sunburst = my sixth TSB instrument. The amber is fantastic when you actually get to see how it reveals the maple grain and to my way of thinking the most "Larrivée" of the choices. It really allows the wood to speak. Visually, that is.
Nice Amber guitar Ducktrapper. I agree that the amber colour brings out the grain. Looks great!
However, I have to ask about the couch....
Quote from: madoclake on November 15, 2010, 11:32:30 PM
Nice Amber guitar Ducktrapper. I agree that the amber colour brings out the grain. Looks great!
However, I have to ask about the couch....
Thanks. As for the couch. Ask her. We're breaking up and she gets it. :crying:
Quote from: ducktrapper on November 16, 2010, 08:25:05 AM
Thanks. As for the couch. Ask her. We're breaking up and she gets it. :crying:
Well played Ducktrapper....
I have had an RS-4 for about 2 years and I absolutely love it. The neck is amazing and the shape is soooo right for me. My one complaint is that I am growing more fond of single coil pickups and mine has 2 lead Lollar Imperial humbuckers on it. A couple of months ago I took it to my guitar tech and he opened them up and split the neck pickup for me and put a push pull pot on the tone to change from single coil to humbucker. Now my guitar is just about perfect...
Quote from: sahill on December 09, 2010, 09:51:47 PM
I have had an RS-4 for about 2 years and I absolutely love it. The neck is amazing and the shape is soooo right for me. My one complaint is that I am growing more fond of single coil pickups and mine has 2 lead Lollar Imperial humbuckers on it. A couple of months ago I took it to my guitar tech and he opened them up and split the neck pickup for me and put a push pull pot on the tone to change from single coil to humbucker. Now my guitar is just about perfect...
If you're getting into single coils, you own it to yourself to try a Larrivee with P-90's - the RS-2 is a very reasonably priced way to do this. I absolutely LOVE mine!
The P-90's are very dynamic pickups; this thing can do Tele twang and Strat spankiness (esp. with the Fender scale length). I play Clapton stuff on my RS-2 all the time. Plus, the P-90's have a little more gain, so you've got that extra "oomph" when you need it; or back off the volume controls to get closer to a Fender style single coil. They sound great clean and drive the way a good hot single coil/P-90 should. Just a very versatile guitar!
Quote from: Mikeymac on December 13, 2010, 09:39:05 AM
If you're getting into single coils, you own it to yourself to try a Larrivee with P-90's - the RS-2 is a very reasonably priced way to do this. I absolutely LOVE mine!
The P-90's are very dynamic pickups; this thing can do Tele twang and Strat spankiness (esp. with the Fender scale length). I play Clapton stuff on my RS-2 all the time. Plus, the P-90's have a little more gain, so you've got that extra "oomph" when you need it; or back off the volume controls to get closer to a Fender style single coil. They sound great clean and drive the way a good hot single coil/P-90 should. Just a very versatile guitar!
I've been wanting to try a Larrivee with P-90's for some time, but thought I couldn't afford it. I just recently became aware of the RS-2. That changes everything... One of these days I will have one!
Its very cool ,Perfect...World's best electric = RS4 i love it..
they made a good choice going with Jason Lollar, his pickups are superb; MUCH better than the generic Gibson & Seymour Duncan offerings ( offal....and awful :D )
Quote from: ummagumma on December 24, 2010, 02:47:57 AM
they made a good choice going with Jason Lollar, his pickups are superb; MUCH better than the generic Gibson & Seymour Duncan offerings ( offal....and awful :D )
Are you aware that Larrivee is now using humbuckers and P-90s that are built 'in-house' by Matthew Larrivee?
When I first learned about this (a couple years ago when I was getting ready to buy an RS-4), I thought it was a cost-cutting measure on Larrivee's part. Not so ... Their in-house pickups are excellent "vintage-toned" reproductions - Matthew has really nailed it on both models (I have guitars with both pickups in them)!
Just sharing this info (again) so no one is confused by your comment...
ah, I wasn't aware of that, just saw a video where Jean explains the model in French, it most be old because he says they're Lollars
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOLUor55lh0
Quote from: ummagumma on December 24, 2010, 05:27:11 PM
ah, I wasn't aware of that, just saw a video where Jean explains the model in French, it most be old because he says they're Lollars
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOLUor55lh0
Yeah, that's an older clip - wish I understood French, cuz it looks very interesting.
How are the pickups identified - Like how do you know what you have?? I have serial # 100108.
Not that I would change them because they sound great to me!
PS: If you want a slick single coil sound you can pickup a Danelectro re-issue for chump change. In searching for our daughter's Christmas gift (turquoise colored bass, didn't care how it played):ohmy: I thought of Danelectro's and sure enough sourced one at danguitars.com. it's complex because these are not easy to find in Canada. So to make the shipping worth it i also picked up a mint Korean made Dano 12 string. Then got a Baritone Dano (for sale here locally $250). They play well, sound great & are fun.
Quote from: ummagumma on December 24, 2010, 02:47:57 AM
they made a good choice going with Jason Lollar, his pickups are superb; MUCH better than the generic Gibson & Seymour Duncan offerings ( offal....and awful :D )
over the last two years i've really listened closely to the differences between pickups. To my ears the Duncans win over the Lollars by a good margin. Don't get me wrong, i do like the lollars, but there is alot more going on in the tone of a seth lover and a JB jazz than the imperials. i think people dump on them for being a larger company, but the pickups they offer are very good.
Quote from: bel on December 28, 2010, 11:09:42 PM
over the last two years i've really listened closely to the differences between pickups. To my ears the Duncans win over the Lollars by a good margin. Don't get me wrong, i do like the lollars, but there is alot more going on in the tone of a seth lover and a JB jazz than the imperials. i think people dump on them for being a larger company, but the pickups they offer are very good.
I feel the same way about a number of DiMarzio pickups ... I have them in several of my guitars (all of my Carvins and a couple Warmoths as well). I have the SD JB/Jazz set in a "super-strat" and they sound amazing in that guitar.
ha, well it's a good thing we have the variety of choices in pickups we have, these days
once I discovered throbak, wolfetone & lollar pups, they left the rest in the dust
don't get me wrong, I can totally get by with duncan pups, and I prefer them over stock gibsons, but the others are in a league of their pwn
fwiw I don't use many FX, and usually use very basic old tube amps cranked up to get any distortion...which is where these really shine IMO
using a modern high gain amp or lots of pedals are probably better suited to the duncan's, as they are potted & won't go microphonic etc
but once you start using FX & stompboxes & mesa-type amps, you lose a lot of the character of the pickup & guitar...from what I have experienced, and for the kind of sounds I am going for
cheers
Quote from: ummagumma on January 01, 2011, 11:10:40 AM
fwiw I don't use many FX, and usually use very basic old tube amps cranked up to get any distortion...which is where these really shine IMO
using a modern high gain amp or lots of pedals are probably better suited to the duncan's, as they are potted & won't go microphonic etc
but once you start using FX & stompboxes & mesa-type amps, you lose a lot of the character of the pickup & guitar...from what I have experienced, and for the kind of sounds I am going for
cheers
This is true. I also don't use much in the way of effects. At home it's usually just an old Zoom PD-01 overdrive pedal into my Gibson Goldtone GA15-RV, for worship it's a Fulltone Fulldrive 2 into a Boss Delay (which is seldom used - it gets lost in the mix) into my Carr Rambler 2x10. So you can really 'hear' the differences and nuances of a great pickup verses a good or so-so pickup...
I currently ahve on hand Duncans (JB/Jazz, Custom/59, Pearly Gates, P-Rails, Seth Lovers), Lace Chromedomes, EMG, GFS (Dream 180's, Pro-tube), WCR Crossroads, Dimarzio Area T's, Fender Texas Special and PRS SC250's. In addition I have had a similar number of pickup sets that are no longer around. In my opinion The Larrivee wound humbuckers are among the best pickups available. I love 'em like a brother in my RS-4 and I would really like to try them out in my 335 or my 137. Not that the ones in my RS-4 are going anywhere.
Quote from: wilblee on February 21, 2011, 11:41:58 AMIn my opinion The Larrivee wound humbuckers are among the best pickups available. I love 'em like a brother in my RS-4 and I would really like to try them out in my 335 or my 137. Not that the ones in my RS-4 are going anywhere.
Agreed. I'd love it if Larrivee offered these for sale "aftermarket" like Gibson and Fender have started doing with their pickups...
Let me start out by saying that we all agree that sound is the most important reason for buying a particular guitar. However, there are a lot of great sounding guitars out there and guitar appearance factors into our decision. Some of us even modify a guitar we like to get the sound we want.
I am going to stick my neck way out and comment on the design of the Larrivee RS-4. I hear from forum members that they are not flying off the shelves even though the reviews I have read say that they should be selling for twice the price. My first impression of the RS-4 is that the finish is gorgeous and the build quality is way above par, but I have to admit that I find the shape of the cutaway to be a distraction. It is very functional with the bevelled edge and I like the way the binding ends at the tip, but it just does not seem right to me. Most cutaway's (Venetian and Florentine) point somewhat toward the headstock but this one is kinda like a bite out of the corner. A closer look shows that the top of the guitar has a more traditional shape.
I think that I would buy an RS-4 if there was one small design change. An identifying feature of a Larrivee is the silver inlay around the headstock. That inlay could be transferred to the body to accentuate the classic cutaway shape that is hard to see. The photo does not show this very well, but perhaps you can see what I mean. Maybe I am just too used my Les Paul, but I also like daring designs like the Parker Fly even though it looks a bit like road kill. For a superior guitar to gain a big chunk of the market, which the Fly never did, it has to appeal to mainstream tastes. No offense... just one opinion.
:whistling:
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I agree that your suggestion makes the guitar look better. Accentuating the "traditional" curve more, while de-emphasizing the contour seems like a good idea to me. However, I think your example is still too subtle. Why not make it as thick as the rest of the binding or just carry the binding all the way around? (assuming this is possible).
Regards, Kurt
I agree, My drawing software would only allow me to put in a thin line. They could stop the thick binding at the point and bring the thin one in to the neck. However, I like the possibility of using the silver inlay as a Larrivee signature. Good to hear from another modifier.
Give me an excuse to own another one. The last I looked the Rootbeer? burst was still hanging in the shop. I might call today...
The only problem I have had with my RS4 is a funny input jack. Seems the Mogami cable we got (which is great sounding) won't connect properly. I went to a PV or Yorkville cable it's fine though, if I make sure to snap it in well. Anyone with this issue? I am sure it's easy for me to sort just have to pop the cover and take a look.
Quote from: SharkFM on February 28, 2011, 01:49:46 PM
The only problem I have had with my RS4 is a funny input jack. Seems the Mogami cable we got (which is great sounding) won't connect properly. I went to a PV or Yorkville cable it's fine though, if I make sure to snap it in well. Anyone with this issue?
Yes I did with one and was a loose jack input. I emailed Larrivee suggesting they consider loctite. They responded within 24hrs stated good idea :smile: