Main Forums => Larrivée Guitars => Topic started by: Johnny M on October 06, 2009, 10:23:59 AM

Title: A33 Mandolin
Post by: Johnny M on October 06, 2009, 10:23:59 AM
There's a used A33 on ebay ...

How do you like yours?  Lawn Jockey?

What's a decent price for these to go for?  You can pm me if it breaks any price rules.
Title: Re: A33 Mandolin
Post by: es-335 on October 06, 2009, 12:53:56 PM
IIRC, 12fret has one too..
Title: Re: A33 Mandolin
Post by: ducktrapper on October 06, 2009, 03:18:07 PM
Get thee behind me Satan!   :laughin:
Title: Re: A33 Mandolin
Post by: Johnny M on October 06, 2009, 10:42:57 PM
Nice links and eye candy.  Thanks  :thumb

All I've seen are F holes ~ does Larrivee make an oval hole?

I wonder what a rosewood/cedar mandolin would sound like.  My son has a maple/sitka Breedlove that loves to be played hard.  I'm finding things flying out of my fingers that I've never played on guitar.  I don't really know what I'm doing, but guitar surely helps with fingering and tone.  Just gotta figure out what I'm doing - it's all fun :? 

That's a little north of what I have right now, so I can can either keep looking and find something in my price range, or save more money.  Instruments  :mad:

Love searching for the tone.

It's also nice to see the Can$ doing pretty good against the US$

John
Title: Re: A33 Mandolin
Post by: Johnny M on October 07, 2009, 10:27:06 PM
Quote from: Lawn Jockey on October 07, 2009, 10:56:11 AM
Johnny, the one that Galaxy Music (http://www.galaxymusicusa.com/guitars.html) has now on eBay (http://cgi.ebay.com/2009-Larrivee-A33-Mandolin_W0QQitemZ320432381549QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item4a9b421e6d) is one (S/N) higher than mine.  Mine is 107203.

The other one I spoke of (sans headstock binding) is now back on eBay here (http://cgi.ebay.com/Larrivee-A-33-carved-mandolin-USA-made_W0QQitemZ290356407372QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item439a972c4c).  The seller of this one bought it from Galaxy Music a few months back.

Someone here awhile back mentioned that oval hole mandolins are in the works.  I will have one if it ever comes to fruition. 

:cheers

Hey Lawn Jockey,

Do you know if Glalaxy Music ships to Canada.  I tried looking to send them a question, but it doesn't look like they allow you to message them.  Do you have any contacts/connections there?  I'd like to find out if the ship to Canada ...
Title: Re: A33 Mandolin
Post by: Johnny M on October 08, 2009, 07:26:44 PM
Quote from: Lawn Jockey on October 08, 2009, 10:13:10 AM
Johnny, I called Darrell this morning.  They will not ship to Canada due to problems in the past.

He did say that at some point in the future they may resume shipping outside of the US.

:cheers

Yeah ... I was hoping he would but I had a feeling ...  Oh well.  That was the very upper limit of my budget and I liked the lighter stained one anyway.  The more expensive one on the bay doesn't appeal to me.  I've also been looking at a Weber Gallatin.  Nice, simple, F style, mahogany ... sounds intriguing.  My son's is maple and I want something a little more mellow - some celtic tunes, maybe some bluegrass, but for my own enjoyment.

I'll be starting a new job in about a week driving the school bus on the island.  I have a 45 minute wait between dropping off the elementary school kids and picking up the high school students at the ferry.  A mandolin would be the perfect instrument to help pass the time.  Easy to slide right behind the driver's seat.  Seriously looking at this point.
Title: Re: A33 Mandolin
Post by: Randy_R on October 08, 2009, 11:37:40 PM
Quote from: Johnny M on October 08, 2009, 07:26:44 PM
Yeah ... I was hoping he would but I had a feeling ...  Oh well.  That was the very upper limit of my budget and I liked the lighter stained one anyway.  The more expensive one on the bay doesn't appeal to me.  I've also been looking at a Weber Gallatin.  Nice, simple, F style, mahogany ... sounds intriguing.  My son's is maple and I want something a little more mellow - some celtic tunes, maybe some bluegrass, but for my own enjoyment.

I'll be starting a new job in about a week driving the school bus on the island.  I have a 45 minute wait between dropping off the elementary school kids and picking up the high school students at the ferry.  A mandolin would be the perfect instrument to help pass the time.  Easy to slide right behind the driver's seat.  Seriously looking at this point.

I live just a few miles from Galaxy Music. I'd ship it to you if you want to buy it.

:guitar
Title: Re: A33 Mandolin
Post by: tadol on October 09, 2009, 12:34:09 AM
Yowsuh - what a Forum!

Tad
Title: Re: A33 Mandolin
Post by: Johnny M on October 09, 2009, 02:28:54 AM
Quote from: tadol on October 09, 2009, 12:34:09 AM
Yowsuh - what a Forum!

Tad
Ain't that the truth.  Thanks so much Randy for the generous offer, and one that I am seriously considering.

Lawn Jockey - do you know the nut width on your A33?  I went to the Larrivee website (haven't been there in a while and they've changed it quite a bit), and couldn't find the specs on the mandolins.  Lots of nice pictures and media
Title: Re: A33 Mandolin
Post by: Johnny M on October 09, 2009, 11:47:49 AM
I was just playing my son's Breedlove for about half an hour, and man, it is one fun little instrument to play.  Still don't have a clue other than figuring out the G scale, but music is coming out of my fingers.  It's a perfect couch instrument, or whatever instrument.  Easy to take and or play anywhere.  I don't see it taking over guitar playing, but it will have it's place.

That one on ebay sure is purty.  I'm not much for sunburst, but that kind of has an browny ambertone that kind of pulls me in.  Still considering a Weber Gallatin.  Love the simple looks of it - kind of the 15 series in the Martin line up. ... But a Larrivee mandolin!

My head hurts
Title: Re: A33 Mandolin
Post by: Johnny M on October 10, 2009, 09:20:22 PM
SOAB!!! I bid on it with 15 seconds to go and when I went to confirm bid, it blocked me because I was from Canada "... contact seller to be exempted..."  Not enough time to do anything but watch it slip away ...  :crying:
Title: Re: A33 Mandolin
Post by: BenF on October 11, 2009, 07:40:09 AM
Quote from: Johnny M on October 10, 2009, 09:20:22 PM
SOAB!!! I bid on it with 15 seconds to go and when I went to confirm bid, it blocked me because I was from Canada "... contact seller to be exempted..."  Not enough time to do anything but watch it slip away ...  :crying:

aw man, sorry to hear that!  I often place a stupid low bid early in the auction to make sure that doesn't happen. eBay has many reasons for restricting bids like that.

I hope another comes up soon!
Title: Re: A33 Mandolin
Post by: flatlander on October 11, 2009, 07:51:20 AM
Quote from: Lawn Jockey on October 06, 2009, 01:12:53 PM
  When it was new.....it still thought it was a tree.....but it has opened up nicely. 
LJ that's a great line and going in my toolbox of lines! Still thought it was a tree, great!
J sorry you missed that one. Just tell yourself "it wasn't meant to be". In reality though, things often really do work out for the best. YOUR mando is comin.
Title: Re: A33 Mandolin
Post by: exdmd on October 11, 2009, 03:28:31 PM
Sorry Johnny M, I snagged the A33 from Galaxy on ebay. I wasn't going to bid more than $1260 so if your bid had not been blocked you would have won it.

I'm getting back into mandolin, mainly a reso player now, was planning on buying a new Collings MT when I came across the A33. I really like the looks of that soft v neck, and the fretwork looks good. And a varnish finish? A no brainer at the price. I'll post a review when it arrives.

Mike
Title: Re: A33 Mandolin
Post by: Johnny M on October 11, 2009, 05:09:57 PM
Quote from: exdmd on October 11, 2009, 03:28:31 PM
Sorry Johnny M, I snagged the A33 from Galaxy on ebay. I wasn't going to bid more than $1260 so if your bid had not been blocked you would have won it.

I'm getting back into mandolin, mainly a reso player now, was planning on buying a new Collings MT when I came across the A33. I really like the looks of that soft v neck, and the fretwork looks good. And a varnish finish? A no brainer at the price. I'll post a review when it arrives.

Mike

Well let me be the first to say  :welcome: and nice snag. :thumb  I'd been eyeballing it all week and got blocked at the end.  Glad it's going to someone I've now met.  Be sure to let us know how it turns out.  If in a fit of MAS, remember me  :winkin:
Title: Re: A33 Mandolin
Post by: Johnny M on October 13, 2009, 03:17:09 AM
Going to call the 12th Fret in Toronto this week ...

(http://www.12fret.com/used/Larrivee%20A-33%20Consignment.jpg)
Title: Re: A33 Mandolin
Post by: exdmd on October 14, 2009, 05:49:47 PM
Got the A33 today. Darryl shipped fast and packed very well. There isn't a scratch on the mandolin or the case. Looks unplayed. Sounds unplayed (very stiff). I will get new strings on this weekend and beat on it for a couple days and let you all know about the tone. Workmanship and finish is top shelf, looks to my eye to be as finely made as an MT2. You know when you open the case this ain't no PacRim wannabee. The recurve is very finely carved, and the neck is very close to the one I had on a Collings MF-5 I owned a few years ago. Very comfy. Very nice frets. S/N is 109513. Lawn Jockey, that S/N is much higher than yours or the one at 12fret. Any idea what's up with that? It's all about the tone of course, I strongly suspect a couple days playing will bring it to life.

Mike
Title: Re: A33 Mandolin
Post by: Johnny M on October 14, 2009, 09:19:25 PM
Quote from: Lawn Jockey on October 14, 2009, 07:49:58 PM

John.........Galaxy Music has now listed an F-33 here (http://cgi.ebay.com/2007-Larrivee-F-33-Mandolin-F33_W0QQitemZ220495148324QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item335688f524).   :drool:

:cheers



Oh, Lordy ... just shot off a message to Galaxy Music.  Are you still up on your offer Randy?

John
Title: Re: A33 Mandolin
Post by: exdmd on October 15, 2009, 12:50:04 PM
The scroll on that F33 at Galaxy looks pretty rough, like it was made by someone who was just learning how to make an F mandolin. Compare the scroll on a Weber for example. That being said still looks like a good deal if it can be bought for the starting price, for someone who has to have a scroll. Me, I prefer the looks of the A33.

Mike
Title: Re: A33 Mandolin
Post by: Randy_R on October 15, 2009, 08:20:27 PM
Quote from: Johnny M on October 14, 2009, 09:19:25 PM
Oh, Lordy ... just shot off a message to Galaxy Music.  Are you still up on your offer Randy?

John

Sure. Just let me know.
Title: Re: A33 Mandolin
Post by: Johnny M on October 18, 2009, 03:06:26 AM
Quote from: exdmd on October 15, 2009, 12:50:04 PM
The scroll on that F33 at Galaxy looks pretty rough, like it was made by someone who was just learning how to make an F mandolin. Compare the scroll on a Weber for example. That being said still looks like a good deal if it can be bought for the starting price, for someone who has to have a scroll. Me, I prefer the looks of the A33.

Mike

Yep, I agree with you there.  I got all excited at the price and then took a closer look.  The binding where the scroll meets is pretty rough. It might of been the pictures, but I wasn't crazy about the finish on it.  There is also no binding on the headstock which doesn't bother me, but if I'm spending that much money, I want it to be complete. I can understand no binding on an 03 series style mandolin, but I would hope the price would reflect that as well.  I don't really care one way or the other about a scroll, but my son thinks they look cool.

The F-33 listed over on the Mandolincafe.com also doesn't have headstock binding and is way overpriced (in my opinion).  It's cheaper than a new one, but not by that much considering you can get a new one with headstock binding.

I ended up buying the A-33 at the 12th Fret today.  I probably paid a little too much, but I am happy with what it came out to be and I don't have to worry about customs, insurance, taxes, or brokerage fees, paypal fees, etc..  Funny, but this is the first time I've bought a quality instrument from/within Canada.  I was talking with Brian there and he was really helpful.  He thought the used one they had listed was really nice (better wood and finishing than the new one they had) and said he would take it over a Collings.  Just a lot more mandolin for the money.  He told me that Collings upcharges $2000 for a varnish finish, and that Larrivee is at least at par with them, if not better.  They also sell Collings as well.  He said that there were some fingerprints on it and that was the only sign that it had been used.  "Mint", "showroom condition".  I'm pretty excited and glad that I didn't have to buy one new.  You don't see too many used ones show up and even finding a new one can be difficult.

I really like the finishing on the Larrivee mandolins and they are right up there with the best.  Like I said earlier, I'm not really a sunburst kind of guy, but this Cremona stain and varnish finish is beautiful.  Kind of reminds me of a violin.  I've never really liked the Larrivee sunbursts that I've seen and the only sunburst that I kinda like is Martin's Ambertone sunburst.  I really liked September because I got to see Lawn Jockey's A-33 everyday when I logged on here.

I want to thank Randy R and Photomat for their offers to help with shipping.  This forum is truly amazing!!!  :bowdown:  With that said, I'm now back in the Larrivee fold again  :smile:
(http://www.12fret.com/used/Larrivee%20A-33%20Consignment_Top.jpg)
Title: Re: A33 Mandolin
Post by: Randy_R on October 18, 2009, 09:35:37 AM
Beautiful!!!   The Twelfth Fret is great to deal with, I'm glad they had this for you.
Title: Re: A33 Mandolin
Post by: es-335 on October 18, 2009, 09:40:48 AM
Congratz John, She is a beauty!


Now time to sell me the D18 to me :) jk!!

Enjoy your mando!!
Title: Re: A33 Mandolin
Post by: Johnny M on October 18, 2009, 01:19:28 PM
Quote from: Lawn Jockey on October 18, 2009, 05:32:10 AM
Congrats John!!!

While I wholeheartedly agree with you (and others) concerning the scroll......it makes zero difference in sound though.  To me (at least), it wouldn't have mattered if Larrivee had reproduced the Gibson F-5 scroll perfectly.  I don't care for F style mandolins enough to justify the huge upcharge for what is effectively a strap hanger.

The "Scroll Nazi's" got after the Larrivee F-33's pretty good over at the Mandolin Cafe in this (http://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/showthread.php?t=43572&highlight=larrivee) thread.  It quickly digressed to Larrivee bashing even though the OP (who is a good mandolinist) was trying to give an objective review.   :?

Enjoy your new A-33.......and be sure to post some pictures after you've spent some time with it.  (http://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/images/smilies/mandosmiley.gif)

I know the feeling of having to wait on your new baby to arrive....and the anticipation.  I ordered a new Larrivee _ _ _ _ _ _ on Friday.  It should be here by next Wednesday.  You'll have to look for my thread to see what _ _ _ _ _ _ is.   :roll

:cheers

I can go either way with scrolls, but if I buy one with a scroll, I want it done right.  It is a big upcharge, so the scroll should reflect it.  At this time, the A style body pulled me in.  I really like the way Larrivee does their finish and it kinda looks "old world".

I saw the thread over at the mandolincafe.com regarding the Larrivee scroll.  There seems to be a lot of people who think that if it doesn't say "Gibson" (or some expensive hand built) on the headstock, it isn't a real mandolin.  I could really care less.  My first real guitar was a Larrivee and I hope the A-33 will be an excellent first real mandolin.  My budget wont allow me to horse trade mandolins like I did with guitar, so I wanted something decent to start with.  I told my son that if he practices hard for the next couple of years, I'll give this one to him (good motivator and a excuse for me to get another mandolin in a couple of years  :winkin: )

OK, cough up the details ... what did you snag?  If you don't want to post it publicly yet, you can PM me.  Thanks for all the help on the forum and via back channels.

Randy ~ The Twelfth Fret was a treat to deal with.  I've bought a lot of guitars off forums and this was so easy in comparison.  I e-mailed them early in the week and they got back to me quickly and answered all my questions.  When I called yesterday, Brian remembered my e-mail and we went from there.  Definitely one of the good shops out there!

Jeff ~ I'll keep my eyes open for either a D-18 or 35.  The next time you come back to Vancouver Island, let's meet up and I'll let you play the D-18.

John
Title: Re: A33 Mandolin
Post by: Johnny M on October 19, 2009, 01:42:48 AM
Quote from: Lawn Jockey on October 18, 2009, 02:16:49 PM
John, you are most welcome.   :bowdown:

I'll PM you what the Larrivee _ _ _ _ _ _ is.  Prepare to be...........underwhelmed.   :roll

:cheers

If it were underware, I'd say UNDERwhelmed ... but this is Larrivee!  :winkin:
Title: Re: A33 Mandolin
Post by: exdmd on October 19, 2009, 06:50:35 PM
Congrats John on the A33. I completely agree with you, if I'm going to buy an F style mandolin the scroll has to be done right, or why bother?

I've been enjoying my used A33 for a few days now. Had to move the bridge slightly to intonate properly and was able to lower the action to .060 inch at the seventeeth fret. Put J74's on. Neck has the proper relief and the nut slots were cut properly. Tone is very much in the Collings camp. Nice bell tone to the A and E strings. Mandolin is still green but already has very good volume, some wood in the tone, and a satisfying chop. Sounding this good new, when it breaks in will be a hoss.

Mike
Title: Re: A33 Mandolin
Post by: Johnny M on October 20, 2009, 11:55:41 PM
Quote from: exdmd on October 19, 2009, 06:50:35 PM
Congrats John on the A33. I completely agree with you, if I'm going to buy an F style mandolin the scroll has to be done right, or why bother?

I've been enjoying my used A33 for a few days now. Had to move the bridge slightly to intonate properly and was able to lower the action to .060 inch at the seventeeth fret. Put J74's on. Neck has the proper relief and the nut slots were cut properly. Tone is very much in the Collings camp. Nice bell tone to the A and E strings. Mandolin is still green but already has very good volume, some wood in the tone, and a satisfying chop. Sounding this good new, when it breaks in will be a hoss.

Mike

Thanks for the review Mike ~ that's what I want to hear (other than my mandolin when it arrives).  Brain at the Twelfth Fret said that it was a good one, so I'm hoping that it will be.  I just checked my tracking number and it's in Thunder Bay, Ont. with an estimated delivery date of October 27th ... I week to go!  :nanadance
Title: Re: A33 Mandolin
Post by: Johnny M on October 23, 2009, 01:05:05 AM
The mandolin arrive in Richmond, BC (Vancouver) around dinner time and left the facility just before 9 pm local time.  I'm hoping it's catching a ferry this evening over to Vancouver Island.  My fingers are crossed that it might arrive tomorrow, but I won't hold my breath.
Title: Re: A33 Mandolin
Post by: Johnny M on October 23, 2009, 11:05:06 AM
Oct 23, 2009 5:57 AM  In transit  NANAIMO, BC    Tendered to authorized agent for final delivery

Title: Re: A33 Mandolin
Post by: Randy_R on October 23, 2009, 12:14:04 PM
Quote from: Johnny M on October 23, 2009, 11:05:06 AM
Oct 23, 2009 5:57 AM  In transit  NANAIMO, BC    Tendered to authorized agent for final delivery

Anticipation...  :ph34r:
Title: Re: A33 Mandolin
Post by: Johnny M on October 23, 2009, 02:41:10 PM
Quote from: Randy_R on October 23, 2009, 12:14:04 PM
Anticipation...  :ph34r:

I haven't been this excited about getting an instrument in a LONG time.

Well, it looks like it will be delivered Monday after all.  Fedex doesn't actually deliver on the island and contracts it out. Sometimes it goes to the Post Office on the island and sometimes a courier delivers for them.  I went down to the P.O. this morning and they had nothing.  I then called the courier and he didn't have anything on board and gave me the phone number of the company he delivers for.  I called them and they told me that it's on it's way to the nearest town where they have an unmaned depot.  The courier goes to the depot in the morning and picks up what's there and catches the 11am ferry over (they only come over once a day).  It looks like it will be delivered to the depot around noon, so it will sit there for the weekend.  Since it's an unmaned depot, I can't go over and pick it up.  Oh well.  It's not like I don't have any instruments to play over the weekend.  The nice thing is that it will still be delivered a day earlier than the expected delivery date.
Title: Re: A33 Mandolin
Post by: Johnny M on October 26, 2009, 01:12:03 AM
 :thumb
:roll
Title: Re: A33 Mandolin
Post by: Johnny M on October 26, 2009, 03:07:42 PM
 :nana_guitar


:bgrin:


:thumb


Title: Re: A33 Mandolin
Post by: Randy_R on October 26, 2009, 03:32:50 PM
Quote from: Johnny M on October 26, 2009, 03:07:42 PM
:nana_guitar


:bgrin:


:thumb




Like it, huh? :wave
Title: Re: A33 Mandolin
Post by: Johnny M on October 28, 2009, 02:21:44 AM
Let me first say that I don't have much to compare this to, other than my son's Breedlove Spirit mandolin, so take it for what it is.

The A-33 mandolin arrived yesterday from the Twelfth Fret in Toronto and it was packaged like you would expect it to be from one of the great instrument shops in North America.  Top notch!  Opening the case was almost a spiritual experience.  Beauty beyond words.  I don't say this lightly as I've had some pretty nice guitars come and go at my place, but visually this thing is unbelievable.  I'm not one for sunbursts, but the Cremona stain is really classy looking.  Kind of reminds me of a violin.  The lines are simple and classy at the same time. Enough bling without going over the top.

I was kind of busy last night, so I didn't really get all that much playing time on it until today (about 2.5 hours).  I pretty much got Arkansas Traveller under my fingers.  One thing I noticed was that it is louder when you are facing it.  My son tried it out and it sounded much fuller and louder than when I was playing it.  I was surprised at how much volume this little thing puts out.  It also sounded like it was getting better the more I played it.  To be honest, this thing is in mint condition considering it is "used".  All I could find was one little mark on the side of the headstock.  That's it!  I don't think this mandolin has really been played as the frets look like they are brand spankin' new.  Comparing it to the Breedlove, it sounds smoother, fuller, and may I say more mature.  I think with some playing time this thing is going to be a tone monster.

Fit and finish ... Being a woodworker, I'm pretty picky.  I would give this a 9/10.  The stain and finish are flawless and really classy (there's that word again) looking.  The binding and pin striping on the body are done very nicely, but the pin stripe on the neck binding wavers in thickness in a couple of places.  Nothing major and you wouldn't see it if you weren't nitpicking, but it's there.  The headstock is elegant and nicely done.  The gold hardware is quality (don't know which brand) and fits the overall theme of the mandolin.  The tuner buttons are pretty small, but they work well without any slipping or being too stiff.  One thing I noticed was that under the fretboard extension, it could have been sanded with a higher grit sandpaper for a smoother finish and there is a faint line where it meets the body.  It looks like they didn't get the stain all the way in there.  I am being totally anal, but considering the price I paid, they did a VERY good job.  The wood that they used is stunning.  The back has a really nice flame to it and looks 3-D.  I don't know if it's called flamed maple, or tiger maple, but it sure looks cool.  The neck has the same flame/tiger striping and is more of a V shape compared to the rounded neck on the Breedlove.  The neck is 1 1/8" and is really comfortable.  I prefer it to the Breedlove's neck.  The action is fairly low and is easy to play without any buzzing. The intonation is prefect all the way up the neck.  Breedloves are known for their easy playing, but I like the Larrivee better.  Just a really nice overall feeling.

In the case pocket were 4 pics (2 nice thicker Larrivee picks), a cloth, care and feeding booklet and a nice, thin, brown leather Larrivee strap.  The rectangle case is nice, but a bit big for the mandolin.  It wasn't a snug fit and the mandolin can move around a bit.  My son really liked the case so I traded it for his form fitting case (snug fit).  I was kind of surprised that Larrivee didn't have a snugger fitting case.  The case is nice, but the fit is sloppy.

After playing it for most of the evening, I picked up my D-18 and it really sounded bassy compared to what I was hearing all night.  The mandolin is a really nice instrument that compliments the guitar's tone.  I would love to try a Bouzouki one day as I think it would fit between a guitar and mandolin.  Overall I am really happy with the purchase and the mandolin.  Who knows, in 10 years it might be worth some money being one of the early Larrivee mandolins.  I told my son tonight if he practiced hard for the next couple of years, I'd give him this mandolin.  Good motivator for him and an excuse to get another mandolin down the road, but I don't see this one leaving the family fold.  It is more mandolin than I will ever need.

Here are some pics from the website.  I'll try to get some of my own up within the next couple of days.
(http://www.12fret.com/used/Larrivee%20A-33%20Consignment.jpg)
(http://www.12fret.com/used/Larrivee%20A-33%20Consignment_Top.jpg)
(http://www.12fret.com/used/Larrivee%20A-33%20Consignment_Back.jpg)
(http://www.12fret.com/used/Larrivee%20A-33%20Consignment_Neck.jpg)
Title: Re: A33 Mandolin
Post by: Johnny M on October 28, 2009, 10:31:03 PM
I found something that I don't like about it ~ trying to keep it clean!  :mad:

Title: Re: A33 Mandolin
Post by: exdmd on October 29, 2009, 01:21:44 PM
I've been enjoying my A33 for a week now, only nit I have to pick is the string height over the first fret is just a tad high for the A and E strings. I can give the mandolin a much slinkier feel by deepening those nut slots a bit. Not a big deal, I usually have to adjust the set up on any mandolin I own. The only mandolin I've owned that had a perfect set up from the factory was a Collings MF-5. I really like the neck on the A33, I consider it to be just as comfy as the Collings' neck.
Title: Re: A33 Mandolin
Post by: Johnny M on October 30, 2009, 12:08:58 PM
Yeah, I saw that.  Nice price, but I like the look of the headstock binding.

Very nice description of the mandolin ...

"The top & back carving on this instrument is exquisite with graceful arching & deep recurve around the edge. The grained ivoroid binding sets off a rich Cremona stain with an ultra-thin gloss finish. 

Throaty with a great bark when chopped, unbelievable dynamic range & headroom and loads of that beautiful mandolin high-end chime!"

Yeah, sounds about right.   :winkin:
Title: Re: A33 Mandolin
Post by: Johnny M on October 30, 2009, 03:28:28 PM
C'mon Duck, you know you want one. Chop chop!  :tongue:
Title: Re: A33 Mandolin
Post by: Johnny M on October 30, 2009, 11:23:25 PM
 :nana_guitar

... groovin''''',,,,,,,,............       .
Title: Re: A33 Mandolin
Post by: Johnny M on November 03, 2009, 02:16:39 AM
I've had this mandolin for a week now and I'm learning leaps and bounds faster than I did when I first started playing guitar.  You can tell that its hardly been played and it loves to be played hard and fast.  I don't know why, but things are flying out of my fingers faster that I know what I'm doing.  I've been using a heavy pick on it can get downright dirty and still ask for more.  I'm SURE that this is going to be a killer mandolin in a couple of years of daily playing.  Been working a couple of fairly easy bluegrass tunes while waiting between bus runs down at the dock.  I've been getting a solid half hour in and the case slips perfectly right behind the drivers seat.

I was also playing my son's Breedlove this past weekend and must say that its also a pretty nice mandolin.  Different tone and feel to it, but nice to play.  I think it was a steal for the price I paid.  The Larrivee I would imagine is in a higher realm.

My first real guitar was a Larrivee and I probably went through about 15 guitars to get where I am today.  I could have easily been satisfied with the first guitar, so that is why I bought a Larrivee mandolin.  I don't want to get caught up in MAS, so go with something that I trust.  A Larrivee.

Some pictures taken up in the shop this evening.  More can be seen on my blog (linked in the sig)

(http://denmankayaks.files.wordpress.com/2009/11/dsc03981.jpg)
(http://denmankayaks.files.wordpress.com/2009/11/dsc03983.jpg)
(http://denmankayaks.files.wordpress.com/2009/11/dsc03987.jpg)
(http://denmankayaks.files.wordpress.com/2009/11/dsc03994.jpg)




Title: Re: A33 Mandolin
Post by: L05HD28 on November 08, 2009, 11:10:52 PM
 :crying:
Glad to see my mandolin found a worthy home.Seriously it is a very special instrument that I had to part with.
Congradulations.
PS
Good move on the case switch.
Title: Re: A33 Mandolin
Post by: scdreger on November 11, 2009, 08:39:22 PM
I am really liking the sound of mandolin these days. It's all because of the sone "rise" from the Into the Wild soundtrack. Amazing song.
Title: Re: A33 Mandolin
Post by: exdmd on November 27, 2009, 08:59:41 AM
Heads up, Galaxy Music has another A33 for sale on Ebay. Opening bid $1280. Once the word gets out how good these A33's play and sound I expect prices will go up. I bought mine for $1260 last month. Where else can you find a fully bound A style with a varnish finish for that price:) The cast Allen tailpiece alone goes for $100. Yes, the case could be improved. I picked up a shaped Goldengate case for $60 shipped.
Title: Re: A33 Mandolin
Post by: Johnny M on November 29, 2009, 01:44:54 AM
Quote from: L05HD28 on November 08, 2009, 11:10:52 PM
:crying:
Glad to see my mandolin found a worthy home.Seriously it is a very special instrument that I had to part with.
Congradulations.
PS
Good move on the case switch.

Yep, special indeed.  I've played it everyday since I got it and it's developing into a very fine instrument!  Thank you very much for taking such good care of it when you had it.  I honestly couldn't find a mark on it anywhere (as you know) and it has really started to open up.  It sounded a little tight when I got it, but I've been beating on it like a rented mule and it's coming along nicely.

exdmd ~ I saw that one on ebay, but noticed that it didn't have the binding on the headstock either.  I wonder where they get them.  I'm assuming that they were some of the very early ones made before they became more standardized with the bindings.  With or without headstock binding, they are great sounding and playing instruments!  Glad you're still digging yours as well!!!

John
Title: Re: A33 Mandolin
Post by: L05HD28 on November 29, 2009, 02:17:25 AM
Quote from: Johnny M on November 29, 2009, 01:44:54 AM
Yep, special indeed.  I've played it everyday since I got it and it's developing into a very fine instrument!  Thank you very much for taking such good care of it when you had it.  I honestly couldn't find a mark on it anywhere (as you know) and it has really started to open up.  It sounded a little tight when I got it, but I've been beating on it like a rented mule and it's coming along nicely.

John
[/quote

Johnny M

FYI  Mathew Larrivee told me (Via e-mail) that this particular Mandolin took them 14 months to build .Without a doubt you have a treasure of an instrument .ENJOY :cheers