I posted a trade offer on the AGF recently: My Taylor 314 for your older Larrivee Parlor. No takers. But I still have the fever and before I just buy one I thought I'd ask forum members here about their Parlor guitars. Do you play yours as a number one guitar or as a novelty or when slouching on the couch? Is the tone much fuller than a Seagull Grand? Are the new Larrivee Parlors a sonic upgrade over the older ones? And finally: Why won't you trade yours for my Taylor?
Thanks folks.
Fantastic guitars, I play mine al the time and even travel with it.
Ted
Hey Dude, yes indeed, I love my FM-09 Parlour, shes as sweet as they come in sound, size, comfort and looks. Infact, I play mine so much, I bought another one yesterday but in Rosewood. Compairing to a Taylour, I really wouldn't know, but one thing I do know, for a small git, it sure has a loud mouth. see pics of my new parlour under 'signed sealed and deliver'
cheers
fongie
Quote from: huladude456 on May 25, 2009, 05:30:13 PM
I posted a trade offer on the AGF recently: My Taylor 314 for your older Larrivee Parlor. No takers. But I still have the fever and before I just buy one I thought I'd ask forum members here about their Parlor guitars. Do you play yours as a number one guitar or as a novelty or when slouching on the couch? Is the tone much fuller than a Seagull Grand? Are the new Larrivee Parlors a sonic upgrade over the older ones? And finally: Why won't you trade yours for my Taylor?
Thanks folks.
Having owned two Larrivee parlors and a Seagull Grand, I have to say the Seagull is much louder. Also the Parlors never did it for me as a main guitar. They were more of a novelty that didn't take long to be disillusioned with.
My first was a P-09 and then I thought I would try amplified so I got a PV-09E. Neither one did it for me. My 00-09FM was a different story. Loud and a blast to play.
Different strokes.
I've played several Larrivee parlors and they were all tight and boxy sounding. Main guitar? No way. But with a lot of play things would be more open and pleasant.
If I had a Larrivee parlor, I'd trade for your Taylor in a heartbeat. Good luck.
I was looking at Larrivee Parlor's on and off for about 8 months, and likeyou, the itch did not go away. With the input of the fine folks here on the forum, I finally pulled the trigger. I purchased mine 3 weeks ago, it is a P-09 Lacewood. This was a great purchase and is a great guitar. I play it every day and it is hard to put down. I initially bought it for travel (size is perfect for this), but have found myself using it every day for at least an hour. The tone is great, sound projects well, and is very comfortable to hold. I do not think you will be disappointed if you got one.
Regards,
Brian
Thanks for all the thoughts. I was thinking my Seagull Grand was sounding pretty good today, but I couldn't help but wonder how it would be with all solid woods and wider string spacing at the bridge. Ugh... When will this madness end?
As for the Taylor 314, it's a lovely guitar but my L-03 has taken it's place. Time to move along.
oh yeah, I'm a newbie here, so what's with the donuts?
My parlor was my first Larrivee. If you can only afford one guitar and the parlor is not your cup of tea, then buying or trading for one would probably be a mistake.
Personally, every one of my guitars have a turn in the rotation at being the number one or main guitar. This week, my parlor made the cut when I was on vacation for the last five days. It doesn't take up much room in the car, is light, easy to carry and sounds great when played down next to the water on Georgian Bay (Ontario). As an added benefit, I was able to sit and drink a beer with my son (who owns a Taylor 214, solid wood version) while he played Rev. Gary Davis and Mississippi John Hurt tunes for an hour.
Does it sound like either of my Martins or my son's Taylor which I play when we swap guitars? No but then if it did, I wouldn't have bought it. Sorry I wouldn't trade mine for anything.
If I could find an older all hog P-01 I would snap it up. (cost being justified)
Quote from: dependan on May 26, 2009, 06:07:21 AM
If I could find an older all hog P-01 I would snap it up. (cost being justified)
Absolutely!!
cheers
fongie
Parlor guitars (or "parlour" guitars, as we spell it across the water) can hold their own with all but the loudest and biggest of conventional models. You might be interested to see a (very poor quality) clip of a concert I put on with Duck Baker as the main guest in April. My buddy Ian and I opened up the evening with a 25-minute set. I played mainly my Larrivee OM-03RE, and Ian played a parlor guitar he'd finished and strung up for the first time that afternoon! Both mic'ed naturally, by the way.
The Glory Of Love (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8M3DLUpWSzs)
The sound came off the mixer desk into a minidisc recorder, and the video was just my old DVD camcorder at the back of the theatre - so the overall recording is really pretty sh*tty - but you can hear that the little guitar more than holds its own. The guitar has now reached its purchaser - in Montreal!
I've never tried a Larrivee parlor model but - if they sound anything like Ian's - then I might start investigating. Mind you, having heard Ian's guitars, I might just have to whisper in his ear...
A Larrivee parlor was my first Larrivee (far from my first guitar). I now have several Larrivees, including 3 parlors.
They don't strum so well, but they are lovely to play fingerstyle. They don't work well in a band scenario but they're great solo.
I don't play out with them, but they get a lot of play at home.
Whenever I am learning a new piece I almost always choose a parlor.
And with all due respect, I wouldn't trade one of my Larrivee parlors for a Taylor 314.
Why do you want a Larrivee Parlor?
They are cute, they are cool, they are fun to play, they sound well ( I don`t agree they sound boxy ), they are easy to carry, they are well made real guitars ( not just travel guitars )......Get one.
You will not regret it
Hmmm... lots of opinions here. Some are right... the ones I agree with, that is. :whistling: :laughin: (PS: I AM JOKING!!!)
I have 2 (one is on the block), and have had another. The one I have and am going to keep is one of the orig. issue unbound satin mahogany models. I'd call it my "main" guitar. I play it most anywhere. It won't keep up with a room full of D-28's but I tend to not play in that setting. I've had a P-09... not my sound. I'm definitely a mahogany over rosewood guy. The PV-09 I have is for sale for the same reason. I've said it before, I think if I could find a mahogany parlor with a cutaway, I'd be near my acoustic guitar nirvana.
Based on a sample of one (the one I have), I'm of the opinion that the new ones offer no sonic benefit over the older satin models. I have tried others but not as extensively as the one I play every day. I disagree with the notion that they sound boxy. It takes some work to coax out the bass but not very different that the way it takes some restraint to keep a dread from being nothing but bass... both take some technique control. I also don't agree that they don't strum well. I think they do fine for either strumming or fingerstyle... but I think they (like any guitar) need to be setup for the way they will be played.
I wouldn't trade for a 314 but that's because as I age and seem to be shrinking (50+ and 5'5"), I'm getting along less and less with 14 fret 25.5" scale guitars. Which is another thing I like about the parlor (and the Larrivee take on parlor especially)... the scale length (at 24"), the 12 fret neck, and the bridge where it is, which makes the farthest reaches of the neck still comfortable for any length of time.
In short, I think Larrivee just "gets" parlors and has perfected the formula for turning out exellent examples.
Ed
You really want a Parlor because you have not seen or played a 00 - the little larger soundbox makes a ton of difference to me, especially on the low end. They should call it a PJ, or Parlor Jumbo. Because Larrivee stopped making the 00, the parlor is going to be much more available and affordable - and they are just so darn cute, I don't think anyone would pass one up at a good price -
Tad
Quote from: huladude456 on May 25, 2009, 09:26:21 PM
Thanks for all the thoughts. I was thinking my Seagull Grand was sounding pretty good today, but I couldn't help but wonder how it would be with all solid woods and wider string spacing at the bridge.
The spacing at the bridge on the Grand is difficult for me, too. I can't seem to get fully comfortable with it.
...sigh...
j
Quote from: eded on May 26, 2009, 01:36:52 PM
Hmmm... lots of opinions here. Some are right... the ones I agree with, that is. :whistling: :laughin: (PS: I AM JOKING!!!)
I have 2 (one is on the block), and have had another. The one I have and am going to keep is one of the orig. issue unbound satin mahogany models. I'd call it my "main" guitar. I play it most anywhere. It won't keep up with a room full of D-28's but I tend to not play in that setting. I've had a P-09... not my sound. I'm definitely a mahogany over rosewood guy. The PV-09 I have is for sale for the same reason. I've said it before, I think if I could find a mahogany parlor with a cutaway, I'd be near my acoustic guitar nirvana.
Based on a sample of one (the one I have), I'm of the opinion that the new ones offer no sonic benefit over the older satin models. I have tried others but not as extensively as the one I play every day. I disagree with the notion that they sound boxy. It takes some work to coax out the bass but not very different that the way it takes some restraint to keep a dread from being nothing but bass... both take some technique control. I also don't agree that they don't strum well. I think they do fine for either strumming or fingerstyle... but I think they (like any guitar) need to be setup for the way they will be played.
I wouldn't trade for a 314 but that's because as I age and seem to be shrinking (50+ and 5'5"), I'm getting along less and less with 14 fret 25.5" scale guitars. Which is another thing I like about the parlor (and the Larrivee take on parlor especially)... the scale length (at 24"), the 12 fret neck, and the bridge where it is, which makes the farthest reaches of the neck still comfortable for any length of time.
In short, I think Larrivee just "gets" parlors and has perfected the formula for turning out exellent examples.
Ed
Ed, saw your PV-09 for sale, 'Beautiful', if I hadn't purchased my P-09 the other day, I would have gone for yours. Now, like you, I'm a 'Hog man', but I puschased this P-09, not because it's rosewood, but because it projects well over my FM-09. Now, a PV is still on my hit list, like you I'd prefer a PV hog model, but if I have no choice, a PV-09 would do me just fine. Can I ask you this? About your PV-09, what do you find that a hog model have, that yours don't? And do you think that a 'cutaway' on a small guitar, affects it's performance compare to a non-cutaway? Do they make PV models in hog?
cheers
fongie
Quote from: fongie on May 26, 2009, 07:09:30 PM
Ed, saw your PV-09 for sale, 'Beautiful', if I hadn't purchased my P-09 the other day, I would have gone for yours. Now, like you, I'm a 'Hog man', but I puschased this P-09, not because it's rosewood, but because it projects well over my FM-09. Now, a PV is still on my hit list, like you I'd prefer a PV hog model, but if I have no choice, a PV-09 would do me just fine. Can I ask you this? About your PV-09, what do you find that a hog model have, that yours don't? And do you think that a 'cutaway' on a small guitar, affects it's performance compare to a non-cutaway? Do they make PV models in hog?
cheers
fongie
Hmmm... how to describe tone... how about we dance about architecture? (grin)
Mahogany vs. rosewood parlor, warmer but more defined. It's the same thing that always made a Martin D-18 preferrable to a D-28 to me. Not so many overtones but a mix of notes. I guess that doesn't make any sense either. Brash is too strong of a word but I'm very tempted to describe rosewood as brash compared to mahogany.
I think (and this (whole reply) is worth what that you are paying), there is minimal difference tonewise or volumewise in a cutaway, if any. The difference is (duh), access to a few more frets. It's not often I play up there, but on those rare occasions, it's more than noticable. It's play that song or not. Soundwise, I think switching between PB or 80/20 strings can have more effect.
I've contacted Larrivee about a custom PV and they don't.
Ed
ps: I can't believe I misspelled "excellent" in that last post.
Quote from: eded on May 26, 2009, 07:51:31 PM
Hmmm... how to describe tone... how about we dance about architecture? (grin)
Mahogany vs. rosewood parlor, warmer but more defined. It's the same thing that always made a Martin D-18 preferrable to a D-28 to me. Not so many overtones but a mix of notes. I guess that doesn't make any sense either. Brash is too strong of a word but I'm very tempted to describe rosewood as brash compared to mahogany.
I think (and this (whole reply) is worth what that you are paying), there is minimal difference tonewise or volumewise in a cutaway, if any. The difference is (duh), access to a few more frets. It's not often I play up there, but on those rare occasions, it's more than noticable. It's play that song or not. Soundwise, I think switching between PB or 80/20 strings can have more effect.
I've contacted Larrivee about a custom PV and they don't.
Ed
ps: I can't believe I misspelled "excellent" in that last post.
Thanks for that ED, I've got a few hog's, and I prefer playing them over my rosewoods. I suppose this applies with P's as well, huh? Shame about the hog cutaway, looks like yours may just be back on my hit list, but you don't like to send, especially overseas :crying:. Thats another problem. Thanks for your reply
cheers
fongie
I have to admit that my Larrivée Rosewood Parlor is the guitar I play most. I pick it up for noodling around whilst watching TV (mostly fingerpicking raggy blues stuff) and take it to a weekly folk music session, where it holds its own fine. I play rhythm with my fingernail and it seems to cut through all the fiddles, penny whistles, mandolins, guitars, etc. A friend wiith a big Fylde Falstaff jumbo always comments on how loud my little guitar is.
The Larris have a very solid construction, which is particularly apparent in the Parlors, so they take a long time to play in. It can take 3 or 4 years before they really open up. Following threads on this forum, I did get my luthier friend to sand down half of the X-bracing (the half in the lower bout, not the upper bout near the soundhole) and that has improved the sound a bit as well. Obviously such actions will make your warranty null and void.
As with all Larrivées, the workmanship is impeccable - not always the case with certain other makers, both big-name and lesser known.
The Larris have a very solid construction, which is particularly apparent in the Parlors, so they take a long time to play in. It can take 3 or 4 years before they really open up. Following threads on this forum, I did get my luthier friend to sand down half of the X-bracing (the half in the lower bout, not the upper bout near the soundhole) and that has improved the sound a bit as well. Obviously such actions will make your warranty null and void.
As with all Larrivées, the workmanship is impeccable - not always the case with certain other makers, both big-name and lesser known.
[/quote]
Thanks for that info ParlourPicker, thats very interesting with the X-bracing, no, I won't touch my rosewoods, but it's good to know.
cheers
fongie
Quote from: fongie on May 27, 2009, 06:43:24 PM
The Larris have a very solid construction, which is particularly apparent in the Parlors, so they take a long time to play in. It can take 3 or 4 years before they really open up. Following threads on this forum, I did get my luthier friend to sand down half of the X-bracing (the half in the lower bout, not the upper bout near the soundhole) and that has improved the sound a bit as well. Obviously such actions will make your warranty null and void.
As with all Larrivées, the workmanship is impeccable - not always the case with certain other makers, both big-name and lesser known.
Thanks for that info ParlourPicker, thats very interesting with the X-bracing, no, I won't touch my rosewoods, but it's good to know.
cheers
fongie
I agree they look the part, but I played a Baby Martin HPL today that I almost brought home. Made in Mexico for very little denero. It sounded good :thumbsup
Quote from: dependan on May 27, 2009, 07:28:31 PM
I agree they look the part, but I played a Baby Martin HPL today that I almost brought home. Made in Mexico for very little denero. It sounded good :thumbsup
That's why I try to stay away from guitar stores. If money wasn't a problem, I'd have 2-3 entry level Martins by now.
ricky
Why do I want this?
It is the ultimate fetish for most of us that play the blues sitting on a sofa in front of the TV, enjoy looking at a nice well made instrument, don´t play in a band or in crowded venues, and can´t afford a Froggy Bottom.
I am pleased to be the new owner of a 2001 Larrivee Parlor Walnut - apparently this is rare.
I traded my OM-40 for it with some cash coming to me in the trade. I figure, I did well in the deal.
My OO-09 seem like a little giant when standing next to the Parlor - quite handy & portable.
I need to have it set up higher for strumming and may be change the nut & saddle to bone as Bltprf502 suggested - he loves
his P-Walnut and wouldn't trade it for anything.
As for trading it for a 314ce - two years ago I would in a heartbeat.
But my guitars are getting smaller in size (my preference being smaller in stature) and do a lot of road trips.
My P-Walnut fits my Ami gig bag perfectly. The Ami having laminate b&s is heavier to carry than the P-Walnut.
Too new (to me) to comment on the sound.
ricky
Ricky, I know that you like to finger pick alot, at least that's the impression I've gotten. I'v played a few P-09's, RW, & just sounded thin & tinny to me when flat picked. As for those that use them as their main or most used guitars, they strike me, as said, as one for "doodling" aroung with or quiet time guitars. That's what they were made for. A small room (a parlor) & not meant to be loud, but more of a finesse instrument. Not cheap for that either. Do you really think they are that great to take along & strum, esp. for the money they cost. Never heard any others than RW, but they just don't strike me as a fun-louvin' strummin' guitar. More of a finger style guitar made for a small size area to be played in. I know that you're willing to spend alot on a travel guitar, or just have after your thread on travlers, but is this what this will be?. Sounds like it defeats the purpose of the whole size & what it was meant for. I'm not being critical or arguementative, just curious? They are nice eye-candy, though! :thumb
Jeff
Ricky,
Congratulations. I ogled that one when it went up for sale. I am very curious to hear your comparison between the OO and this parlor. Further, if you can compare the walnut parlor to a P09 or P05, that would be very interesting. Yes, I know, you need time to properly evaluate it.
I initially rejected the one and only Larrivee parlor I have ever played, but increaslingly dinky guitars have my attention. I want one for my bedroom, where I play more and more before turning in for the night. I hope you are happy with it.
I've got a 70-year old parlor that was probably considered a "toy" guitar when new but now is a resonant tone monster. Still boxy compared to the FIII, but it is the sweetest strummer; you can't believe how sweet it is.
Every Larrivee parlor I've played has not impressed me, but give them time and a lot of play and I'm sure they will someday be as sweet as my "toy" guitar.
"I really want a Larrivee Parlor. Why do I want this? "
I take mine everywhere I ride my bike.
(http://imagecache.allposters.com/images/pic/LIFPOD/697899~Humorous-of-Man-Riding-Tiny-Bicycle-Posters.jpg)
Quote from: jeremy3220 on May 31, 2009, 11:35:56 PM
"I really want a Larrivee Parlor. Why do I want this? "
I take mine everywhere I ride my bike.
(http://imagecache.allposters.com/images/pic/LIFPOD/697899~Humorous-of-Man-Riding-Tiny-Bicycle-Posters.jpg)
Brilliant!!!! :roll
Quote from: jeremy3220 on May 31, 2009, 11:35:56 PM
"I really want a Larrivee Parlor. Why do I want this? "
I take mine everywhere I ride my bike.
(http://imagecache.allposters.com/images/pic/LIFPOD/697899~Humorous-of-Man-Riding-Tiny-Bicycle-Posters.jpg)
LOL, awesome :bowdown: :bowdown:
cheers
fongie
Actually the bike is normal size, Jeremy is just a big guy.
Quote from: dependan on June 01, 2009, 07:57:12 PM
Actually the bike is normal size, Jeremy is just a big guy.
LOL, Dan's back! :bgrin: :bgrin:
cheers
fongie
Quote from: dependan on June 01, 2009, 07:57:12 PM
Jeremy is just a big guy.
That's actually true, 6'5" about 200lbs.
If set up, parlors are great! I have some higher end guitars and my parlors always sees more than its share of play time. I really like the older P01 and P03's the best. I find them to be some ofthe best I have played or heard. Mine is a P03 walnit with bearclaw sitka top. Just a fantastic guitar with a big voice!
Quote from: Bltprf502 on June 02, 2009, 09:29:20 AM
If set up, parlors are great! I have some higher end guitars and my parlors always sees more than its share of play time. I really like the older P01 and P03's the best. I find them to be some ofthe best I have played or heard. Mine is a P03 walnit with bearclaw sitka top. Just a fantastic guitar with a big voice!
Rich,
How is yours set up? Mine is too low it buzzes when I strum. I feel like putting some cardboard filling under the saddle to raise the action (admittedly, this is a cheap solution). I don't know if it's worthwhile to invest in bone saddle or tusq - to raise the action a bit.
Otherwise, I love how small and handy it is - it makes my OO-09 seem like a giant of a guitar compared to the parlor.
I'm learning how to play with bare fingers and up to this point, no pick, as I could barely strum it without a buzz.
Please advise - and I thought I'd have traders remorse and mourning over my OM-40 (but it's redundant and my FG3 does a whole lot better than the OM).
There I digressed again.
Is your Walnut-parlor set up for both fingerstyle & high enough for moderate strumming with a pick without buzzing?
ricky
Rick, I've just had extra lights .010-.047 PB, D'addario's fitted on my FM-09, mainly for finger picking. How sweet this baby sounds and how, not just the finger picking, strumming as well. My FM-09 came standard, no buzzing, no alteration needed, which is a blessing.
By the way, 'Congrats' on your new addition
cheers
fongie
Quote from: fongie on June 03, 2009, 12:48:45 AM
Rick, I've just had extra lights .010-.047 PB, D'addario's fitted on my FM-09, mainly for finger picking. How sweet this baby sounds and how, not just the finger picking, strumming as well. My FM-09 came standard, no buzzing, no alteration needed, which is a blessing.
By the way, 'Congrats' on your new addition
cheers
fongie
Great fongie! I have a lot to learn about parlors. My new-to-me parlor walnut made me appreciate my OO-09 more. With the OM-40 gone, I really think I have a good selection of various guitar sizes and models.
I think Rich (bltprf502) recommends that I use medium gauge strings - perhaps I should try the EJ-16s which are the ones used in our FG III which I'm beginning to really like.
ricky
Quote from: rpm60912 on June 03, 2009, 12:53:36 AM
Great fongie! I have a lot to learn about parlors. My new-to-me parlor walnut made me appreciate my OO-09 more. With the OM-40 gone, I really think I have a good selection of various guitar sizes and models.
I think Rich (bltprf502) recommends that I use medium gauge strings - perhaps I should try the EJ-16s which are the ones used in our FG III which I'm beginning to really like.
ricky
Yup, trial and error, some like med, some like lights, each to their own. :thumb
cheers
fongie
find the string gauge you like and have your parlor set up for those stings and your style of playing. I put mediums on my parlors. If I strung it up with XLs it would buzz like crazy. I would need to adjust the saddle and tweak the trussrod.
Ricky, you must have filled your need for your "traveler" already, as you were talking about a walnut version also. Don't know, you didn't respond. I'm just wondering also if my experience with the P-09 was a rare one, sounding as I described before. Just one word of advice: don't put paper or cardboard, as I hope you were joking. Using a denser material, like mylar, which is easy to cut for shimming & you should always have some around just for that, is the way to go. Did you end up getting the traveler you wanted? Or,as I mentioned, is this going to be a double-duty guitar, for home & going out? For finger style, I know that these sizes are great, but from my experience with flat picking, it just sounded thin & tinny. Does the walnut (or as fongie has,maple) really give it a better sound when strummed than I heard? Also, the mediums would make more sense for this size, bringing out more volume & probably subtleties not heard using lights.
Later.
Jeff :guitar
Quote from: BluesMan1 on June 03, 2009, 10:35:51 AM
Ricky, you must have filled your need for your "traveler" already, as you were talking about a walnut version also. Don't know, you didn't respond. I'm just wondering also if my experience with the P-09 was a rare one, sounding as I described before. Just one word of advice: don't put paper or cardboard, as I hope you were joking. Using a denser material, like mylar, which is easy to cut for shimming & you should always have some around just for that, is the way to go. Did you end up getting the traveler you wanted? Or,as I mentioned, is this going to be a double-duty guitar, for home & going out? For finger style, I know that these sizes are great, but from my experience with flat picking, it just sounded thin & tinny. Does the walnut (or as fongie has,maple) really give it a better sound when strummed than I heard? Also, the mediums would make more sense for this size, bringing out more volume & probably subtleties not heard using lights.
Later.
Jeff :guitar
As for a travel guitar - I now technically have 2 gits that meet that need: the Larri-Parlor Walnut "special edition" & Ami.
Both fit the Ami gig bag nicely for portability. I was not planning to trade the OM-40, but I was offered a deal I could not turn down. I have this beautiful git and starting money to finance the Go-Guitar Walnut Grande.
I'm still planning to go ahead with that Go-Git order which I hope to personally pick-up from Sam Radding in August, Lord willing.
The "real estate" in parlor guitars is not just there to make them good strummers - they will never sound anything like a OM or LS. If it was possible for a parlor to strum like a OM or LS - I can see myself willing to pay a small fortune for such a guitar. It is just physically not possible for a parlor to produce that strumming without sounding "boxy" "tinny" etc. Yet, I hope I'm not being naive in thinking, that parlors can develop their own "big voice / sound" in their own right.
They're excellent with bare finger strumming and using a pick, moderate controlled strumming at best. It is meant for relaxed playing / strumming / fingerstyle - relaxed is the operative word --- not my usual insane ballistic strumming which my bigger guitars are able to handle.
I have learned to "adjust" my expectations of a parlor - no matter what wood it is. I'm determined to play the snot out of this Walnut until it achieves that "opened up" condition.
That said - all of my guitars are still up for grabs - at the right price... except for my FG3 and another "traveller" which I'm hoping is either one of the following two: (1) Go-Git or (2) Larri-Walnut-Special-Ed Parlor.
Sorry, I didn't mean to not respond to your previous thread.
Queequeg & your advice taken. I'll try to put medium EJ-16s first and see how it sounds; if buzzing still there, then I'll start asking about how to properly raise the action & truss rod adjustment possibly.
ricky
ricky, ricky ricky.... BUY A MARTIN and be done with this quest for the right git. (U know U want 2)
Quote from: dependan on June 03, 2009, 07:30:01 PM
ricky, ricky ricky.... BUY A MARTIN and be done with this quest for the right git. (U know U want 2)
Dear #1,
Our quest for the right git is over!
Warmly,
#78
Quote from: rpm60912 on June 03, 2009, 07:41:58 PM
Dear #1,
Our quest for the right git is over!
Warmly,
#78
Dear, brother... I accept that from you.
Ricky... PM sent.
Quote from: rpm60912 on June 03, 2009, 07:26:57 PM
The "real estate" in parlor guitars is not just there to make them good strummers - they will never sound anything like a OM or LS. If it was possible for a parlor to strum like a OM or LS - I can see myself willing to pay a small fortune for such a guitar. It is just physically not possible for a parlor to produce that strumming without sounding "boxy" "tinny" etc. Yet, I hope I'm not being naive in thinking, that parlors can develop their own "big voice / sound" in their own right.
They're excellent with bare finger strumming and using a pick, moderate controlled strumming at best. It is meant for relaxed playing / strumming / fingerstyle - relaxed is the operative word --- not my usual insane ballistic strumming which my bigger guitars are able to handle.
I have learned to "adjust" my expectations of a parlor - no matter what wood it is. I'm determined to play the snot out of this Walnut until it achieves that "opened up" condition.
That said - all of my guitars are still up for grabs - at the right price... except for my FG3 and another "traveller" which I'm hoping is either one of the following two: (1) Go-Git or (2) Larri-Walnut-Special-Ed Parlor.
Jeff and friends at the Forum,
I have to eat my words. Rich "bltprf502" let me hear his Parlor Walnut over the phone today. I couldn't believe my ears!
So, I did a little experiment as Rich and I exchanged emails this afternoon. I installed the OO-09 saddle into my new-to-me Parlor Walnut Special Edition. I noticed that it was quite a bit higher and would raise the action - and so I did.
The rest as they say is history.
My new-to-me Parlor Walnut is now quite a strummer, very loud, gone is the "boxy, tinny" sound (I'll eat my words again),
no more boxy, no more tinny (never was tinny in the first place).
This now sounds like a bigger guitar that can hold its own against the bigger sized gits. Now, even if I push it to the max, that is, strum beyond my normal heavy strumming, it can take it --- it growls.
Yipeeeee !!!!!
I've got me a keeper and may very well be The travel git.
ricky
My new Parlor has become a "twin" of Rich's "bltprf502" parlor walnut.
Well, I've enjoyed the heck out of this discussion thread and I may have even learned a few things. What I think I learned is that what I really want is Forum III, not a parlor (at least not for now). So I bought the last (or second to last) Forum III from Jim Holler! I can't wait. Now I really need to sell my Taylor 314. I had lots of interest but no one came through on the AGF. I'll post it on the for sale site here. Thanks again to all you Larrivee afficianados!
Quote from: rpm60912 on June 04, 2009, 05:37:26 PM
So, I did a little experiment as Rich and I exchanged emails this afternoon. I installed the OO-09 saddle into my new-to-me Parlor Walnut Special Edition. I noticed that it was quite a bit higher and would raise the action - and so I did.
Was it buzzing before, how did it play before you raised the saddle? How much saddle was sticking up above the bridge before you raised it?
That was fun today Ricky... Looking forward to hearing the rest of this really cool story as it progreses. Thats right... My Walnut parlor found his twin! :roll
:nana_guitar :nanadance :nana_guitar :nanadance
Quote from: jeremy3220 on June 04, 2009, 07:00:54 PM
Was it buzzing before, how did it play before you raised the saddle? How much saddle was sticking up above the bridge before you raised it?
Yup, was it ever buzzing like crazy. I finger strum and it buzzes. I did not get actual measurement before the saddle switch.
By sight estimation, the bass side of the saddle sat really low, like less than 1/8" and now it's a good bit higher.
ricky
Quote from: rpm60912 on June 04, 2009, 07:14:30 PM
Yup, was it ever buzzing like crazy. I finger strum and it buzzes. I did not get actual measurement before the saddle switch.
By sight estimation, the bass side of the saddle sat really low, like no more than 1/8" and now it's a good bit higher.
ricky
That's cool. I just wanted to make sure you weren't raising the action to an uncomfortable height to make it sound better(i.e. an incorrect fix).
Now, I need to find a new saddle for the OO-09 because the one from the parlor is too fat to fit.
I pushed it in, but it sank to the point there's no more height left at all. Good thing I managed to pull the itty-bitty area
hardly sticking out with a pair of pliers.
Since I'm happy now with the parlor-walnut, I guess I don't need to experiment with bone saddle anymore? Also, with the action raised, does that mean increased tension - and would I need to make a truss rod adjustment?
ricky
Quote from: rpm60912 on June 04, 2009, 07:21:51 PM
Also, with the action raised, does that mean increased tension - and would I need to make a truss rod adjustment?
No it shouldn't matter. But since you have the saddle in, this shouldn't be a theoretical question anyway(see for yourself).