Hi,

I have been looking for a jumbo for a while, and I have been doing research on many different makes and models...although this may be a bit subjective, but generally...how do larrivee jumbos compare to different jumbos such as taylors, gibsons, and martins?

of course, I would much prefer to play them myself and distinguish it according to my ear, but I am in college and it is impossible to find this out without going out at least 200 miles in any direction.  So, I ask you guys to give your experiences and your opinions. 

I understand that it is YOUR opinion, and will take it with a grain of salt, but I want to see where the general consensus lies...thanks for your time!

I've only really paid attention to Taylor Jumbos - the X15 series - from sapele/mahogany 315, ovangkol 415, maple 615, rosewood 815. The maple b&s will be the brightest sounding - known as the "canon" that will hold its own in a loud band. Most of these come in a cutaway model and after 2004 also with the Expression System.

For as long as I have been looking at Larrivees, the Jumbo is only available 2nd hand as they have stopped producing this model. They are more reasonably priced and I would guess - sounds as good as the Taylors. There's one listed at Ebay - but the collector-owner is asking premium dollars because of its mint condition.

There's my 2 cents worth of opinion. ricky  :smile:

Haven't seen too many Larrivee Jumbos & have not played one but my fave local dealer, Cathedral Music, has a used one described as follows:

J09-E: A lovely used Jumbo 6 string guitar in Rosewood and Spruce that features an LR Baggs element pickup, series 10 fingerboard inlays and a flying eagle inlaid in the headstock. This is a wonderful guitar with a great thumping bass, loud overall response, low comfortable action and can be yours for $1895

Clem at Cathedral has been a great Larry dealer for a long time and is very easy to talk to.  If you call him, he can probably tell you better than most how this jumbo might compare to jumbos from other makers.   www.cathedralmusic.com

Dave

There are 2 styles of Larrivee jumbo. J and LJ. The J is identical to a Gibson jumbo in dimensions, as far as I know. The LJ is the same geometry as the L model blown up to a 17inch lower bout.

I have the pleasure of owning a LJ-05 six string and a J-10-12Maple. The LJ-05 is  a true canon with deep rich sound. The 12string has a bright jangle and good tone accross the range that I love.

I haven't done a systemic comparison of them vs other brands of jumbos, but have played other brands, and find nothing lacking in the Larrivees, and much to be pleased with.

Being a Jumbo junkie I have played them all.Te Gibson has a great what I call Chur-a-lug tone,its a bit too subdud for me me.I've played the Taylors and found them to be mid rangey for my taste.I have a J05 which is very expressive,great balance with lots of volumn cut.I've also owned an LJ05 that is a cannon with a very smooth tone.I've played the J09 both maple and rosewood.The maple was wonderfullcrisp clear balanced tone,the rosewood was kinda dull for my liking.Overall for me the Guild JF30 with its arched back is the most versitlle of them all.I can get a great jazz tone to what I like which I believe is now call Americana music.I am selling my Larrivee and hope that it doesn't sell before my economic state improves.

Don't forgot the Guild Jumbos. I have a JF-30 and a JF-55 both are outstanding guitars.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v232/fng45/DSCF0001.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v232/fng45/DSCF0007.jpg)

Love mine, a J-09 flamed maple.  It seems to me to sound the best tuned down a step or 1/2 step.  Just a great sounding guitar.    :smile:

I would love to hear it once played by someone who really can play. 

Randy_R, unclrob and FNG -- Would any of you guys know the nut width & scale length of the Larry J and LJ's?

I'm getting interested in jumbos now too, reading about them today (ack! oh no! turn off the PC!).  I figure the scale is probably Larrivee's usual 25.5", but is the nut 1 3/4 or 1 11/16?  Are the J and LJ same scale/nut dimensions?

Thanks!

Mine is a little bigger than 1 11/16, but not sure exactly.  Standard scale length.

I've played a J09FM, a friend of mine has one...

I like them, better than the taylor ones, it was really jumboey, rich, and buttery if that makes any sense to ya.

but personally, I think no Jumbos can sing what J-200 can sing..

Quote from: es-335 on November 18, 2008, 06:33:17 PM
I've played a J09FM, a friend of mine has one...

I like them, better than the taylor ones, it was really jumboey, rich, and buttery if that makes any sense to ya.

but personally, I think no Jumbos can sing what J-200 can sing..

I honestly cannot get past that bridge.   :tongue:

A Western Classic, though, is one of my dream guitars.

Mines standard Larrivee scale with a 1 11/16 nut.Very comfy.

so im looking at two guitars...
one is with mahogany back, one with rosewood.

I am wondering for larrivee owners, what the difference between the two has been like?

I have an '04 JV-05 that i was lucky enought to find last year new.  Prior to owning this I was a Martin D person.  I have to say that the Larrivee is an awesome guitar.  Rich low end as well as shimmering high end and I find its body shape to be more comfortable (even though it is bigger than a D).  Mine has a 1 3/4" fingerboard width which I prefer to the 1 11/16.  It is just wider enough to give a bit of extra room without feeling like a baseball bat.  The workmanship is impecable.  The only mod I did was to add a bone nut and saddle which opened things up even more (Tusq was standard back then).  I may eventually swap out the clear pickguard for the tortise one, but it is perfect as-is.  I hope this helps...

Quote from: rocthemikee on November 19, 2008, 09:57:50 AM
so im looking at two guitars...
one is with mahogany back, one with rosewood.

I am wondering for larrivee owners, what the difference between the two has been like?

it is totally depends on your taste!! it's like Coke VS Pepsi!!

I recommend you to try both...!