Folks, i always appreciate the great threads and insights , now I need some guidance.  I have a D03 that is a wonderful guitar in every way but I  saw a L 05 today at my local SA. Before I go over and so something impulsive what would be the pros and cons.  I play mostly bluegrass/old time traditional music.  I know that both are nice guitars, but the L05 really caught my eye.  Help!!!! :SHK>

Thanks for any advice 

I always go by playing comfort first, then sound, then aesthetics.

If you're happy w/ a 1 11/16" nut, you may not be with 1 3/4".  Or vice-versa.

Then there's the sofa comfort factor to consider.

Does the L sounds appreciably better to your ear?

Lastly, if you sweat like I do (unduly), you may be better off w/ a gloss finish.

For me, the L would win out on all of the above considerations, but your mileage may vary.

- Richard

I have a D-03 and my friend has a L-05. While the L-05 is a great sounding guitar, as far as OT/BG goes, I would rather have my D-03. My D-03 has more depth and a stronger and robust tone, more so than the L-05 for flatpicking. For fingerpicking, I'd say the L-05 is the better option.

Jeff

Quote from: Fstpicker on July 08, 2006, 10:54:08 PM
... as far as OT/BG goes ...

Jeff -
I'm guessing BG is bluegrass.
OT?
Thanks.
- Richard

I'll chime in:

OT - Old Timey (I like it a lot these days...)
BG - Bluegrass (always fun to listen to)

I concur with Fstpicker's assessment.

impulses must be obeyed....    :rolleyes:

Well remember many old tyme music groups didn't use dreads. The dread wasn't even around. Even Jimmie Rodgers father of country music played something like a 00. So there are no rules but if you love that big cabinety sound of the D-03 and that sound that's similar to Martin and dictated greatly by that big body and square shoulders go with the D. The L is a warmer sweeter sound with more focus and the middle notes in the chords dont get quite as lost in the mixture like the dreads. If you said blues I would lean toward the L but you might seriously want to consider the D or maybe even an OM since one with decent bass might be a greater ALL around guitar. You know it's impossible to tell which is the right choice until you own one a while and play in the settings you play in. I've found the more styles and songs and settings you play in the more you lean toward owning at least one small body and one large to fit all the occasions. Some small guitars have more bass than they should for their size so playing guitars in person is the trick. FOr example try to find a rosewood L and see if that will give you a little darker bass and more loud reflective trebles and you might get more toward an old Gibson AJ which is a blues machine but also a bluegrass banjo slayer. The things unique about an AJ are the longer scale and rosewood back. But an L like that is basically the same footprint and they even fit each other's cases like a glove. The L sure would be more comfortable if you got one with a big sound. In the end it's you not me but hope this stirs some ideas. That D is an awefully good guitar for the tone your after and if you plan on backing up others the D might be the best choice for that big cabinety sounding bass like FST and others mentioned. Let us know how things work out.

P.S. Randy Rick also has a Larrivee Jumbo with an amazing huge sound. Not sure if they make those but seeing him reminded me how great it sounded.

Thanks for the advice, I appreciate the "food for thought"- I got rid of my J 45 because I liked my D 03 so much....maybe I should consider that as well. 

Quote from: LittleBrother on July 09, 2006, 05:14:25 PM
P.S. Randy Rick also has a Larrivee Jumbo with an amazing huge sound. Not sure if they make those but seeing him reminded me how great it sounded.

LB is talking about my LJ-05 which I played at a several local jams this year. unfortunately, no longer made, although used ones show up from time to time.

It seems that most Bluegrass players today prefer a Dreadnaught size.  The only reason the people like Jimmy Rodgers didn't play on a Dread is that he died before that size was introduced.

Here is a great link about Bluegrass guitars and an article "What kind of guitar do I need to play Bluegrass".  Good reading and may help you with your Bluegrass decisions.

http://www.bluegrassguitar.com/guitarspecs.html

Steve  :GRN>

Thanks again guys, I'll consider what everyone had to offer. Now after thinking about this more , would a D 50 be a consideration? 

Rather than a D-50, I would seriously consider an SD-50...a sloped shoulder dread that comes with a wide 1 & 7/8" nut. I have played my friend's SD-50 and it is a monster, but handles fingerpicking very well along with flatpicking. Very good and deep bass, but very articulate IMO. I would put it close in tone to an OM size vintage style Martin.

Jeff

Just adding this mp3 by request. I can't remember which one of these D03 threads needed it but here's an amatuer recording of a friend with a D-03 doing what I think this guitar is the ultimate for. Hope this sample is helpful to some players MP3 Recording (http://www.acousticplayermagazine.com/LittleBrotherFilesMisc/Larrivee-D03-Sample.mp3)

Yep we have plenty of sound clips at the top of this board. 

Quote from: SteveK on July 10, 2006, 12:35:59 AM
Yep we have plenty of sound clips at the top of this board.

Steve, I know what you are doing and this is childish.

 

QuoteSteve, I know what you are doing and this is childish.

:huh:

^^^^^LOL

Thanks for the soundclip LB! I really appreciate it!

Jeff