Hello,
I'm a new forum member and new Larrivee owner. Just purchased a "unique" D-05 constructed in 2007. Have conversed with Larrivee Co. reps and confirmed via serial number that my D-05 was constructed new with a D-50 neck for some reason (including open gear tuners, larger fret dot inlays, D-50 headstock, etc.). I'm not that knowledgable of all this, but I find this to be an interesting combination that I haven't run across before. Wondering if anyone on the forum has heard of this combination, and why someone would "special" order it.
I purchased the guitar from a Larrivee dealer as an "as new" traded-in instrument because I was looking for a D-5 mahogany and the price and condition were what I was looking for. I consider the D-50 neck a plus, but am interested in hearing from the forum how this combination would be viewed to more knowledgeable Larrivee folks.
Thanks in advance for any comments or feedback.
olddaddy
welcome to the forum.....
A lot of people like the looks of an open tuner head on a guitar. They are a bit more difficult to put new strings on though.
But, I suspect you have a 'keeper'. It wasn't standard on the D-50 either.
Yes, the "open gear view" tuners are a cool, vintage look that I like. I understand that the D-50 neck may be made of a higher grade of wood than the standard D-05 neck.
Do you think this was a custom request build to have this combination on a D-05? I can't think of any other way this combo could have come together, but again, I'm not that knowledgeable of these guitars.
I don't think the traditional series has a higher quality of wood than the standard series as a rule. Apart from the recent introduction of three piece necks on some of the 03 series guitars, Larrivee use solid mahogany necks of a superb quality. I have owned both 03 and 09 guitars and saw no discernable difference. The quality of woods used on all models in the Larrivee range is what sets them apart from other builders in the same price category.
It may have been a custom order, but equally, Larrivee is a small enough setup that it may have just been a marriage of two parts that were available. Perhaps a D50 that was aborted, and therefore a surplus neck on that day in time?
Either way, you have an interesting guitar. Enjoy it.
I don't think Larrivee did one offs in 2007, am I wrong in that? It's too early for me to spend the time to look it up but it may have been a prototype. Or, maybe a short run? Just speculation on my part. Interesting though, kind of a square shoulder dread without the enlarged sound hole. Does it have the 1 3/4 nut? I don't care for slot heads but a 1 3/4 neck on a "D" may have been in the offering. In either case it is a rare one for sure and worth learning the story behind it would be interesting.
Quote from: Michael T on July 26, 2010, 06:39:11 AM
I don't think Larrivee did one offs in 2007, am I wrong in that? It's too early for me to spend the time to look it up but it may have been a prototype. Or, maybe a short run? Just speculation on my part. Interesting though, kind of a square shoulder dread without the enlarged sound hole. Does it have the 1 3/4 nut? I don't care for slot heads but a 1 3/4 neck on a "D" may have been in the offering. In either case it is a rare one for sure and worth learning the story behind it would be interesting.
There are numerous examples of one-off's, prototypes, custom orders, and other unique or small production instruments. I've learned not to say 'never' except in the context of " I've never seen one of those before."
Quote from: Randy_R on July 25, 2010, 04:39:35 PM
welcome to the forum.....
A lot of people like the looks of an open tuner head on a guitar. They are a bit more difficult to put new strings on though.
But, I suspect you have a 'keeper'. It wasn't standard on the D-50 either.
Randy It is not a slot head. Lust interested in why you think it is harder to change the strings.
Quote from: olddaddy63 on July 25, 2010, 03:28:17 PM
Hello,
I'm a new forum member and new Larrivee owner. Just purchased a "unique" D-05 constructed in 2007. Have conversed with Larrivee Co. reps and confirmed via serial number that my D-05 was constructed new with a D-50 neck for some reason (including open gear tuners, larger fret dot inlays, D-50 headstock, etc.). I'm not that knowledgable of all this, but I find this to be an interesting combination that I haven't run across before. Wondering if anyone on the forum has heard of this combination, and why someone would "special" order it.
I purchased the guitar from a Larrivee dealer as an "as new" traded-in instrument because I was looking for a D-5 mahogany and the price and condition were what I was looking for. I consider the D-50 neck a plus, but am interested in hearing from the forum how this combination would be viewed to more knowledgeable Larrivee folks.
Thanks in advance for any comments or feedback.
olddaddy
This is an amazing sounding guitar. Bill ( aka the assistant ) told me to just put it way and not sell it. He may have been right!
Jim Holler
Hey Jim...just got the guitar in yesterday.javascript:void(0); Just as you described...a beautiful and great sounding instrument...I'm not a very advanced player at all, but hope to use this guitar for years to come improving my skills.
thanks much for the smooth transaction.
Regards,
Jeff in Alabama