Okay, we've kicked this can around a bit, then Matthew Larrivee himself jumped in and lit the pilot light yesterday.
So let's start this discussion and see if we can get anywhere near a consensus on what we want for a Forum RS-4.
First of all, which Forum guitar will this really be? If it gets decided and ordered before the next acoustic Forum guitar, is this the Forum V? Or do we start again and call this the electric Forum I? (I'd go with the latter, just to keep things separate and simple.)
Here are some of the ideas/options that have been kicked around so far:
Mahogany topped guitar (could also add tortoise binding with this top)
Quilted mahogany top
Quilted mahogany or flamed maple neck
Or offer various solid colors (with tort binding)
Special headstock inlay, such as the original JCL logo
Ebony finger board
"Forum I" inlayed on the fingerboard (12th fret?)
10 series fretboard inlays instead of the "block/triangle" inlays
Choice of pickups (buckers, P-90's min-buckers, Seymour Duncan no solder system)
Single piece wrap around bridge (make this a customer choice - could also choose standard RS-4 bridge/tailpiece)
Bigsby trem
Gold or chrome hardware option
Locking Schaller tuners
There are some others as well - I can't remember them all; I'll let someone else chime in now!
Matthew can also chime in and tell us which options simply "are not going to happen".
**Edited to make a few changes - I misquoted some other folks' suggestions...
:cop:OH you just S**K I have no money for any guitar's right now and you start this.You had better grow eye's out the back of your head....
:humour: Maybe yes maybe NO :mad:
Count me in on a forum electric. I'd prefer to see a forum Bakersfield, however I will take any forum electric at this point. Trying to get a consensus will be like herding cats. I suggest the following:
1.) Quilted maple top, possibly in a rootbeer burst.
2.) Choice of gold or chrome hardware.
3.) Standard RS4 bridge and tail piece, however I would like to see a Bigsby.
4.) Schaller tuners, locking schallers if we can go the Bigsby route.
5.) Choice of pups, P90s or Humbuckers.
6.) Choice of binding color, black or ivoroid.
7.) Standard RS4 fretboard inlays, ebony board if possible with a Forum I and / or Monterey inlay.
8.) Larrivee / Vine inlay on headstock.
9.) Matthew's signature on back of headstock.
I am open to anything. Maybe Matthew can offer some suggestions.
Mike
I would be in as well.
Gold Top
Wrap around bridge
p90's or humbuckers
Chrome hardware
Standard RS4 fretboard inlays, ebony board if possible with a Forum I
Special Headstock Inlay
Matthew's signature and number of production on back of headstock
I am also open to anything, but would prefer to keep it "affordable"
Joe
oh man, I've always been more than satisfied with my current RS4... but the thought of a forum RS4 with a hog top and the tortoise binding sounds way too appealing to pass up on
Quote from: StephenM on September 30, 2011, 08:46:38 PM
but the thought of a forum RS4 with a hog top and the tortoise binding sounds way too appealing to pass up on
Like many of the options noted above and would go with them BUT like this one best :blush:
I too would like a forum Bakersfield. Or a RS4 with the wider Bakersfield neck.
mary
Quote from: kaos on October 01, 2011, 07:36:05 AM
I too would like a forum Bakersfield. Or a RS4 with the wider Bakersfield neck.
mary
Yeah, the 1 3/4 nut spec on the Bakersfield will keep me busy watching for someone who grabs one then decides some other guitar will make them sound just like (insert someone famous) and sells it cheap....
Quote from: StephenM on September 30, 2011, 08:46:38 PM
... but the thought of a forum RS4 with a hog top and the tortoise binding sounds way too appealing to pass up on
I really like
^^this^^ option - but I also like the idea of:
all hog body/top
gold top finish
white binding
pups of choice
one piece wrap around bridge/tailpieceI also like the idea of a 1 3/4" nut width! :thumbsup
Some forum-relevant suggestions:
Colour: #FF0000
Inlays: :smile: :tongue: :yak: :ohmy: :mad: :blush: :doh :wacko:
etc.
I'd go with just about any of these suggestions, except a solid color. Especially not a Gold Top. Why hide a beautiful, one (or 100) of a kind guitar behind paint? My input, as if it would mean anything, is Burst finishes. And since it seems Rootbeer Burst is no longer a standard finish (just looked at the website), that could be a cool finish. Wonder how that'd look on a 'hog top, tho'?
Quote from: tulk1 on October 02, 2011, 11:14:02 AM
I'd go with just about any of these suggestions, except a solid color. Especially not a Gold Top. Why hide a beautiful, one (or 100) of a kind guitar behind paint? My input, as if it would mean anything, is Burst finishes. And since it seems Rootbeer Burst is no longer a standard finish (just looked at the website), that could be a cool finish. Wonder how that'd look on a 'hog top, tho'?
Amen on the rootbeer burst...
(http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w251/jrp1950/rootbeer1.jpg)
I was having a hard time finding older posts. Here's some links for posterity
Older Forum RS-4 discussion:
http://www.larriveeforum.com/smf/index.php?topic=31121.0
Matthew Larrivee quote:
http://www.larriveeforum.com/smf/index.php?topic=37877.20
Quote from: Matthew Larrivee on September 29, 2011, 10:40:07 PM
Someone has to get thier act together and get a forum RS-4 going :whistling:
Problem with RB is that many of us already have it - thus we might want to lean towards something unique
Quote from: JOYCEfromNS on October 02, 2011, 01:30:18 PM
Problem with RB is that many of us already have it - thus we might want to lean towards something unique
Maybe something new and unique could be worked up by the plant. Heritage has colors called Almond Sunburst, Dark Almond and Old Style Sunburst (which is a super color). I have guitars in all those colors, so when I ordered my last one they sorta mixed them and came up with a different color. Just a thought.
I also think a burst finish would be the way to go. I suggested rootbeer burst earlier but would be open to almost anything. First I think we should decide on a top wood, be it a mahogany, maple, walnut, quilted, flame, plain or other. The choice of top wood would then help dictate what finish choices we should consider. What about using swamp ash like the Bakersfield.
Mike
Mahogany in a transparent Amber would be my vote.
Kurt
OK I got the colour....Amber burst...
Quote from: unclrob on October 02, 2011, 10:10:33 PM
OK I got the colour....Amber burst...
I wouldn't mind it in amber burst. :smile:
Mike
Quote from: Cybercanyon on October 03, 2011, 02:25:45 AM
I wouldn't mind it in amber burst. :smile:
Mike
I wouldn't either but between that, Charcoal and RB they are very popular here - I would say the Big Three
With the couple of sweet white RS-4's I've seen, what about a trans-white finish sort of like ? A burst could be carefully done with a lightly tinted brown - almost almond on the edges. Would def have to be a bright maple cap tho - maybe even some bleaching (this is touchy as hell!).
Gold hardware is a must on a white geetar!
Phil
Or perhaps a blue burst.
mary
Quote from: PM33AUD on October 03, 2011, 08:41:23 AMA burst could be carefully done with a lightly tinted brown - almost almond on the edges. Would def have to be a bright maple cap tho - maybe even some bleaching (this is touchy as hell!).
I like the idea of a subtle (rootbeer?) burst on a hog top. With a wrap around bridge. Then you have to ask about the tortoise binding idea; ivory binding would make a better contrast...
Another option I thought of was open coil humbuckers - for a more "low brow" look on a hog top guitar with subtle burst. (Again, I think making the pickup choice an option for each person is the only way to reach consensus here on THAT part of the built.)
Quote from: Mikeymac on October 03, 2011, 11:14:17 AM
I like the idea of a subtle (rootbeer?) burst on a hog top. With a wrap around bridge. Then you have to ask about the tortoise binding idea; ivory binding would make a better contrast...
Another option I thought of was open coil humbuckers - for a more "low brow" look on a hog top guitar with subtle burst. (Again, I think making the pickup choice an option for each person is the only way to reach consensus here on THAT part of the built.)
Light Rootbeer Burst on mahogany would be killer. Open coil pickups would get my vote, too. On the consensus thing ... has that actually happened on the Forum guitars? :whistling:
Quote from: tulk1 on October 03, 2011, 01:34:27 PM
Light Rootbeer Burst on mahogany would be killer. Open coil pickups would get my vote, too. On the consensus thing ... has that actually happened on the Forum guitars? :whistling:
not really. Just close enough to get people to buy in when a decision is finally made by whoever drives the final spec.
In order for this to happen, there are a few things that are going to need to occur:
1) One person is going to have to contact a dealer (preferably one that participates on the forum) and start the ball rolling
2) The dealer will need to get in touch with our sales department, and speak to Corey who will be the liaison and the primary point of contact
As far as available options on the instruments, sure there are lots of things that are possible, but I recommend keeping it somewhat simple. My suggestion is to keep the core concept of the RS-4 intact (Maple cap over mahogany body, with mahogany neck and rosewood fretboard) and customize it from there. Below are some comments on the options people have listed:
- Bigsby: We're not opposed to these, but they will add a decent ammount to the price. I believe the one that fits is the B3.
- Rootbeer Finish: I think this finish would be a great choice for this guitar. We have some special highly figured maple tucked away that would work exceptionally well for this. Rootbeer does not work well on mahogany.
- Mini Humbucker: I would be willing to wind some Larrivee Mini-Humbuckers (Forumbuckers?) for the guitar. Though due to the design and construction of the pickup, they must have a nickel-silver cover.
- Headstock - Either the JCL, or Vine Headstock would be acceptable. The Vine headstock looks great on an RS-4.
- Gold Hardware - Our preference would be for Nickel hardware.
- Dark Binding - The dark bindings really only work with light-color solid or purely natural finishes. Part of what makes rootbeer "pop" is the light binding.
- Fretboard inlays - The deluxe inlay is possible. We considered it during the design of the instrument, but it just seemed out of place. 5mm pearl dots look very nice. Perhaps that could be a good option?
- Markings indicating "forum" and/or Production Numbers - I think special individualized decals under the finish, on the back of the headstock would be best. Not only will it keep the cost down, but it will also keep the potential future resale value of the instrument higher. It also allows for greater customization.
- Signature on headstock - We have an un-written rule that neither johnny jr or I sign guitars. However, I would be willing to sign and number the pickups.
- Ebony Fretboard - It could be an option, but it will alter the tone of the instrument.
- Left handed - No problem.
Matthew: Thanks for the information that will hopefully help focus efforts to get this project come to fruition...
" I recommend keeping it somewhat simple."
Thanks Matthew, perfectly said. Keeping it simple will help keep the price down, which will give more people the opportunity to purchase one.
Matthew - we always appreciate your input; it's very helpful and it gives us some focus.
While I already have a Rootbeer Burst RS-4, having another with a special top is appealing (or I might decide to sell my current one and get one with a different finish).
I REALLY LIKE the idea of some "custom wound" mini-humbuckers! And hand signed by Matthew, the designer/builder - even better!
I still really like the idea of 10 series fingerboard inlays, but pearl dots would be fine if we also choose the Vine or JCL headstock inlay. Can someone post an example of these two inlays so we all know what we're talking about?
Decals on the back of the headstock make a lot of sense and cents...
This thing might come into focus yet!
Anyeone have a preference for a dealer?
Who is REALLY IN on commiting to such a guitar (not exactly what I've listed above, but with getting "in" and being committed)? It will be a stretch for me right now, but I'm up for it...
here's a vine headstock from my L-09 CE
(http://randyrick.us/guitars/L09CEheadstock.JPG)
here's an new JCL logo .
[attachment deleted by admin]
I like the Vine Inlay, if it doesn't add significantly to the $$s. I'm sorta in that can/might/would commit camp, as well. Would probably have to move another guitar to get one. But I think I'm okay with that. To get a custom jobber, designed on the forum ... yeah, I'd go for that.
Next, we need a Forum Mandolin ................. :tongue:
:donut :donut :donut2 :donut2
I'm in the might commit camp with tulk1, but I'd definitely have to move a guitar to make that happen.
I think the vine inlay on the headstock is just about the best looking headstock I've seen and I can't think of a better one
After seeing them both, I'll give another vote for the Vine/Larrivee logo - just looks right with the silver border, which is part of the design on these.
Quote from: Mikeymac on October 04, 2011, 02:45:17 PM
After seeing them both, I'll give another vote for the Vine/Larrivee logo - just looks right with the silver border, which is part of the design on these.
The vine is nice BUT they are out there already on the RS 4:
Prefer the JCL due to uniqueness on an electric BUT not a deal breaker either way for me
[attachment deleted by admin]
wth is a 'hog top' ?!
I'd be in for a Forum Bakersfield! :wave
Quote from: robwms on October 04, 2011, 10:49:28 PM
I'd be in for a Forum Bakersfield! :wave
Probably do that next time around! :arrow
Personally, I am not in the camp of making it as "cheap" as possible.
I am in the camp of making it as unique as possible....
Larrivee is known for their fine woods, so I'd like to see a nice, glossy, UNPAINTED top.
I really like the hog top...especially that quilted hog top. But that's been done.
How about something like this? Scroll down to the second guitar
http://www.edroman.com/customshop/wood/bubinga.htm
I'd like the same wood on the headstock, with the JCL inlay.
I'd like the solderless PUP system so everyone could have what they want there.
Of course, I'd like a bigsby whammy bar.
I get excited about the mention of any new forum guitar. I hope I'm not still poor when it comes down to specs and an order going in.
I really like the "Forumbucker" idea. I've been wanting something with minihumbuckers for years.
I would also be more partial to a natural or transparent finish to show off the wood.
Hopefully this keeps going and we get the chance to buy one of these guitars.
Quote from: Walkerman on October 05, 2011, 08:38:38 AM
Larrivee is known for their fine woods, so I'd like to see a nice, glossy, UNPAINTED top.
I really like the hog top...especially that quilted hog top. But that's been done.
How about something like this? Scroll down to the second guitar
http://www.edroman.com/customshop/wood/bubinga.htm
I'd like the same wood on the headstock, with the JCL inlay.
The tricky part, of course, is that Matthew said to keep it simple (but simple doesn't have to mean "budget"). I assume that means they're not going to go looking for woods they don't have in stock to do tops on these.
Another option - that they MIGHT have in stock would be a koa top. But since Matthew didn't mention this, I'm assuming it's a wild card idea...
...I think upgraded tops, special inlays and the mini-buckers would make it a special Forum guitar.
Quote from: Walkerman on October 05, 2011, 08:38:38 AM
Personally, I am not in the camp of making it as "cheap" as possible.
I am in the camp of making it as unique as possible....
Larrivee is known for their fine woods, so I'd like to see a nice, glossy, UNPAINTED top.
I really like the hog top...especially that quilted hog top. But that's been done.
How about something like this? Scroll down to the second guitar
http://www.edroman.com/customshop/wood/bubinga.htm
I'd like the same wood on the headstock, with the JCL inlay.
I'd like the solderless PUP system so everyone could have what they want there.
Of course, I'd like a bigsby whammy bar.
:thumb
Nice to have you back Friend!!!
My understanding of keeping it simple was only limit the options. Another words all Forum Gits be essentially the same. Likely be much easier getting a dealer that way too as too many options can make for complications for a Dealer. Not sure we could get the plug and play PUPS if we want custom Matt LARRIVEE PUPS. My preference is with the custom Larrivees.
As well Friends the Maple Tops on the RS 4's are killer I would have absolutely no problem staying with the "thickest maple cap" in the industry I'm sure they would be pretty and killer tone.
Lastly I strongly believe this should be the next incremental Forum Guitar # as Larrivee Electrics are as much a part of Larrivee and this Forum as are the Acoustics and Mandies IMO. So if this endeavour gets off the Ground before another it should be Forum V.
I say, stick with the top wood that gives it the tone it was designed to achieve in the first place = maple. I wouldn't want any compromise in tone in exchange for a unique top wood no matter how beautiful or exotic it looked. To make the guitar unique, there are many other options aside from using a different cap wood, for example:
- Logo style different from the stock model as suggested (either of the two suggested works for me, or how about a different one altogether)
- How about a maple headstock overlay in the same finish as the body and make the logo/inlay out of the same contrasting woods as the binding as I suggest below instead of the silver or pearl used on the stock model
- Exotic wood multi-layered binding in contrasting woods to the body finish.
- Make the fret markers from materials different from the stock ones also. (I suggest wood)
- Make the body from plain or birdseye maple. I'm not a fan of flame or quilted, but that's just me. It's everywhere already. Would be a nice understated look and maybe cheaper to boot.
My preference for color would be a transparent amber or even a natural gloss finish with matching headstock overlay and contrasting exotic wood bindings and headstock inlay. I would want P90s in mine but I suppose that could be an option.
In my head, I'm picturing a light-colored plain or birdseye maple body with dark wood binding and a matching headstock with the same dark wood logo/inlay that includes, or has as an addition, some small indication it is a "Forum V" (maybe just "F-V" ?). The fret markers would be in the same pattern as the stock one, only in light wood (maple?) for the block part, and the same darker wood as the binding and inlay for the "VEE" part. Seems to me this might be achieved without too much "retooling" since the basic templates would be the same and only the inlay materials would be different. Maybe Matt could comment on whether or not this is true.
I guess what I'm saying is I would want mine to sound and play as an RS-4 was designed, yet not look like any RS-4 you could buy off the shelf, and also not cost a huge extra premium just because it is a "Forum" guitar. If that couldn't be achieved, then I would pass on it and just buy a stock one.
My two cents, Kurt
I built a guitar a few years back using a camphor top. What a super cool wood. Pretty stable for as wacky a burl as it is. It's also substantially lighter any easier to work than any of the other heavy burls I've used. Here's what this one came out like:
http://prazision.com/projects/guitars/inferno/infernoss.html
I believe it's less dense than maple but this was on mahogany back and neck and still has some of the brightness a maple top guitar has. This is my favorite 7 string and I prefer the sound of it compared to the other 7-bangers I've built which are a maple top/mahogany and a bubinga (read below) Either way, it's one helluva figure - looks like blood cells or sth! Definitely a much more 'unique' wood on the guitar front.
I just finished a figured bubinga guitar (solid all way through) with maple neck and jesus, this is a HEAVY wood. The guitar itself is light but I had to lighten the innards quite a bit so 15% of it or so is hollow. Even with this it is a bright sounding guitar, probably the brightest I own. Very good for heavier music - excellent clarity but lacking some of the smoothness of my other guitars. If I do another it would be coupled with a softer wood and neck but then again I dont play super heavy music anymore !
Just some idea :D
So, how does this actually work? This would be the first forum guitar since I joined. I get that we need a dealer on board, and a member to drive it. And that we need to get a near consensus (as if!) on the layout. But, what about quantity? Is there a minimum guaranteed order necessary to make it viable for Larrivee to build?
Quote from: tulk1 on October 06, 2011, 07:02:18 AM
So, how does this actually work? This would be the first forum guitar since I joined. I get that we need a dealer on board, and a member to drive it. And that we need to get a near consensus (as if!) on the layout. But, what about quantity? Is there a minimum guaranteed order necessary to make it viable for Larrivee to build?
If we are going for custom PUPS would be around 10 minimum fairly confident with that.
Lots of great ideas for uniqueness whether its maple top or bubinga doesn't matter either way to me. Bubinga is a little heavier BUT would be very pretty and no question unique and I think still maintain the RS integrity.
Are we anywhere near say 10 members ( well 9 more as I'm definitely in) :?
If we are I would volunteer to take the lead and seek a Dealer, with your blessing :?
Quote from: Mikeymac on October 05, 2011, 07:43:38 PM
The tricky part, of course, is that Matthew said to keep it simple (but simple doesn't have to mean "budget"). I assume that means they're not going to go looking for woods they don't have in stock to do tops on these.
Another option - that they MIGHT have in stock would be a koa top. But since Matthew didn't mention this, I'm assuming it's a wild card idea...
...I think upgraded tops, special inlays and the mini-buckers would make it a special Forum guitar.
Oh, I don't think they'd have to look too far...... :whistling:
Quote from: Walkerman on October 06, 2011, 08:55:22 AM
Oh, I don't think they'd have to look too far...... :whistling:
The tops on these are pretty thick ... have you seen some koa stock thick enough to work on an RS-4?
I have to agree that amber burst is very cool, since I've got one.
I think the following would be very cool:
• Figured mahogany top with antique or violin finish
• Tortoise binding, pickup rings and switch tip
• Amber knobs
• Nickel hardware with bone (or ebony) tuner buttons
• Mahogany neck with an ebony board
• Block and triangle inlays, but with the pearl and abalone reversed
• Stock headstock
• Matt's signature and Forum designation on the back of the headstock
• Matt Larrivée humbuckers - why not the best?
I've got money waiting on that guitar.
I feel that since this is the first Forum Electric, we should keep it simple with some unique features. I have updated what I feel the Forum guitar should be.
1.) It should be based on the standard RS-4 guitar.
2.) It should have a maple cap, I am sure Matthew can find something nice that will work.
3.) Rootbeer Burst or Amber Burst, I am leaning towards rootbeer burst.
4.) The head stock logo should be the Larrivee / Vine inlay. It is very classy and still unique. Very few RS-4s have them.
5.) Larrivee PUPs. (This should be a must.)
6.) Labeling of some kind on the back of the head stock indicating that it is a Forum guitar and it's number, such as 1 of x.
7.) A choice of gold or chrome hardware.
8.) A choice of bridge type, such as the standard, Bigsby B3, or wrap around. (The Bigsby model would come with locking tuners.)
This would be a unique guitar that preserves the original idea of the RS-4 and its sound. It would control costs but still provide enhanced features and some user customization.
I am on board no matter what we end up choosing. Joyce already offered his services to get the ball rolling and I am also offering my assistance as well.
Mike
Quote from: Cybercanyon on October 07, 2011, 07:29:59 PM
I feel that since this is the first Forum Electric, we should keep it simple with some unique features. I have updated what I feel the Forum guitar should be.
1.) It should be based on the standard RS-4 guitar.
2.) It should have a maple cap, I am sure Matthew can find something nice that will work.
3.) Rootbeer Burst or Amber Burst, I am leaning towards rootbeer burst.
4.) The head stock logo should be the Larrivee / Vine inlay. It is very classy and still unique. Very few RS-4s have them.
5.) Larrivee PUPs. (This should be a must.)
6.) Labeling of some kind on the back of the head stock indicating that it is a Forum guitar and it's number, such as 1 of x.
7.) A choice of gold or chrome hardware.
8.) A choice of bridge type, such as the standard, Bigsby B3, or wrap around. (The Bigsby model would come with locking tuners.)
This would be a unique guitar that preserves the original idea of the RS-4 and its sound. It would control costs but still provide enhanced features and some user customization.
I am on board no matter what we end up choosing. Joyce already offered his services to get the ball rolling and I am also offering my assistance as well.
Mike
Just curious...what is unique about rootbeer or amber? A bunch of us have one or both of them already.
Quote from: Cybercanyon on October 07, 2011, 07:29:59 PM
I feel that since this is the first Forum Electric, we should keep it simple with some unique features. I have updated what I feel the Forum guitar should be.
1.) It should be based on the standard RS-4 guitar.
2.) It should have a maple cap, I am sure Matthew can find something nice that will work.
3.) Rootbeer Burst or Amber Burst, I am leaning towards rootbeer burst.
4.) The head stock logo should be the Larrivee / Vine inlay. It is very classy and still unique. Very few RS-4s have them.
5.) Larrivee PUPs. (This should be a must.)
6.) Labeling of some kind on the back of the head stock indicating that it is a Forum guitar and it's number, such as 1 of x.
7.) A choice of gold or chrome hardware.
8.) A choice of bridge type, such as the standard, Bigsby B3, or wrap around. (The Bigsby model would come with locking tuners.)
I'm good with most of these options; I suspect that if someone wants the Bigsby/w/locking tuners, this may add to their individual cost. Also include the option of your choice of pickups (including those mini-buckers Matthew said he could wind/build! Those WILL BE my choice!). I like the idea of the wrap-around bridge being an option, too. Matthew suggested chrome hardware...I'd stick with that.
Quote from: Walkerman on October 07, 2011, 10:29:55 PM
Just curious...what is unique about rootbeer or amber? A bunch of us have one or both of them already.
Nothing special about Rootbeer - Matthew just suggested it:
"Rootbeer Finish: I think this finish would be a great choice for this guitar.
We have some special highly figured maple tucked away that would work exceptionally well for this. Rootbeer does not work well on mahogany."
I think that Matthew is saying that their stash of "special highly figured maple" will make it uncommon, even if you already have it. I also really like the original 3 color sunburst, but the black edges would cover up a lot of that special wood.
Maybe we could split the difference and do a tint that is halfway between amber and rootbeer with no burst edge on the special maple - this would be a unique guitar, as long as the color turned out well. Or maybe kind of an orange burst (but not TOO orange, if you know what I mean!).
If especially fine figured maple is used then what about just a natural finish to show it off? Sure looks good on the back and sides of a typical maple jumbo accoustic. Or it could be tinted with just a slight honey amber stain to bring out the grain. That would make it unique from all other RS-4 "colors".
Or if a plainer maple is used, then just a very light burst would be nice. Have you guessed I am partial to natural finishes?
I attached some photos as examples. It's obvious where they came from. These were the best examples of my ideas I could find in a hurry and that didn't have to be resized in order to post. Ignore the brand. That had nothing to do with using these pics.
[attachment deleted by admin]
Plain maple top with natural (stripped off sunburst) finish a la John Lennon.
[attachment deleted by admin]
Quote from: Cybercanyon on October 07, 2011, 07:29:59 PM
I feel that since this is the first Forum Electric, we should keep it simple with some unique features. I have updated what I feel the Forum guitar should be.
1.) It should be based on the standard RS-4 guitar.
2.) It should have a maple cap, I am sure Matthew can find something nice that will work.
3.) Rootbeer Burst or Amber Burst, I am leaning towards rootbeer burst.
4.) The head stock logo should be the Larrivee / Vine inlay. It is very classy and still unique. Very few RS-4s have them.
5.) Larrivee PUPs. (This should be a must.)
6.) Labeling of some kind on the back of the head stock indicating that it is a Forum guitar and it's number, such as 1 of x.
7.) A choice of gold or chrome hardware.
8.) A choice of bridge type, such as the standard, Bigsby B3, or wrap around. (The Bigsby model would come with locking tuners.)
This would be a unique guitar that preserves the original idea of the RS-4 and its sound. It would control costs but still provide enhanced features and some user customization.
I am on board no matter what we end up choosing. Joyce already offered his services to get the ball rolling and I am also offering my assistance as well.
Mike
This is so close to what I was going to write, that I'll just second it, instead. And probably mini-buckers and a wrap tail for me!
Quote from: tulk1 on October 08, 2011, 08:17:20 AM
This is so close to what I was going to write, that I'll just second it, instead. And probably mini-buckers and a wrap tail for me!
I'll third it...
What's the draw for a mini HB? Why not just use the regular ones?
Quote from: PM33AUD on October 08, 2011, 03:16:17 PM
What's the draw for a mini HB? Why not just use the regular ones?
They would be different from a standard RS-4 - a special build/wrap by Matthew, first used (I would presume he would continue to find a use for them, esp. on the Bakersfield) on this guitar.
I'd be open to the natural finishes suggested above by Shooting Star if we did the tortoiseshell binding...
...but this is the "orange burst" sort of top I was imaging:
[attachment deleted by admin]
Quote from: jrporter on October 08, 2011, 10:53:55 AM
I'll third it...
I would also fourth this build (with the light orangeburst I just posted)...this and the plain top tortoise idea both appeal to me.
Quote from: Mikeymac on October 07, 2011, 10:48:51 PM
Nothing special about Rootbeer - Matthew just suggested it:
"Rootbeer Finish: I think this finish would be a great choice for this guitar. We have some special highly figured maple tucked away that would work exceptionally well for this. Rootbeer does not work well on mahogany."
I think that Matthew is saying that their stash of "special highly figured maple" will make it uncommon, even if you already have it. I also really like the original 3 color sunburst, but the black edges would cover up a lot of that special wood.
Maybe we could split the difference and do a tint that is halfway between amber and rootbeer with no burst edge on the special maple - this would be a unique guitar, as long as the color turned out well. Or maybe kind of an orange burst (but not TOO orange, if you know what I mean!).
Those of us with amber RS4s already have highly figured maple and no burst, so having one in a slightly different color wouldn't make financial sense.....
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y122/travette/DSC_0016-2.jpg)
Quote from: PM33AUD on October 08, 2011, 03:16:17 PM
What's the draw for a mini HB? Why not just use the regular ones?
Got guitars out the wazoo with regular humbuckers. Would give the RS4 Forum a different look, different sound .. stuff like that. And I don't have any mini-hums. If this were an option, I'd go for it. Wasn't proposing it be the only pickups.
Greetings all. I haven't checked in in a while :donut :donut2
You can count me in on the Forum RS4. It makes perfect sense to me to follow suggestions of the builder Matt Larrivee. Sort of a builders choice with some input from members. It works for me personally since I have a hogtop RS4 now and I am eager to try the maple cap model. (especially maple from his special stash :tongue:). The RB finish looks great. I prefer the nickel hardware. Pearl dot inlays work for me; the headstock and inlays and hardware would all need to tie together, so whatever works.
LOVE the idea of special forum mini-humbuckers (signed). I would prefer a satin neck for playability, but not a show stopper. Thanks!
i'm probably in the minority one this, but i think a plain top would be amazing, no flame or quilting at all. i think it could be cool too to make play w/ the neck carve. i think a fatter or beefier neck would be cool. i also think humbuckers are the way to go, but having a special wind. i think it would be cool to have a set of pups that were slightly and intentionally michrophonic. i think that makes for a really cool and harmonically rich pup.
two other ideas: could be cool to have a slightly thinker mahogany back, but i don't know how feasable that is from a builder's pov. also could be cool to have just a single pup--just a bridge pickup. oh, one more idea: maybe have a forum model be bade from especially light wood.
anywho, just a few things i think would be cool.
A couple more good ideas tossed out here that others might consider worthwhile:
A satin neck (I'm up for either that or gloss, but for live playing, satin is nice!);
A plain maple top; I think this could look really cool with the traditional 3-color sunburst - maybe even in satin, giving the whole guitar an old school look (like an old Kay or Harmony), and again, combined with mini-humbuckers and a wrap around, this would be a very distinctive instrument
... I do realize that some folks want "bling" for their money, though ... so we'll see...
Quote from: fritferret on October 09, 2011, 07:37:32 PM
i think it would be cool to have a set of pups that were slightly and intentionally michrophonic. i think that makes for a really cool and harmonically rich pup.
I don't really know about intentional microphonics, but I am assuming if they are vibrating nice in a harmonic fashion, they will also go flipping out of control when overdriven a little more liberally and you're playing loud in which case I am not interested. I don't really play blues or classic rock or jazz (often) so a pickup that is more stable is my preference. That being said, there is something going on with the RS4 pups b/c they sound freaking awesome - especially clean! My god, they sound good clean. Addicting I tell ya!
Quote from: PM33AUD on October 10, 2011, 12:13:36 AM
I don't really know about intentional microphonics, but I am assuming if they are vibrating nice in a harmonic fashion, they will also go flipping out of control when overdriven a little more liberally and you're playing loud in which case I am not interested. I don't really play blues or classic rock or jazz (often) so a pickup that is more stable is my preference. That being said, there is something going on with the RS4 pups b/c they sound freaking awesome - especially clean! My god, they sound good clean. Addicting I tell ya!
making them slightly microphonic wouldn't necessarily make them feedback or less stable. of course, w/ any vintage style pups, if you're playing w/ high gain and loud, that's going to significantly increase the chances of the pups feeding back. how much gain are you playing w/? i've played some VERY loud gigs w/ all of my larrivees...and i mean loud--100 watt amp through 2 212 cabs set to a medium amount of gain (think joe bonamassa or zz top levels of gain). i've had no problems w/ feedback or the pups flipping out. i think the culprit w/ your pups is either in the pup (not the pup design, but something strange w/ that particualr set pup, somethign abnormal) or the level of gain you prefer. either way, it looks like matthew is going to sort out the issue. congrats on the gutiar, too. looks great and probably sounds even better.
re: a forum gutiar, i wouldn't be interested at all in a guitar w/ pups made for high gain applications. i've never heard a high gain pup that i've liked and i also don't like how they hit the front end of amp. i think the sound is too focus, not open enough, and that almost all of the harmonics i like get squelched. but that's just me. other folks sound fine w/ them. i think the generation 3 pups actually strike a great balance between paf style pups and modern pups. i live that they have the bigger bass and mids of a more modern pup, but retain the brightness, openness, and detail of paf style pups. they sound great clean and overdriven whereas a lot of modern pups sound terrible clean, imo.
Quote from: fritferret on October 10, 2011, 08:41:20 AM
re: a forum gutiar, i wouldn't be interested at all in a guitar w/ pups made for high gain applications. i've never heard a high gain pup that i've liked and i also don't like how they hit the front end of amp. i think the sound is too focus, not open enough, and that almost all of the harmonics i like get squelched. but that's just me. other folks sound fine w/ them. i think the generation 3 pups actually strike a great balance between paf style pups and modern pups. i live that they have the bigger bass and mids of a more modern pup, but retain the brightness, openness, and detail of paf style pups. they sound great clean and overdriven whereas a lot of modern pups sound terrible clean, imo.
Agree with your comments here. Larrivee's pickups are excellent (I have both the humbuckers and the P-90s). But that's also why I think it would be interesting to see what Matthew would come up with for a mini-humbucker.
I don't think I've heard anyone here ask for a high gain pickup from Larrivee: I agree with your observations on those. The highest gain set of pickups I own are a set of SD JB and Jazz and a set of DiMarzio Mo' Joe and PAF Joe - and none of those are particularly "high gain" (I think DiMarzio lists the "Joe" pups in their medium gain range).
Quote from: Mikeymac on October 10, 2011, 09:44:42 AM
I don't think I've heard anyone here ask for a high gain pickup from Larrivee: I agree with your observations on those. The highest gain set of pickups I own are a set of SD JB and Jazz and a set of DiMarzio Mo' Joe and PAF Joe - and none of those are particularly "high gain" (I think DiMarzio lists the "Joe" pups in their medium gain range).
you're right, no one has asked about high gain pups. i working on the assumption that PM33 might be looking for or interested in a pup that was built more for high applications given some of his concerns.
i think a humbucker-sized minihumbucker could be cool. something else that could be cool for a forum rs-4, maybe a shorter scale length. i don't know how difficult that kind of mod is though. i assume it's not just a matter of making the neck short, but shifting pup location slightly, maybe even the bridge, et cetera. could be fun though.
i think something like this finish and top would be great:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v84/Johnnytone/lemon%20burst/IMG_4008.jpg)
Yea, I am thinking maybe the set I have there's something 'off' which I will know for sure in a few days. I am not a high gain player at all and the reason is because the character of a guitar starts to go away when you add more and more. The gain I use is medium in my opinion. Think Tool or sth. I'm not shooting for crazy amounts like in metal or sth where you can look at a string and make a pinch harmonic.
I fully agree that there is a compromise with higher output and good clean tone from all the pickups I've tried - EXCEPT FOR THESE. I am also not saying the RS4 pickups are low output because they actually have more output than my JB/Jazz combo, which are medium-high output - I was surprised myself but the recording doesn't lie. All I am saying is if potting these guys doesn't noticeably screw up the sound, then do it up. There is nothing wrong with the output - more than enough - and the clean is so awesome.
I wonder if I can order some for my other guitars (BTW, can you buy sets?)... if the squealing is indeed inherent in all the pickups and not just a weird bug with mine then I can pot a set and do an A/B comparison on if it affected the tone negatively. Mini pickups I still don't understand. Why mess with something that is already stellar! :D
Quote from: fritferret on October 10, 2011, 09:53:18 AM
you're right, no one has asked about high gain pups. i working on the assumption that PM33 might be looking for or interested in a pup that was built more for high applications given some of his concerns.
Something else that could be cool for a forum rs-4, maybe a shorter scale length. i don't know how difficult that kind of mod is though. i assume it's not just a matter of making the neck short, but shifting pup location slightly, maybe even the bridge, et cetera. could be fun though.
I am not really looking for a high-gain pickup - just for it to be 'stable'... if you want high gain, one would just use the amp or a pedal so the clean is still nice. I don't think high gain pickups are necessary with all of the control one gets with pedals and amps these days. My particular issue is hopefully just a weird fluke!
RE: the scale length, I'd have to 'nay' that one. The 25.5" is the whole reason I purchased the RS4. LPs and SGs flab out easily unless you use huge strings - but then you run into other problems. 25.5" scale gives more clarity in my experience and there are VERY few 25.5" LP-ish guitars. Maybe I am biased - I've always played Strats, n Ibbys, n other 25.5" guitars. I am willing to bet a large part of the tone everyone loves is partly due to the scale they chose.
Just wanted to add that I'm not a pickup expert ( :wink: ) and not really sure of the inherent differences in regular vs. mini-humbuckers. But I think the Gen3 HB's on my RS4 are truly outstanding and the idea of Matt L. creating another pickup (whether its mini or regular) caught my interest immensely.
I agree focus should be on great sound and tone. Attractive wood is very nice, but I am not huge fan of some of the incredibly over-the-top flamed maple finishes I have seen on high end guitars. People might expect me to be great guitar player if I played one of those ! :smile: Although, I haven't really seen Larrivee go that route, everything pretty tasteful in my view.
This Forum RS4 is great idea! This could be a real collectors item. More people should sign up !
i'd be most interested in a forum rs-4 that aimed at vintage looks and tone. i'd also like to have nylon saddles for the high strings. old school grover tuners, the heavy ones, would be cool, too. i like the idea of a finish that has a bit of a duller look to it. i also think getting matthew's take on a really good paf would be cool, double tones and all. fatter neck carve. man, that would be perfect, imo!
I've been jones'n for a Larrivee electric for quite a while, so as soon as y'all reach a consensus I'm in! By the way, just how long does that typically take??
Quote from: fritferret on October 09, 2011, 07:37:32 PM
I'm probably in the minority one this, but i think a plain top would be amazing, no flame or quilting at all. ianywho, just a few things i think would be cool...............
Quote from: Mikeymac on October 09, 2011, 10:49:24 PM
........................A plain maple top; I think this could look really cool with the traditional 3-color sunburst - maybe even in satin, giving the whole guitar an old school look ... I do realize that some folks want "bling" for their money, though ... so we'll see...
I'm definitely in the plain maple camp. Don't favor a traditional sunburst personally, just a plain light tinted, natural, or a very slight light sunburst. Like fritferret's picture which I really like. I'm all for understatement in a special edition guitar like this as opposed to extra fancy wood and bling.
As stated before, is a matching maple headstock overlay out of the question? It would immediately distinguish the guitar from the regular ones. As far as pups, I don't have the luxury/funds of being able to obtain more than one RS4 with different pups and sounds so I would want the current Larrivee humbucker or P-90. I understand those of you who already have one or more of these and want something different, but I would want mine to sound like an RS4 was designed to sound like. Of course if all of the 3 pup designs were available as an option, then all could have what they want. I don't favor having these options, personally, for reasons given below.
To me (and this is just a personal opinion) it would be kind of nice if all Forum V RS4s sounded, looked, and played more or less the same. To achieve that, they would have to have the same pups, woods and hardware, no matter what the final choices might ultimately be agreed upon. My rationale is that a forum V RS4 would be a great guitar somehow recognized for it's awesome qualities and looks and if one was seeking one out in the future, they would know what they were getting. If there were too many variations, then everytime an owner was to describe his guitar to another he or she would have to qualify what "version" of Forum V RS4 they had. So Joe's Forum V may or may not be like Mary's Forum V. It would kind of water down the uniqueness of the guitar. There are lots of opportunities to custom order a regular RS4 or do mods to a regular one so why offer several options an a guitar that is supposed to be distinguished by it's special model name. I don't know if I'm expressing myself very well on this idea.
I'm not done spouting off my opinions. See my next post.
Quote from: L07 Shooting Star on October 10, 2011, 10:51:10 PM
To me (and this is just a personal opinion) it would be kind of nice if all Forum V RS4s sounded, looked, and played more or less the same. To achieve that, they would have to have the same pups, woods and hardware, no matter what the final choices might ultimately be agreed upon. My rationale is that a forum V RS4 would be a great guitar somehow recognized for it's awesome qualities and looks and if one was seeking one out in the future, they would know what they were getting. If there were too many variations, then everytime an owner was to describe his guitar to another he or she would have to qualify what "version" of Forum V RS4 they had. So Joe's Forum V may or may not be like Mary's Forum V. It would kind of water down the uniqueness of the guitar. There are lots of opportunities to custom order a regular RS4 or do mods to a regular one so why offer several options an a guitar that is supposed to be distinguished by it's special model name. I don't know if I'm expressing myself very well on this idea.
I'm not done spouting off my opinions. See my next post.
Firstly Luv the last line - should be a signature :smile:
As far as all being the same - in a perfect world yes I agree BUT to get everyone to agree on the very same options well is most unlikely. We need 10 members I confirmed this today with Larrivee. Looking at past Forum Guitars not one issue ( 1, 2, 3 and 4) were all the same within it's #. Maybe Forum 4 was closest to attaining that but even that had bone nut & saddle and Tuner upgrades. Other Forum Gits had spruce or hogtop options, cutaway and non cutaway options etc. Well you get my point I'm sure.
Our options that we put forward cannot be infinite and must maintain the integrity of the RS-4 ( tho this in itself can be a problematic discussion).
I hope to firm up a Dealer before this weekend as well as have a listing of options being offered. I did learn from my communication today with Larriivee that we would be the first offered a Larrivee Mini Humbucker and these would be signed by Matthew LARRIVEE. Now that excites me but I already have a few RS-4's with Humbuckers thus I fully understand and agree with those who only want the Larrivee full HB's. Well the good news is we have full option on the PUPS. You want 2 HB's - Done You want 2 P90's - done. Two Mini's - done A P90 Bridge and a Mini in the neck - done :drool: ( well I guess you can see what I want) So full option on the PUP's
Once The Dealer is confirmed I will start a new thread titled "Forum V - The RS-4" and reference this one because Friends it certainly looks like we are going down that road :smile:
Quote from: JOYCEfromNS on October 11, 2011, 01:41:59 AM
Once The Dealer is confirmed I will start a new thread titled "Forum V - The RS-4" and reference this one because Friends it certainly looks like we are going down that road :smile:
Can't wait, I am drooling already! :drool:
Mike
Quote from: JOYCEfromNS on October 11, 2011, 01:41:59 AM
I hope to firm up a Dealer before this weekend as well as have a listing of options being offered. I did learn from my communication today with Larriivee that we would be the first offered a Larrivee Mini Humbucker and these would be signed by Matthew LARRIVEE. Now that excites me but I already have a few RS-4's with Humbuckers thus I fully understand and agree with those who only want the Larrivee full HB's. Well the good news is we have full option on the PUPS. You want 2 HB's - Done You want 2 P90's - done. Two Mini's - done A P90 Bridge and a Mini in the neck - done :drool: ( well I guess you can see what I want) So full option on the PUP's
Once The Dealer is confirmed I will start a new thread titled "Forum V - The RS-4" and reference this one because Friends it certainly looks like we are going down that road :smile:
You're making it awfully hard to resist getting another RS-4. That P90/mini HB option sounds like the one. I agree that there should be options like the ones stated above.
Will there be a Canadian dealer as well?
:donut :donut2 :coffee
Quote from: randmag on October 11, 2011, 08:07:32 AM
You're making it awfully hard to resist getting another RS-4. That P90/mini HB option sounds like the one. I agree that there should be options like the ones stated above.
Will there be a Canadian dealer as well?
:donut :donut2 :coffee
They all have to go through the same dealer - at least, that's been the case with past Forum guitars.
Now it's going to get even tougher - really nailing down the options (other than pickups) that everyone can agree upon. For example, I'm open to the "plain top" idea (but I also like the idea of some kind of burst; either traditional or a light "iced tea" burst), and I also like the idea of a satin finish (IF we have a plain top, but NOT if we have a fancier wood top), but I'm not crazy about the idea of a maple cap on the headstock: whichever inlay we might use will disappear with maple under/around it. I understand making the guitar unique, but I think there are some cosmetic/aesthetic considerations as well.
Looking forward to the continuing discussion/negotiations...
Will this thing cost about what a new RS4 would and what would approximate timeline be for those who've done the forum guitar thing before? I just bought a brand new RS4 and am still eating ramen noodles... dunno if I can spot for another if it's too close...
Quote from: Mikeymac on October 11, 2011, 08:43:20 AM
They all have to go through the same dealer - at least, that's been the case with past Forum guitars.
Now it's going to get even tougher - really nailing down the options (other than pickups) that everyone can agree upon. For example, I'm open to the "plain top" idea (but I also like the idea of some kind of burst; either traditional or a light "iced tea" burst), and I also like the idea of a satin finish (IF we have a plain top, but NOT if we have a fancier wood top), but I'm not crazy about the idea of a maple cap on the headstock: whichever inlay we might use will disappear with maple under/around it. I understand making the guitar unique, but I think there are some cosmetic/aesthetic considerations as well.
Looking forward to the continuing discussion/negotiations...
I like that it seems we are slowly steering ourselves towards a concensus. I also like the idea of a P-90 bridge, mini HB neck combination. The maple headstock overlay is not a deal-breaker for me in any way. Was just trying to suggest ways to make the model instantly recognizable, especially from a distance.
Quote from: PM33AUD on October 11, 2011, 08:57:32 AM
Will this thing cost about what a new RS4 would and what would approximate timeline be for those who've done the forum guitar thing before? I just bought a brand new RS4 and am still eating ramen noodles... dunno if I can spot for another if it's too close...
I think this is a very good question and is applicable to my situation as well. Yesterday I said I would have more spouting off to do about my concept of what an offering like this would be. Please understand these are just my personal ideas and not meant to offend, persuade, or dissuade any one considering getting one of these. Anyways, here goes. I'm just gonna riff it.
Key words to me are unique, special, immediately recognizable, understated, awesome value, and AFFORDABLE. I say understated, because I think that is a way to make the guitar still awesome in tone and playability while keeping it affordable at the same time. To me a limited edition guitar like this is issued because it is a way to get superior value due to the fact that there is a guaranteed minimum order (the economy of scale factor?). It would be a special guitar in every way and one that those "in the know" (i.e forum members) have a once in a lifetime opportunity to get in on. But it wouldn't be more expensive, it would just be more special if you will. In fact, I think there is opportunity to make it even less costly than a stock RS4.
There are many ways to make a guitar special, unique, recognizable. One way is to use superior figured woods, extra fancy inlays bindings, etc. That is fine but that way adds cost. My concept is to make it visually unique in other ways that don't add cost while taking advantage of the guaranteed minimum order factor. That is why I suggest plain maple over figured for example.
More on "understated". By that word, I don't mean "cheap looking". We all know there are appointments on guitars that make them more appealing aesthetically, but don't contribute to their functionality or sound. I say keep these appointments to the minimum while keeping the guitar unique in looks and (important to me) instantly recognizable as "one of those awesome Forum V RS4s", especially while performing with one.
What would be sweeter than pulling one of these out of it's case, and seeing the typical look of disdain from "headstock" snobs change to a look of awe when they hear it or play it for themselves. And then telling them that there are only so many of these and they only costed this much, etc. etc.
Obviously, some of my ideas are for selfish reasons, as I will have a hard time affording one of these no matter what they end up costing. However, going this way may also give more people the opportunity to join in which would potentially reduce the unit cost even more which would be a benefit to all.
I would have loved to own a LP Standard guitar for example, but I bought a LP studio model instead. Why? Because it was basically the same guitar but without the fancier appointments and I could afford it. (In hindsight, had I known about the Larrivee electrics at the time, I would now probably own an RS2 instead. In fact, I will likely have to sell the studio in order to get a Forum V).
OK, that's enough riffing I think.
Kurt
Kurt,
Don't apologize for sharing your thoughts ... it's part of getting us all to a consensus around here.
I agree that price is a factor - no doubt for most of us...I suspect that most of us want to keep the price equivalent to a standard" RS-4, or a little lower if possible (although I doubt that, with the special wind on the pickups and the possibility of ordering different pickup options). If we can at least keep it at the same price as the current RS-4 - cool.
My take on "understated" is that it will look like an instant "classic". That's why I'd be willing to go with a satin finish (very "forum"/unique/non-standard on an RS-4). My first choice would still be the traditional sunburst (which Larrivee also does so well on their acoustics) but I would consider something lighter like an "iced tea" burst; this lighter finish would lend itself to tortoise binding, which would also make it unique.
I don't know what to think on fretboard inlays. Dots might be cool IF we got three dots (or maybe just ONE dot?) at the 12th fret (since this is the FIRST forum electric?). Then also get one of the discussed headstock inlays, with or without the silver border.
That's enough outta me for now, too! :rolleye:
I like most of what Kurt says. I also think forum runs should be more practical and available to the widest range of members than something that shoots for the moon with the number of unique options that can be squeezed into a single guitar.
I'm relatively new, but assuming if I'm interested that my vote counts as much as the next guys, I'm good with a plain top. I'm not good with tortoise binding on anything burst. If it were entirely my decision I'd probably go with something like candy red with ivoroid binding with a natural finish on the back leaving the hog to show itself off.
Love the Callaham bridge, and would like a nice ebony board with minimalist inlays (no bulky blocks).
Aside from that, from what I gather we get our choice of pickups, including shapes/sizing of routes? I'd love a nice LP deluxe setup that would allow either mini-hums or p-90s.
Not sure I care about something special in the inlay or whatever making it stand out as something special. Why not just have that Larrivee guy hand write 1 of XX Forum 2012 on the back of the headstock and call it a day?
I am in the other boat for sure. A plain RS4 is kinda like an RS3 or sth and I think there should be something special 'built-in' to it above even the RS4. Otherwise we'd just be buying an RS2 (the 'studio' model) or a stock RS4 (the 'standard premium' model).
A sweet figure is something I love and am looking forward to the stock of reserve maple... mmm boi! I like the vine HS inlay and am hoping they think of something other than dots for the fretboard. I think the finish was mentioned to be a subtle burst somewhere between amber and root beer which I'm def looking forward to. If this ends up getting majority vote for a more plain RS4, then I'm going to be out, which is fine too!
Oh and speaking of the FB inlays (again - sorry!), many of my guitars I kinda like either really elegant ones or just leaving the FB blank. Maybe a possibility is some kinda 'V' or something signifying it's the forum V at the 12th fret or maybe a V 'vine' extending across a couple frets centered at the 12th and leave off all other FB inlays ? I think that would be elegant and not get gaudy considering the detail of the HS inlay which is why I think they were thinking of the dots in the first place.
Quote from: PM33AUD on October 23, 2011, 06:21:48 PM
A plain RS4 is kinda like an RS3
Perfect! All the benefit of the RS4 at an RS2 style price! :smile:
Does Larrivee do one-off custom orders? I like the plain-jane idea so much I think I'd like one regardless of the direction this goes.
Matt mentioned that he would be willing to use some special maple caps for this and that is something that i am definitely looking forward to. I really like the idea of making this tastefully unique. Maybe a simple fretboard with something special on the headstock and a small forum V designation somewhere. Callaham is ok if that is where people want to go. Mix all of this with the special burst (which i dont get the impression will affect price) and i think that is perfect.
Quote from: cynic on October 23, 2011, 11:21:32 PM
Does Larrivee do one-off custom orders? I like the plain-jane idea so much I think I'd like one regardless of the direction this goes.
It probably depends how busy they are and if what you are asking can be done without creating new forms/dies/molds for a one-off order.