Forgive my lack of knowledge on this topic, but what if any are the differences in these two models? Are they the same model with a different name bacause of the year in which they were made? What style of playing would these models be most suited for? That is a very nice looking LJ05 posted here. Its such a beauty that it has peaked my interest in mahagony vs rosewood and maple binding vs abalone. Does it have the silver headstock border?
The LJ is essentially a larger version of the L - 17" in the lower bout (the L is 16"). It is suitable for any style - I am a fingerstyle player and use light gauge strings on it. It performs admirably in this setting.
Obviously, a large body guitar is going to really ring with a flatpick and this one does. I haven't tried medium gauge strings on it - but I imagine it would be deafening.
The mahoghany vs. rosewood thing is a personal matter obviously. I prefer rosewood for small bodied guitars and mahoghany for large bodies (as a rule - there are always exceptions). I think that mahoghany moderates the boominess that some large bodies tend towards - i.e. adds a bit of balance. That being said, this LJ has a bass which I would describe as "piano-like."
Yes the LJ does have the silver trim on the headstock. It has the same specs as any other 05 - however it is made in the Custom Shop (according to my conversation with Larrivee - all LJ's have been made there).
Ken
The J is a tradionally shaped Jumbo. Perhaps the best way to compare the two is to look a pics. The J has a tighter waist and a larger, flatter upper bout. It has similar body shape to an OM (to my eye). I've never played a J, so I can't comment on the sound difference.
Ken
Thanks Ken for that wonderful description and for giving me a case of gas!!! You said the magic words......"PIANO LIKE BASS" . I can't believe that I am considering this guitar over an OM-10. Maybe I am just anxious about getting a larrivee in my hands. I will have to give this more thought.
One thought i will add about our LJ-05-12. Normally I tend to think of rosewood guitars having more bass response than mahogany however in the case of the LJ body, the mahogany really rumbles. Can't say enough good stuff about this guitar. I personally think that Larrivee consistently picks the best mahogany for their guitars.
been awhile since i posted, but i've played the Lj-05 and the J-05 side by side--by myself and with another player switching back and forth. i bought a Lj-05 thinking it was a L-05. don't think i would have bought a jumbo, but this guitar was so responsive, particuliarly in the bass area. however, the Lj-05 had some problem in the neck that couldn't be resolved and i opted for a L-09. Larrivee customer service is great by the way.
as far as comparison, both guitars were stunning. the wood on this particular Lj was incredible!,,definitely better than the J, both in spruce top and fingerboard. i loved the feel of the Lj, it didn't really feel like a big jumbo. the J may have been better as far as deep tone went. the Lj was noticeably brighter--really good for strummed chords, but a bit bright on the high end for my taste--and yes it did rumble piano like. both the player and listener were always wowed at the volume and response of the guitar. i would love to hear an Lj-09. can't say for sure if i would take an Lj over a J, but i'm 80% sure i would if i came across one.
Havung played both,either is a great choice.I loved the piano of the LJ,but the J fit like a glove,mostly because I play a Guild JF30 which is a maple body.