I think Larrivee guitars are just perfect, but "perfection" is just a word.
Ok, I am being extremely picky here, proving how good a Larrivee already is...so here we go;
What I wish for is:
1) Maybe more choices on the neck binding? (bloodwood , snakewood, flamed maple, tortoise..etc)
I intend to keep my guitar for life and I just hate to see those white bindings get old !
I personally think one little change such as the neck binding (didn't say body binding cuz mine got a two-toned rosewood binding whick looks great )would make the guitar that much more attractive. I have the same complaint on this issue also regarding Martin guitars , their neck bindings are even worse unless you pay big $$ for those really high end models, then you get a gloss finish on those cheap looking white binidings. This improvement shouldn't cost the factory a lot more money nor work, does it? I am sure they would make us pay for it, anyways, right? I for one would pay for those options.
2) The fret edges should be smoothed out . Even though it is just a little trouble for me to do it myself or send it to a luthier, I would be more happy if it came smoothed out . I am looking forward to buy more Larrivees but am not looking forward to smooth out the fret edges.
3) I've played more than a 100 Larrivees and found that 99% of them have the same fret wire size. Yes, it makes it sound good , but wouldn't it be great if there were more choices? Like those found on a Martin, the really thin , short frets, on an OM or a D sized?
4) Better stock Tuners
For me, Larrivee guitars ranks at the top of any guitar ever made and I think it deserves top-of-the-line tuners. Don't you? The ones found on my D-60 are great! They even took the time to engrave it a little, nice job! But on my OMV-10E..that is another story.
Ok...I've tried my best..I can only come up with 4. :blush:
Just little suggestions
- definitely a CHOICE on tuners
- a CHOICE on neck width, I prefer wide- as in 1 7/8
- a CHOICE in finish - my preference is satin
- a choice in original strings - prefer NOT Cleartones
- a choice in scale length - prefer short
- a choice in number of frets to body , I prefer 12
- Larry
There are areas where I think Larrivee could improve but I don't care if they do or not. Larrivee can run their business however they want. Just because Larrivee doesn't make guitars with bloodwood binding doesn't mean I can't buy a guitar with it.
Options on top wood: cedar, engelmann, etc. The rest is all good :thumbsup :tongue:
BONE (nut & saddle)! And fully articulated sadles.
Quote from: Michael T on August 01, 2008, 11:02:41 PM
BONE (nut & saddle)! And fully articulated sadles.
:+1: The rest is "opinions" Bone nut and saddles are a must...and what would we do withot the comic relief provided by tuners that go PINNNNNNNNNNG in the night :laughin:
Bone nut and saddles
Tuner upgrade options
I wish they had more short scale models. For instance the OM or 000
But like Larry said if you want those features go find them. There are lots of good guitars out there.
Asking that they come with different strings? Jeepers, it's not like they're hard to change, is it?
Quote from: ducktrapper on August 02, 2008, 07:56:52 AM
Asking that they come with different strings? Jeepers, it's not like they're hard to change, is it?
:ohmy:
you can change them :?
a 00 with a true 00 short scale, 24.9 or 24.75
Also, a 14 fret 00 would be really nice (short scale of course).
Quoteyou can change them
It's like diapers....you don't have to change them but it stinks if you don't :roll
Some folks like cleartones and they sound alright for a while when they are new. Anyone who wants a personal sound is going to use ones that fit their taste anyway and that changes with so many factors.
I thought the shaller tuners were fine by posts I have seen, mine has a decent set of pings believe it or not. I will take them off and replace them some day. But that's not a biggie for now.
The 12th fret orders Larrivees with Waverly tuners and a lot of these features we are asking for. Just be on the look out for a limited run and you may find one that is exactly what you would want.
Quote from: guitone on August 02, 2008, 09:54:28 AM
a 00 with a true 00 short scale, 24.9 or 24.75
Also, a 14 fret 00 would be really nice (short scale of course).
Plus infinity... :+1: :+1: :+1: etc.
Nicer tuners would be good but I like the neck binding. I know very little about guitar building, but I think the primary reason for the binding they use is that the "better quality" natural woods can cause problems over time, introducing a 3rd wood to the neck that has a variable mass due to the relative humidity. Someone who knows more please shed some light on the matter. I have seen 'higher end' guitars such as Lowdens with no neck binding at all.
Most of these things sound like we would all like the custom shop to open up and let us order the exact Larrivee we'd want. Choose your own body size, top, back and sides, neck width, binding, top, inlay, frets, etc. - basically taking advantage of the production techniques they've developed to save money on custom appointments.
Unfortunately, everything I've heard Jean ( Mr. Larrivee to me ) say is that isn't the kind of shop he wants to run. He likes making really good guitars at a good price - and he is doing that very well. Doing all this custom will still make some very good guitars, but the price would have to go up a pretty fair bit, and also add a fair bit of headache to the operation. But that doesn't mean I don't have a few wishes - I just doubt we can get them one at a time -
Tuners, saddles, pins, nuts, pick guards, pick-ups - there are some really good people out there making and supplying these. It would be nice to get a guitar from the factory with some of these upgraded items already on it, but its also nice to let your local tech do these upgrades and keep them employed and available for bigger problems. And you can get frets changed - not simple, but it can be done.
I just hope that they continue to make short runs of special instruments - either through groups like this Forum and the Forum guitars, through dealers and some of their limited editions, or maybe from time to time Jean ( Mr. Larrivee to me ) will just surprise us all and build something really interesting just to try -
And I just hope they announce them on this Forum so I hear about them before they are all sold - :bgrin:
Tad
Having a cutaway option on the OM seems like a must. Also, making an OM w/o a pickguard. I'd have a Larrivee OM right now if these had been options. Sure, one can remove a pickguard, but when I buy a new guitar, I don't want the trouble of taking it off nor do I want a tan-line.
When it comes to strings, anytime I get a new guitar I always remove whatever is on it and put on a new set anyway, so the cleartones don't bother me.
A beer tap in the lower bout.
Dan :bgrin:
Quotepickguard
yea, PICKGUARD, forgot to put that on my list -
and option to NOT have a pickguard
I'd like a lower neck radius for ease of fretting, but that's just me.
Quote from: guitone on August 02, 2008, 09:54:28 AM
a 00 with a true 00 short scale, 24.9 or 24.75
Also, a 14 fret 00 would be really nice (short scale of course).
I'm with guitone (and knowspicker)! I'd love to see this with a 1.75" nut, though, and not the monstrously wide nuts builders sometimes put on these little beauties.
--Lee
Quote from: Novalis on August 02, 2008, 12:38:47 PM
Having a cutaway option on the OM seems like a must. Also, making an OM w/o a pickguard. I'd have a Larrivee OM right now if these had been options. Sure, one can remove a pickguard, but when I buy a new guitar, I don't want the trouble of taking it off nor do I want a tan-line.
When it comes to strings, anytime I get a new guitar I always remove whatever is on it and put on a new set anyway, so the cleartones don't bother me.
Any dealer can ask to not have the pickguards put on. They just pack them in the case so the owner can do whatever they want. I've ordered ALL my guitars that way from now on.
Quote from: jerrysleftyguitars on August 02, 2008, 04:05:39 PM
Any dealer can ask to not have the pickguards put on. They just pack them in the case so the owner can do whatever they want. I've ordered ALL my guitars that way from now on.
And if your git is new; a hair dryer and a little patience and it's history. (naphtha for a little clean up)
thinner and smaller necks for the Om's
Would love a Larrivee Om but the neck is a little wide for me.
Maybe a smaller Dread as well, just a tad.
Larrys are pretty great the way they are, but those things would be cool for me.
Dave
Quote from: DaveyO on August 02, 2008, 10:26:52 PM
thinner and smaller necks for the Om's
Would love a Larrivee Om but the neck is a little wide for me.
Maybe a smaller Dread as well, just a tad.
Larrys are pretty great the way they are, but those things would be cool for me.
Dave
Dave , you are the first I have heard say this, most want a wider neck on the OM for finger style and the dreads are the thinnest I have ever owned outside of my 3/4 size Gibson. Why is it you want them smaller? Danny
Okay, I had to come out of retirement for this one....How about finished fret ends? ...I've owned a D-03r, LV-03RE, D-09 and D-60, all of which had awful fret finishing. I'll spend another $1000+ when Larrivee decides to build their guitars with the fit and finish of much cheaper Chinese guitars. Otherwise, maybe they could include a fret hammer with the truss rod wrench when you buy a new guitar. Sorry all, I love Larrivee guitars, but I can't overlook such carelessness.
I hope you all are well. I miss the wit and banter, esp., the creature....Is he still being devious?...I'll be back sometime. Take care! :wave
I've personally never had any problems with a Larrivee neck, or fit and finish for that matter. I dont know how they are now. But certainly the ones I've seen as easily better made than the current asian instruments. I think the Asian instruments are great, just not there yet.
As for new features, how about a plain jane 03 made from maple, with a wedge body (okay now I am being wishful). I think that's a concept that will be great, because that's something more geared towards performers than collectors.
I'd like to see a P-05 with a cutaway. And, I'd like to see the revival of the 0 series (with and without cutaway). For that matter, I'd like to see something between the 13" parlor body and the (nearly) 16" OM, but still with a 12 fret and 24" scale.
Some of that is wishing for too much from a production shop like Larrivee, though. They have decided on a certain business model and have to go with what is going to turn a profit. Considering the consistency of their product, I think they're doing "right".
Ed
Strings, tuners and pickguards are basically accessories. They have little to do with the actual guitar. The guitars sound good in the store and are in a sellable condition longer with coated strings. Martin could take a note. If part of what makes Larrivées one of the best guitars around and AFFORDABLE, is coming with merely adequate tuners, I'll take it. I've been around a long time and swapping out tuners is something guys used to do with out thinking twice. Neither difficult nor expensive to upgrade. Suddenly it's a big deal?
BTW, although the machines on my D05 could be called disappointing, my L09 and my 000-50 both came with great sets of gears. I'm changing the 05s tuners soon, the old ones will go on a Univox. It all works out.
Quote from: ducktrapper on August 03, 2008, 08:19:33 AM
Strings, tuners and pickguards are basically accessories. They have little to do with the actual guitar. The guitars sound good in the store and are in a sellable condition longer with coated strings. Martin could take a note. If part of what makes Larrivées one of the best guitars around and AFFORDABLE, is coming with merely adequate tuners, I'll take it. I've been around a long time and swapping out tuners is something guys used to do with out thinking twice. Neither difficult nor expensive to upgrade. Suddenly it's a big deal?
BTW, although the machines on my D05 could be called disappointing, my L09 and my 000-50 both came with great sets of gears. I'm changing the 05s tuners soon, the old ones will go on a Univox. It all works out.
Yeah but changing the tuners does a couple things... won't it void the warranty? And just like changing the orig. strings and removing the hang tags, it'll destroy the future vintage market.
(all said with tongue deeply buried in my cheek) :humour: :humour:
I prefer a pickguard but I *do* agree with the idea of, put it in the case and let the buyer decide if they want it on or not.
Ed
Quote from: blued03r on August 03, 2008, 02:52:51 AM
How about finished fret ends?
Definitely agree on this one, it really is a bit off-putting on an otherwise nicely-built guitar.
Quote from: tadol on August 02, 2008, 12:32:03 PM
Tuners, saddles, pins, nuts, pick guards, pick-ups - there are some really good people out there making and supplying these. It would be nice to get a guitar from the factory with some of these upgraded items already on it, but its also nice to let your local tech do these upgrades and keep them employed and available for bigger problems. And you can get frets changed - not simple, but it can be done.
Yes, I agree nothing like talking to someone who is actually going to work on your guitar about what you are looking to adjust. I only wish there were more available who would be able to do competent and complete work. Good techs & luthier are hard to find without shipping a prized possesion around the globe. I think we all agree the thought of an instrument sitting in a box in a parking lot in 100+ degrees for hours, or days, or the opposite extreme is agonizing. Then there is the damage issue, insurance is good but it won't replace the memories and familiarity we build with the bond of our guitar. Then there is the waiting :whistling:
Therefore I feel, material & mechanical issues like nuts, saddles, tuners, fret installation QC issues etc. are important from a build supply stand point even if at a significant up charge.
Cosmetics and adjustments like pick guards, strings, action adjustment, truss adjustments, tuner tightening, fret dressing, can be relatively quick & easy for a overworked store tech, or even ourselves to accomplish. IMO
To put things in perspective, check out randy's catalogue from 79'. The L model was pretty much it. A rare classical and I seem to remember a a smaller concert model or something, but that's fuzzy.
http://randyrick.us/guitars/history/1979Brochure.htm
By the way The Fret Shop is where I got mine the next year.
Again I'm confused. I've always called my 1975 L an 09 but it's actually a cross between the L-11 Standard and the L-19. It has the L-19's fingerboard inlay with the 11's plain headstock. Oh and braz. What should we call it?
Quote from: ducktrapper on August 04, 2008, 08:35:59 AM
Again I'm confused. I've always called my 1975 L an 09 but it's actually a cross between the L-11 Standard and the L-19. It has the L-19's fingerboard inlay with the 11's plain headstock. Oh and braz. What should we call it?
:nice guitar: :thumbsup
Quote from: ducktrapper on August 04, 2008, 08:35:59 AM
Again I'm confused. I've always called my 1975 L an 09 but it's actually a cross between the L-11 Standard and the L-19. It has the L-19's fingerboard inlay with the 11's plain headstock. Oh and braz. What should we call it?
How about "FRICK'N AWESOME"
Okay, it's all that but I'm still confused. :arrow :wacko: :laughin: