Just a thought somewhere down the road...... :whistling:
First of all, Jean or Matthew needs to convince retails to carry their product in retails outlet. Its hard to spend 2k on an instrument you cannot try before. Gibson/Fender got such a grip on the market. I would have bought an RS-4 a few weeks ago if I had the chance to try it first. I hope Jean/Matthew is snooping around this forum and reads this. They lost a sale.
Quote from: GoldTopsRock on February 10, 2010, 10:04:38 PM
Just a thought somewhere down the road...... :whistling:
Sooooooo what would YOU like to see on a Forum RS4 :? :?
Quote from: Symtex on February 10, 2010, 11:39:10 PM
First of all, Jean or Matthew needs to convince retails to carry their product in retails outlet. Its hard to spend 2k on an instrument you cannot try before. Gibson/Fender got such a grip on the market. I would have bought an RS-4 a few weeks ago if I had the chance to try it first. I hope Jean/Matthew is snooping around this forum and reads this. They lost a sale.
Always a good place to start would be to try and convince your local retailer to get one in. It's best they hear it from us then the Manufacturer
Quote from: JOYCEfromNS on February 11, 2010, 12:04:43 AM
Always a good place to start would be to try and convince your local retailer to get one in. It's best they hear it from us then the Manufacturer
in this economy ?
Yep in this Economy. The dealers are unlikely to sell one if they don't have it in stock. And it's not like it's a crippling investment required to stock one.
I really don't get it. These guitars are as well put together as any on the planet with top shelf wood and hardware. There has got to be something that I am not privy to that is causing these dealers to resist stocking an RS4. Can't agree the economy is the sole reason. Cost to the dealer is no more than an entry level LP or American Fender. Something is amiss They are just too nice of a guitar for the Dealer not to roll the dice on that small of an Investment. Sorry can't stand to hear the Economy anymore - Dealers gotta stock something - why NOT the best high end bang for the buck out there - the RS4
I know why, first they don't know enough about larrivee product. Even here, in Vancouver BC, dealer only carry a very small portion of acoustic larrivee. Don't even think about electric. Second of all, some people are turn off by the shape of the RS4. They hate Gibson QC and everything it stands for in the recent year but yet they want a guitar that look exactly the same.
I would love to get the chance to try an RS-4. Jean knows what good wood is. I tried to convince the local music shop (Long & Mcquade) to carry one and they told me : We don't know when we will get them. It's special order blah blah blah.
Quote from: JOYCEfromNS on February 11, 2010, 12:02:34 AM
Sooooooo what would YOU like to see on a Forum RS4 :? :?
You know I'm not for sure. That's why I threw it out there. Just to see what would develope. I do know that I would want it bone stock as it currently is with nothing mechanical changed. No changes to any shapes, woods, electronics, switches, bridge, neck shape, headstock, fretboard, etc., (you don't mess with perfection). To keep production cost in line and just to make things simple I'm thinking more along the lines of just a special one run color for the top of the body, chrome hardware (sorry, no offense to gold lovers), and a special but simple inlay on the headstock or maybe a matching painted headstock. It would have to be simple enough not to add to the existing cost due to the fact that there is only a small number of us on the forum and it would have to appeal to those that don't know of the forum.
Please understand, This is only for fun. I'm not in anyway suggesting that the Larrivee Guitar Co. do this.
I love my RS4 more than any guitar I've ever owned. I wish I could own 1 of every color that is produced. However unlikely that is I will own more than 1.
Thank you Larrivee for such a magnificent instrument.
Quote from: Symtex on February 10, 2010, 11:39:10 PM
First of all, Jean or Matthew needs to convince retails to carry their product in retails outlet. Its hard to spend 2k on an instrument you cannot try before. Gibson/Fender got such a grip on the market. I would have bought an RS-4 a few weeks ago if I had the chance to try it first. I hope Jean/Matthew is snooping around this forum and reads this. They lost a sale.
I must respectfully disagree. Remember, Larrivee is not a huge factory nor would I want them to be. Larrivee guitars are handbuilt pieces of art. That's what separates them from the rest. I've purchased 3 Larrivee's (L05, OM-03R and RS4) on-line either from Jim at Trinity Guitars or Dave at Guitar Adoptions. I've had a great experience with both gentlemen. They're keenly interested in you as a customer and are very appreciative of your business. They will give you a short trial period in your home. If you don't like it send it back. Sure, you may have to pay return shipping charges but it's not really that much. Besides, they will make sure to answer all your questions so that you're making an appropriate purchase. These guy's know their stuff.
When I take my guitars in for a restringing and check up at my locally owned guitar store they "ooh" and "ahh" over the RS4. The guitar tech works on it like its his own. I'm sure they would have loved to sell me one of their brands but there is probably more money in the lower priced segment of guitar vs the high end for the retailer. Just like any retail store it's about inventory turn. The real money is in the accesories, books, hardware, instruction, and servicing of the instrument.
Don't let the fear of buying online rob you from owning and playing such a fine instrument as the RS4 or any other Larrivee.
Jean and Matthew, thanks for what you do!
The stock guitar is really close to perfection and for an RS 4 to be a Forum Guitar I would think it would appeal really only to those who are real interested in Forum Guitars and would have to offer something different to current RS 4 owners. Something different - not necessarily better BUT different.
Some things that pop in mind for me would be:
Custom color & or headstock work
Maple Neck
Ebony Fretboard
Mini - Humbucker in the neck preferably Matt LARRIVEE made mini
Bigsby
Brassnut
I'm sure others can think of a few other things to mix it up
You know , after thinking about this thread this morning I don't want anyone to think that I want Jean or Matthew Larrivee to change anything about the RS4. It's absolutely perfect and you don't mess with perfection!. Every now and then Matthew offers a new color (i.e white, rootbeer burst) and that is perfectly enough to entice me into adding another RS4 or two in the future. I drool enough as it is. :drool:
Do wish Larrivee would branch out with some different electric styles such as Fender, Gibson ES ( my dream) etc as they have really done such a fine job with the RS 4. I'm sure they could raise the bar on these styles as well
give me an RS-4 with a slim neck option and I am all over it. I know this will never happen but a guy can dream
I got to try four at the local shop in Thunder Bay, of all places. A gold top, a charcoal, a sunburst and the amber one that I bought. If a small shop in this town can carry four RS4s, what's the problem?
Quote from: ducktrapper on February 11, 2010, 01:12:49 PM
I got to try four at the local shop in Thunder Bay, of all places. A gold top, a charcoal, a sunburst and the amber one that I bought. If a small shop in this town can carry four RS4s, what's the problem?
I really don't know. I guess you can say that national chain like L&M only carry what they are certain will sell. That means Gibson/Fender/Epiphone/PRS.
edit : Btw, I did call Tom lee music (big retail chain who are authorized Larrivee dealer) and I was told : It too much trouble to order an RS-4. Give your phone number and we will call you back. They never did. It like I was nuisance for asking.
I just got an email back from Matthew, He told me he can arrange a meeting in a Vancouver shop. I would have to bring an amp. So it looks like I will have the opportunity to try it !!!!
Quote from: Symtex on February 11, 2010, 03:37:08 PM
I just got an email back from Matthew, He told me he can arrange a meeting in a Vancouver shop. I would have to bring an amp. So it looks like I will have the opportunity to try it !!!!
woo hoo
most music shops I know of have demo amps.....
Way to go Matthew....
I'd love to see this, too, but with the (very likely) low number that would be ordered, it might be unlikely - unless Larrivee decided it was worth it for just 4 or 5.
Symtex; what are you looking for in the neck? The RS4 neck is pretty slim; I find it very comfortable. Are you wanting "wizard" thin?
For options, I've added a couple photos of a cool one that Dave has at Guitar Adoptions - if has a quilted MAHOGANY top on it! So ... a HOG TOP RS4 FORUM V or VI !!! It doesn't get any better, does it?! (The one in the pics also has gold hardware; I'd prefer to stick with chrome.)
One option I'd like would be to choose either humbuckers or P-90's...I think that would make it more appealing to some of us who have the 'bucker version already.
[attachment deleted by admin]
All I can say to that Mikey is ...... :drool:
Quote from: Symtex on February 11, 2010, 03:37:08 PM
I just got an email back from Matthew, He told me he can arrange a meeting in a Vancouver shop. I would have to bring an amp. So it looks like I will have the opportunity to try it !!!!
Way to go Matthew! You are the man!!!!!!!!! :thumbsup
Quote from: ducktrapper on February 11, 2010, 01:12:49 PM
I got to try four at the local shop in Thunder Bay, of all places. A gold top, a charcoal, a sunburst and the amber one that I bought. If a small shop in this town can carry four RS4s, what's the problem?
Firstly welcome back Duck!!! The shop you refer to in Thunder Bay to have 3 RS4 and while other bigger shops elsewhere have none. Is this shop mainly an acoustic or experienced in all realms. Hats off to them for being able to recognize it's potential while others sit back waiting for something to happen. :cheers to the shop in Thunder Bay wish a few more would take their lead in order to share this with more musicians everywhere.
I am not looking for a wizard thin neck. Something a little thinner then 59's profile.
In keeping with the Forum builds, shouldn't this RS4 have a satin finish and a 12 fret neck? :winkin:
Tad
Quote from: Symtex on February 11, 2010, 01:29:53 AM
I know why, first they don't know enough about larrivee product. Even here, in Vancouver BC, dealer only carry a very small portion of acoustic larrivee. Don't even think about electric. Second of all, some people are turn off by the shape of the RS4. They hate Gibson QC and everything it stands for in the recent year but yet they want a guitar that look exactly the same.
I would love to get the chance to try an RS-4. Jean knows what good wood is. I tried to convince the local music shop (Long & Mcquade) to carry one and they told me : We don't know when we will get them. It's special order blah blah blah.
I bought mine at the L&M on Terminal a few months ago. There are two at the L&M in Victoria. I know, I called a few days ago to see if they had a P90 version.
Quote from: tadol on February 11, 2010, 08:51:54 PM
In keeping with the Forum builds, shouldn't this RS4 have a satin finish and a 12 fret neck? :winkin:
Tad
:roll
And Larrivee is having trouble selling these because
[attachment deleted by admin]
Quote from: JOYCEfromNS on February 11, 2010, 06:17:20 PM
Firstly welcome back Duck!!! The shop you refer to in Thunder Bay to have 3 RS4 and while other bigger shops elsewhere have none. Is this shop mainly an acoustic or experienced in all realms. Hats off to them for being able to recognize it's potential while others sit back waiting for something to happen. :cheers to the shop in Thunder Bay wish a few more would take their lead in order to share this with more musicians everywhere.
Thanks. It's a long story but I finally talked this owner into carrying a few Larrivées about eight years ago. He now has at least ten acoustics and two electrics in stock at all times. He finds it helps him sell his Martins, as well. He thanks me every time I see him with a big smile. Could be because I've bought three from him myself and four of my friends have bought one, as well.
Why a retailor doesn't carry it boils down to the fact that they have so much inventory right now that isn't moving fast.Adding another instrument that they may or maynot move fast at a profitable price is a big risk.
Does anyone know what they sell for used on ebay compaired to what the retail new street price is?
Quote from: unclrob on February 12, 2010, 08:06:27 AM
Does anyone know what they sell for used on ebay compaired to what the retail new street price is?
The prices on ebay can be quite low sometimes if, for instance, a guitar shop's closing or someone's suddenly out of work etc. It's not fair, IMHO, to compare those one-of-a-kind type situations to the price of a new instrument.
I haven't seen one on ebay for a while. I check every day
Quote from: unclrob on February 12, 2010, 08:06:27 AM
Why a retailor doesn't carry it boils down to the fact that they have so much inventory right now that isn't moving fast.Adding another instrument that they may or maynot move fast at a profitable price is a big risk.
Does anyone know what they sell for used on ebay compaired to what the retail new street price is?
Unclrob knows best...this is exactly what the local Larrivee dealer told me when they got my RS-4 in...he agreed it was a gorgeous guitar; as nice as any of his Gibsons hanging on the wall...but he said he would still sell 35 Les Paul's for every RS-4.
Even if that's a slight exaggeration, he's right: Gibson and Fender have the market sown up mentally with brand loyalty and "headstock-itis" among guitar players. Does it mean he shouldn't stock a couple? No, but that's his call as the business owner, not mine.
I suppose Larrivee could get pushy, like Gibson, and demand every dealer carry one electric for every dozen acoustics they stock, or something like that...but it won't endear them to anyone.
Unclrob: I've seen these sell on e-bay from around $1,00 to $1,600...so quite a wide range.
Quote from: Symtex on February 11, 2010, 08:46:38 PM
I am not looking for a wizard thin neck. Something a little thinner then 59's profile.
Then I think you would like the Larrivee neck - it's very close to my Epi Elitist Les Paul, which is closer to the '60's Gibson profile than the '50's profile.
Are you trying to ruined me Mickey ? I am trying to convince myself I don't need one...
I think its fair to compare.Everyone of my customers check resale value based on what they see them go for on ebay.Since most don't seam to hang onto a guitar for more then a year{Always looking for the next thing} I think its fair.Myself I hang on to things for a long time again most don't and only sell when I have to.I try to check out as many guitars as I can,I'm lucky that I can tell inside of 15 min. weather a guitar has what I need out of it as a usable tool.I also have another advantage I see all sorts of guitars due to my job.
I do think that Larrivee should have thought outside the box a little more there are so many Les Paulish guitars in the market.As there are also way too many Tele,Strat,335,PRS{which is a clone of a double cut LP Special} and I'm sure I'm leaving a bunch out.
Quote from: Symtex on February 12, 2010, 10:03:08 AM
Are you trying to ruined me Mikey ? I am trying to convince myself I don't need one...
:rolleye:
:thumb
What the local dealer discovered is that if you have them, they will sell. Heck, have your dealer phone him (Cosmo Ricci) and ask how well it's working.
http://www.musicworldacademy.com/contact.htm
Quote from: unclrob on February 12, 2010, 10:15:23 AM
I think its fair to compare ...
Okay, everyone's going to compare, that's true whether I think it's fair or not. From the dealer's perspective though, it's got to be discouraging to think they're priced out of the market because someone snatched a used one for alot less than they're asking. So, if the idea's to get more dealers to carry them, maybe it's not such a great idea to quote the lowest used price from eBay or Craigslist.
Speaking just for myself, I'd love to have one and I don't even play electric (though my son's learning). So, if there's a Forum RS4 I like and I'm feeling flush, maybe I'll join in.
Thanks.
Dealer's have to be competitive these days. That's just the way it is. I'm only willing to pay so much for "friendly" service. I support this guy in Thunder Bay, though, because he has a great store with lots of guitars and amps and his markup is reasonable considering his overhead. I've been to stores in Montreal and Ottawa, for instance, that didn't have anywhere near the inventory that he carries. Maybe they'll have a couple Larrivées, if you're lucky. Music World always has ten or twelve plus a similar number of Martins and a bunch of Guilds. I'd have to go to Toronto or Minneapolis to see a better selection of nice acoustics.
gschaps I know its unfair but having spent most of my life in retail and at least 3/ of in music store's thats what I hear.I had people who would walk in and say "I can get that in almost new condition for half of what your asking".Being the jerk I am I'd say buy it off ebay.Then they'd come in and ask for a setup on there ebay buy and ask for a discount,again being the jerk I am I'd say oh ya right buy it on ebay.When I was working for a Larrivee dealer I raise a stink about dealers selling there new Larrivee's on ebay cheap and told my rep that if it didn't stop he could count on us not ordering anymore as we wouldn't be a dealer.Well I got my way and for about 2 years no dealer could sell on ebay.Within weeks of me leaving that store all of this new Larrivee stock was up for sale on ebay.Local sale's crashed and Larrivee's used value went in the dumbster and its still there.A store needs to make at the very least 30% mark up{35% is just enough to make a living,even though I know that a lot of people think that the stores are riping them off},if not theres no reason to keep the doors open.Once the doors closed so do the factories who won't kiss the box store's butt.No more new forum guitars,no more special runs,no reason to produce guitars at least in the US and Canada.
Now I just worked a deal on my jumbo at what I hope the other party agrees was a fair deal at a fair price.Unfair is when a Koa Larrivee sells for $1200,or a J10 or J09 goes for onlt $950.Don't get me wrong the buyer gets a great deal but the value of the line isn't there any more and once again way should some store buy when they can't get a fair price new for it.
:wave
Off my shop box and back to the cave,head held high as I am happy to be thought of as a jerk and an a**hole and any other name that can be thought of.
Nice other side to the story Uncle!!!!
Quote from: unclrob on February 12, 2010, 08:13:26 PM
gschaps I know its unfair but having spent most of my life in retail and at least 3/ of in music store's thats what I hear.I had people who would walk in and say "I can get that in almost new condition for half of what your asking".Being the jerk I am I'd say buy it off ebay.Then they'd come in and ask for a setup on there ebay buy and ask for a discount,again being the jerk I am I'd say oh ya right buy it on ebay.When I was working for a Larrivee dealer I raise a stink about dealers selling there new Larrivee's on ebay cheap and told my rep that if it didn't stop he could count on us not ordering anymore as we wouldn't be a dealer.Well I got my way and for about 2 years no dealer could sell on ebay.Within weeks of me leaving that store all of this new Larrivee stock was up for sale on ebay.Local sale's crashed and Larrivee's used value went in the dumbster and its still there.A store needs to make at the very least 30% mark up{35% is just enough to make a living,even though I know that a lot of people think that the stores are riping them off},if not theres no reason to keep the doors open.Once the doors closed so do the factories who won't kiss the box store's butt.No more new forum guitars,no more special runs,no reason to produce guitars at least in the US and Canada.
Now I just worked a deal on my jumbo at what I hope the other party agrees was a fair deal at a fair price.Unfair is when a Koa Larrivee sells for $1200,or a J10 or J09 goes for onlt $950.Don't get me wrong the buyer gets a great deal but the value of the line isn't there any more and once again way should some store buy when they can't get a fair price new for it.
:wave
Off my shop box and back to the cave,head held high as I am happy to be thought of as a jerk and an a**hole and any other name that can be thought of.
Couldn't agree more with what Unclrob said...even if it did get us off topic. Any more ideas for this build?
I don't think it hurts to pull us back on track with this idea...after all, Larrivee has already built several "non-standard spec" RS-4's; the white one for Dave at Guitar Adoptions (and there's another white one listed there now as well), the hog-top one above, and a couple other different colors that are shown on Larrivee's own website; like a maroon or dark red opaque topped one.
So obviously Larrivee is having fun "coloring outside the lines" with these.
Quote from: Mikeymac on February 14, 2010, 06:35:31 PM
Couldn't agree more with what Unclrob said...even if it did get us off topic. Any more ideas for this build?
I don't think it hurts to pull us back on track with this idea...after all, Larrivee has already built several "non-standard spec" RS-4's; the white one for Dave at Guitar Adoptions (and there's another white one listed there now as well), the hog-top one above, and a couple other different colors that are shown on Larrivee's own website; like a maroon or dark red opaque topped one.
So obviously Larrivee is having fun "coloring outside the lines" with these.
I agree. The limited color runs is a really cool and enticing prospect. I do like the white but I'm probably more in the white top w/unpainted back and neck. That would be very hard to resist. I was also thinking a candy apple red or fine metallic red top with maybe a matching headstock surface. But, don't change the guitar! It's just right in every aspect! RS4's RULE! :nana_guitar :nanadance :wave
I would be in favor of some changes NOT to make it better as it is already top shelf BUT to make it different. Anybody know if Matt LARRIVEE is considering making Mini Humbuckers - wonder if these would just be a drop in for the P90 setup?
Quote from: GoldTopsRock on February 14, 2010, 07:21:22 PM
I agree. The limited color runs is a really cool and enticing prospect. I do like the white but I'm probably more in the white top w/unpainted back and neck. That would be very hard to resist. I was also thinking a candy apple red or fine metallic red top with maybe a matching headstock surface. But, don't change the guitar! It's just right in every aspect! RS4's RULE! :nana_guitar :nanadance :wave
Here's a few from Larrivee's own "Additional Media" page that are not standard finishes - the first two almost look like Candy Red (or Magenta Metallic!), the third is a burst which seems to have amber in it, but it's not the straight, normal amber top.
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Wow!!!!!!!!!! I really like that amber it's a beauty
I love the amber RS4s so much I bought one! Is that a darker amber or just shot in a different light?
Quote from: ducktrapper on February 16, 2010, 06:09:20 AM
I love the amber RS4s so much I bought one! Is that a darker amber or just shot in a different light?
No, duck; it definitely has a 'burst' on it, looks like amber with some burst around the edges - definitely not just solid stain all across the top.
Quote from: Mikeymac on February 16, 2010, 11:25:57 AM
No, duck; it definitely has a 'burst' on it, looks like amber with some burst around the edges - definitely not just solid stain all across the top.
Dang! Now I want
that one!
Quote from: ducktrapper on February 16, 2010, 12:06:11 PM
Dang! Now I want that one!
Call or e-mail Matthew and ask him, "What the heck is that?!"
Quote from: Mikeymac on February 16, 2010, 12:14:17 PM
Call or e-mail Matthew and ask him, "What the heck is that?!"
I dunno. He'll try to sell me another one. He's like that. :wink: