Hi,
Been playing forever it seems but never had a great acosustic. Lots of Strats, etc. An old Takamine was it since 90 to today. So I am trying to decide between the mahogany D-40 and the D-40R. I do not have access to the Rosewood, it would have to be ordered. I like the Mahogony, but of course I cannot compare it to the other. From what I could find online, I understand Rosewood more bass, less mids and clarity maybe?
The $$ different is pretty big in this store because the D-40 they have is 2017, so they would do a great deal. To order the D-40RE with an Anthem pup they want $XXXX out the door.

Any help you guys can give me would be greatly appreciated. Acoustics and wood are not my strong suits. YET!  

Thanks very much. I look forward to reading a zillion posts here about Larrivees and acoustics in general
Pathfinder

I would recommend Mahogany if you like clarity and sparkle in the high frequencies.  EI Rosewood is mellow up top with more "warmth" and complexity in the midrange and bass.  I really like what Larrivee does with Mahogany and recommend it.  People tend to think of rosewood as more desirable because it's more expensive and rare, but I've never been wild about the Indian variety you commonly see in guitars.  Really depends on the instrument, the player, and the application though.  Both can sound lovely.

Welcome to the forum.  But be advised that I have modified your post to make it comply with rule #3 of our Forum Rules.   :wink:   

As to your question.  I have a D-040R but I have not been able to compare to a D-40 as I am a lefty and you just can't find them.   Kind of the opposite or your situation.   I think I would seriously consider the D-40 if you can play it first and find it to your liking.   I prefer guitars without factory electronics myself.  But either way you would have a very fine guitar.   

Hi. Welcome to the forum. You've played the mahogany and you liked the guitar plus it will be a better deal? Have I answered the question? Get the rosewood next.   :cheers

   

So, OK
Also will play the D-40 a bit more in the store. See what kind of deal he can make. He has had it for a year hanging, not on a wall though. One thing I do NOT like are open tuners. But hey, you cannot have everything. To upgrade I would have to fill holes and I do not want to do that. So i'll see.

I guess $xxx  included is an OK price...No one commented. I know it' better to buy used. I did check and most that were in real good shape were around $1,350, $1,499 :smile: and up without a pickup. Whether I get one with a pickup or not I will need to install one.


Appreciate the advice very much. I will let you know what I wind up with. I am not buying this thinking resale value. I am an old guy, play a lot of electric. Some arthritis. This will be my acoustic gift to myself

I just purchased a D-40 online and agonized over the decision to go with the D40 or the D40-R! This video really is well done and helped me make up my mind!

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=6JkyxFw2gvw

Sound quality is not great, but here is a clip playing identical OM-03 guitars, one with Rosewood, one with Mahogany.  Also a Carbon fiber OM

https://soundcloud.com/rocket_song/3-guitars-sound-samples

Quote from: Pathfinder on February 28, 2018, 09:43:53 PM
So, OK
Also will play the D-40 a bit more in the store. See what kind of deal he can make. He has had it for a year hanging, not on a wall though. One thing I do NOT like are open tuners. But hey, you cannot have everything. To upgrade I would have to fill holes and I do not want to do that. So i'll see.

I guess $xxxx tax included is an OK price...No one commented. I know it' better to buy used. I did check and most that were in real good shape were around $xxxx, $xxxx :smile: and up without a pickup. Whether I get one with a pickup or not I will need to install one.


Appreciate the advice very much. I will let you know what I wind up with. I am not buying this thinking resale value. I am an old guy, play a lot of electric. Some arthritis. This will be my acoustic gift to myself

Prices aren't allowed, so I x'ed out the numbers allowed (hint hint).

If the two woods aren't available, I'd say try a Martin D18 and D28 next to each other.  That'll give you a basic idea of mahogany vs rosewood.  That said, I can't remember a mahogany Larrivée I didn't like.  I can't say that about rosewood.  But, what I like doesn't matter.

Ed

Ed

wasn't aware I couldn't list the price to get the forums view if it was no great deal\fair\good\. Sorry.

OK so I listened to the videos and the one  with the one guy switching between the 2 D 40's was very informative. Mahogany sounded nice to me also.

Thanks again

Quote from: Pathfinder on February 28, 2018, 09:43:53 PM
So, OK
Also will play the D-40 a bit more in the store. See what kind of deal he can make. He has had it for a year hanging, not on a wall though. One thing I do NOT like are open tuners. But hey, you cannot have everything. To upgrade I would have to fill holes and I do not want to do that. So i'll see.

I guess $1,700 tax included is an OK price...No one commented. I know it' better to buy used. I did check and most that were in real good shape were around $1,350, $1,499 :smile: and up without a pickup. Whether I get one with a pickup or not I will need to install one.


Appreciate the advice very much. I will let you know what I wind up with. I am not buying this thinking resale value. I am an old guy, play a lot of electric. Some arthritis. This will be my acoustic gift to myself

Are you in Canada - because those would be ridiculously high prices in $ USD...

Nope I am in Florida. Not ridiculously high from my extensive research the last 15 days or so. Wish I could list the online prices I saw.
Well, I may rethink this whole think since you are telling me I am getting ripped off by a mom % & pop strore in Florida...People I have known for 25+ years. Hmmm>

Guess I will look elsewhere. Thanks

Quote from: Pathfinder on February 28, 2018, 09:43:53 PM
One thing I do NOT like are open tuners. But hey, you cannot have everything. To upgrade I would have to fill holes and I do not want to do that. So i'll see.

Welcome, Pathfinder.
Personal choice. Me- I prefer the open back tuners. In any event, I wouldn't consider changing them out to be an "upgrade" in this instance. Well, possibly, depending on which tuners you chose.

Quote from: ducktrapper on February 28, 2018, 09:22:49 PMHi. Welcome to the forum. You've played the mahogany and you liked the guitar plus it will be a better deal? Have I answered the question? Get the rosewood next.   :cheers

^ What he said.

 :welcome: to the forum, several dealers are worth the time to check out. Prices vary "Big Time", there are deals out there, that being said,. I sent you a PM.

Quote from: Pathfinder on February 28, 2018, 11:24:14 PM
Nope I am in Florida. Not ridiculously high from my extensive research the last 15 days or so. Wish I could list the online prices I saw.
Well, I may rethink this whole think since you are telling me I am getting ripped off by a mom % & pop strore in Florida...People I have known for 25+ years. Hmmm>

Guess I will look elsewhere. Thanks

I saw the price in your orig. Post.  Not real!y out of line for D40re.  The electronics add significantly to the total.  I like to support the local mom  and pop shop.   If the shop has the D40 in stock you could ask them for a good deal on it with a quality pick up system installed.
.

Quote from: Pathfinder on February 28, 2018, 11:24:14 PM
Nope I am in Florida. Not ridiculously high from my extensive research the last 15 days or so. Wish I could list the online prices I saw.
Well, I may rethink this whole think since you are telling me I am getting ripped off by a mom % & pop strore in Florida...People I have known for 25+ years. Hmmm>

Guess I will look elsewhere. Thanks

If your last comment is sarcasm, point taken. I would NOT be one to steer you away from a Mom&Pop store; I try to buy locally as much as possible (with instruments; strings locally are ridiculously high, so I order them on line often).

Quote from: tuffythepug on March 01, 2018, 11:16:26 AM
I saw the price in your orig. Post.  Not real!y out of line for D40re.  The electronics add significantly to the total.  I like to support the local mom  and pop shop.   If the shop has the D40 in stock you could ask them for a good deal on it with a quality pick up system installed.

Sorry - I missed that this model had a pickup in it - that does add significantly to the total, as Lynn pointed out. I do agree with another person here who suggested getting one w/o a pickup and adding one yourself later - it gives you much more choice (although I have nothing against Larrivee's choice of pickups).

Well, I listened, I read, I researched.
I did buy a guitar from the mom & pop store where I live. IMHO I got a very good deal. But biggest deal is I GOT TO PLAY it for hours. I have bought many guitars in my day and been disappointed too many times with online purchases. In fact, the one good, or great experience was my 2006 American Deluxe Strat-yellow\blonde, special run. It is a dream.

I bought the L-03E mahogany. Plays like a dream even with old strings and sounds killer. I love it. Like I said I am an old guy, playing guitar since the 70's seriously. Bought and sold many guitars.

I am very happy with the Larrivee of my choice. The Anthem pup sounds fabulous also. Cannot wait to change the strings. I can see the rust on the e,B & G strings.

Thanks for all your kind words and here's to my first ever Acoustic Guitar Forum...........
Frank (aka Pathfinder) I was a pathfinder in Viet Nam, so that will give you an idea of how old I actually am. Old..  :-)

Thanks for your service to our country Frank. Hope you enjoy your guitar for many years. Good choice too

And another happy ending.............or is it a beginning ?    :nana_guitar

Quote from: Pathfinder on March 01, 2018, 01:55:14 PM
I did buy a guitar from the mom & pop store where I live. IMHO I got a very good deal. But biggest deal is I GOT TO PLAY it for hours.

I bought the L-03E mahogany. Plays like a dream even with old strings and sounds killer. I love it. Like I said I am an old guy, playing guitar since the 70's seriously. Bought and sold many guitars.

I am very happy with the Larrivee of my choice. The Anthem pup sounds fabulous also. Cannot wait to change the strings. I can see the rust on the e,B & G strings.

:donut :donut2 :coffee
Good job. I have three L-body mahogany Larrivees, all great. I have yet to own a non-L-body Larrivee acoustic, that is how good I think they are.
I also do most of my business with a small local store, although most of my Larrivee purchases have been through this forum.
I also really like being able to go in there and noodle to my heart's content when it's a quiet day there.
Enjoy.
Mike

Quote from: broKen on March 01, 2018, 02:03:34 PM

Thanks for your service to our country Frank.

:+1:

Another big fan of the L body here - and I recently got a mahogany one (L-05 Custom listed below) that already sounds phenomenal! The L is like an undercover secret weapon.

 :thumb

Quote from: Mikeymac on March 01, 2018, 02:40:37 PM
The L is like an undercover secret weapon.

:cheers
Wow. Nice description.
Mike

Awesome! Congrats on the L-03! And thank you for your service!

Changed the strings and Wow! Magic. So happy..............

Glad it worked out for you.

I have a LV-03 mahogany and I love it. Just bought it about 2 months ago, but I'm convinced it's sound has improved in that time. It is a 2002, and appeared unplayed. I took it into Blue Dog Guitars and the shop owner looked at it and said 'it's not been played, play it and the sound will get better'. I've played it pretty much every day and he was correct, it really sounds great. The low notes really pop and the high notes have a good sustain.

I find mahogany to be a friendlier guitar than rosewood. It seems to not expose my mistakes as badly. If you are playing guitar solo to accompany yourself, I think mahogany is ideal. If you are playing with several guitars and want to stand out more, then rosewood is probably what you want. Unless it's maple.

For myself, I have no rosewood guitars but two mahogany, two blackwood and one koa.

 :donut :donut :donut :donut :donut :donut2 :donut2 :donut2 :donut2 :coffee :coffee :coffee

Pathfinder handle has a "Nissan" connection?

why you ask?

I have 2 of them, (Pathfinders) BOTH running well both almost 30 years old.
Not bad for harsh Canadian winters.....

Quote from: headsup on March 02, 2018, 08:32:17 AM


I have 2 of them, (Pathfinders) BOTH running well both almost 30 years old.
Not bad for harsh Canadian winters.....

:bowdown: 30 years well done! Getting parts now challenging?

not wanting to hijack this thread, I posted some stuff about my Pathfinders ( and other beaters) on the Non guitar discussion forum.

Quote from: headsup on March 02, 2018, 08:32:17 AM

Pathfinder handle has a "Nissan" connection?

He mentioned in an earlier post what "Pathfinder" stands for:

Quote from: Pathfinder on March 01, 2018, 01:55:14 PM

Frank (aka Pathfinder) I was a pathfinder in Viet Nam, so that will give you an idea of how old I actually am. Old..  :-)

First, Pathfinder is NOT a reference to the car. That's funny though!

Well, did get some news today that somewhat thre a wet cloth over my parde. I typed in the serial # to check date of manufacture. Came back Jan 18, 2016?
So I bought a supposed NEW guitar that is actually over 2 years old? That kind of bums me out to be honest. I guess 2016 is still mahogany and not sapele.

EDIT: So, yes I like the guitar, very much. Now I think I would like to have another on, the same, but Rosewood......Different dealer though  :-)

Quote from: Pathfinder on March 02, 2018, 01:09:51 PM
First, Pathfinder is NOT a reference to the car. That's funny though!

Well, did get some news today that somewhat thre a wet cloth over my parde. I typed in the serial # to check date of manufacture. Came back Jan 18, 2016?
So I bought a supposed NEW guitar that is actually over 2 years old? That kind of bums me out to be honest. I guess 2016 iss still mahogany and not sapele.

Before anyone asks or says, But if you like the guitar, etc, etc it doesn't matter, it does.

I paid, in a music store for a NEW guitar. So I have no idea what this guitar has been thru, was it ever repaired but I cannot see it. Where has it been?
once again, I know if I never knew this all would be fine, but I do.

Live and learn I guess. Not Larrivee's fault of course.

It's funny that you mention that. I was told my guitar was being ordered and coming straight from the factory. But when I checked the dates, it said it was manufactured January 2017. So basically a little over a year old. It looked and smelled new, so I'm not sure what that's all about.  :?

Larrivee said the date is the START of manuafacture process. Could take anywhere from 3-6 months in the process.So yours is cool. But mine is over 2 years old. so where was it for a year and a half? Only the local daler would know I guess. He said he only had it for a few months. So now I am concerned about the care, etc. Checl the pict I uploaded. The back has that vertical "no color" thing going on and accross the bottom note the horizontal lines?

Hmmm? Anyone no what that is?
thanks

Our new off the shelf lefty D-04w we bought Dec 2017 was built 2013. Can't really think of any reason it's a bad thing, nos means a better price.

A guy on AGF bought a D-09 ten years ago, after choosing between two D-09's with consecutive serial numbers. Ten years later he goes into the same store and the other guitar is still there, new. The serial number confirms it. He now buys that one too.

Quote from: Pathfinder on March 02, 2018, 02:33:39 PM
Larrivee said the date is the START of manuafacture process. Could take anywhere from 3-6 months in the process.So yours is cool. But mine is over 2 years old. so where was it for a year and a half? Only the local daler would know I guess. He said he only had it for a few months. So now I am concerned about the care, etc. Checl the pict I uploaded. The back has that vertical "no color" thing going on and accross the bottom note the horizontal lines?

Hmmm? Anyone no what that is?
thanks

It's nothing to be concerned over. I had a new Larrivee that was 5 years from the start date. Anyhow, it's easy to tell if a guitar has been used by looking at the frets.

Thanks Guys. I have been emailing with Larrivee today and sent them the pict also. I am NOT a wood guy, my Strats and teles are sealed. They explained it perfectly, "the color is naturally occurring in the wood". Also explained the mfg date so an idiot like me can even understand it.

I'm OK with it all and stopped playing the guitar only to type this reply.
Larrivee was so quick to respond it was really refreshing and you folks here have been great!

Thanks, now back to the guitar.

It is not unusual for one of their guitars to sit in the factory unfinished for a while, or to sit in a store for a while.  I bought one from the factory last year that was built in 2008...  I still have never bought a bad one, regardless of how old it was when purchased. Acoustic guitars usually get better with age, kind of like us old folks think we do...

Off topic;  were you in Nam before or after '70?

1969 and part of 1970. I got out April 1970

I'm good with the guitar and all the replies from the forum and Larrivee. Now tryig to clean the fretboard. whomever played it in the store never washed their hands. To be expected though

It's also not terribly unusual for retailers to move guitars between them either. Especially if a non Larrivee dealer has someone who really wants one. As long as the guitar is not used, I guess it's new. New old stock? Old new stock. The dealer here still has several original RS-4's in stock. It's not like they're cars where year and model really make a big difference in price and buyers would not buy a "new car" that was several years old unless greatly discounted.     

Quote from: Pathfinder on March 02, 2018, 02:33:39 PM
So now I am concerned about the care, etc. Checl the pict I uploaded. The back has that vertical "no color" thing going on and accross the bottom note the horizontal lines?

Hmmm? Anyone no what that is?
thanks

That is one of the most nicely figured mahogany backs I have Ever seen on an 03 model.  I see nothing wrong with it at all.  You Did Good!

I am very happy with the guitar...............

So the folks who play guitars in stored usually don't have clean hands. So I need to clean the ebony fretboard. I was just think toothbrush with a tiny bit of water? alcohol?

EDIT: Got some advice from Larrivee for this--How nice!

Thanks

looked for a setting so I could stay logged in but cannot find one. Kind of a pain when you are in a conversation like this? Checked all thru my profile etc?

Quote from: Pathfinder on March 02, 2018, 04:15:25 PM
I am very happy with the guitar...............

So the folks who play guitars in stored usually don't have clean hands. So I need to clean the ebony fretboard. I was just think toothbrush with a tiny bit of water? alcohol?

EDIT: Got some advice from Larrivee for this--How nice!

Thanks

DO NOT USE alcohol. Get some extra fine steel wool and clean it using that.   :cheers

Quote from: Pathfinder on March 02, 2018, 02:33:39 PM
Larrivee said the date is the START of manuafacture process. Could take anywhere from 3-6 months in the process.So yours is cool. But mine is over 2 years old. so where was it for a year and a half? Only the local daler would know I guess. He said he only had it for a few months. So now I am concerned about the care, etc. Checl the pict I uploaded. The back has that vertical "no color" thing going on and accross the bottom note the horizontal lines?

Hmmm? Anyone no what that is?
thanks

Ok thank you! I was not aware. And that figuring on the back is beautiful! :drool:

Quote from: Pathfinder on March 01, 2018, 01:55:14 PM
Well, I listened, I read, I researched.
I did buy a guitar from the mom & pop store where I live. IMHO I got a very good deal. But biggest deal is I GOT TO PLAY it for hours. I have bought many guitars in my day and been disappointed too many times with online purchases. In fact, the one good, or great experience was my 2006 American Deluxe Strat-yellow\blonde, special run. It is a dream.

I bought the L-03E mahogany. Plays like a dream even with old strings and sounds killer. I love it. Like I said I am an old guy, playing guitar since the 70's seriously. Bought and sold many guitars.

I am very happy with the Larrivee of my choice. The Anthem pup sounds fabulous also. Cannot wait to change the strings. I can see the rust on the e,B & G strings.




Thanks for all your kind words and here's to my first ever Acoustic Guitar Forum...........
Frank (aka Pathfinder) I was a pathfinder in Viet Nam, so that will give you an idea of how old I actually am. Old..  :-)

Why did a mom and pop have a guitar with rusty strings?  Why did you not ask them to put new ones on for you to play?

Quote from: Pathfinder on March 02, 2018, 04:15:25 PM
I am very happy with the guitar...............

So the folks who play guitars in stored usually don't have clean hands. So I need to clean the ebony fretboard. I was just think toothbrush with a tiny bit of water? alcohol?

EDIT: Got some advice from Larrivee for this--How nice!

Thanks

Lightly dampened terry cloth (the more texture the better) is all you need.  Once a year, maybe use some fret board oil if you like.  No offense to anyone's preference, but I don't use steel wool on the wood unless it's an extreme case.  It can create a messy ebony dust that I don't like on the guitar.  Esp when it gets on your fingers and you touch the guitar, leaving ebony prints.  A rag is better as it soaks up the yuck.

Quote from: B0WIE on March 02, 2018, 07:37:52 PM
Lightly dampened terry cloth (the more texture the better) is all you need.  Once a year, maybe use some fret board oil if you like.  No offense to anyone's preference, but I don't use steel wool on the wood unless it's an extreme case.  It can create a messy ebony dust that I don't like on the guitar.  Esp when it gets on your fingers and you touch the guitar, leaving ebony prints.  A rag is better as it soaks up the yuck.

Ebony Dust would be a good name for a rock'n'roll band. Using a damp cloth after the steel wool should take care of that. A little nose oil should take care of everything else.   :beer

Quote from: Walkerman on March 02, 2018, 07:37:00 PM
Why did a mom and pop have a guitar with rusty strings?  Why did you not ask them to put new ones on for you to play?

Guitar was hung up behind the counter and was handed to those who wanted to play it. how long I have no idea. I didn't stress on the strings in the store because the guitar played great and sounded "better". so, I just asked for a new set for free.
H

Quote from: ducktrapper on March 02, 2018, 08:44:20 PM
A little nose oil should take care of everything else.   :beer

:roll  True!

You may find this Taylor factory video to be informative on cleaning and stringing your new guitar. Nice to see how a pro does it. I won't wax my instruments though.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=plU27QJBKn8

Thanks very much!

Quote from: B0WIE on March 02, 2018, 07:37:52 PM
Lightly dampened terry cloth (the more texture the better) is all you need.  Once a year, maybe use some fret board oil if you like.  No offense to anyone's preference, but I don't use steel wool on the wood unless it's an extreme case.  It can create a messy ebony dust that I don't like on the guitar.  Esp when it gets on your fingers and you touch the guitar, leaving ebony prints.  A rag is better as it soaks up the yuck.

Wait...what?  Ebony dust?  What sort of steel wool are you using and how hard are you rubbing?!

Quote from: Paraclete on March 03, 2018, 11:04:18 PM
Wait...what?  Ebony dust?  What sort of steel wool are you using and how hard are you rubbing?!

You know the boards are ebony, right?  If you're rubbing hard enough to get grime up, you will get a bit of the dark ebony "soot" comes up. This gets all over the place. I might notice it more than other since I am a neat freak when it comes to instruments and keep mine immaculate.  A terry cotton rag is so much better, IMO.

Quote from: Pathfinder on March 02, 2018, 04:18:02 PM
looked for a setting so I could stay logged in but cannot find one. Kind of a pain when you are in a conversation like this? Checked all thru my profile etc?

Don't know if you got help with this or not?  To stay logged in, do not login to the boxes at the top right of the page, always login in the boxes on the left side of the page and check the box that says keep you logged in.  That is the only way it will work.  I never have to log in unless the pc crashes or I lose all my internet history...

Quote from: George on March 04, 2018, 08:49:17 PM
Don't know if you got help with this or not?  To stay logged in, do not login to the boxes at the top right of the page, always login in the boxes on the left side of the page and check the box that says keep you logged in.  That is the only way it will work.  I never have to log in unless the pc crashes or I lose all my internet history...

Thanks George, didn't know that................

Quote from: Paraclete on March 03, 2018, 11:04:18 PM
Wait...what?  Ebony dust?  What sort of steel wool are you using and how hard are you rubbing?!

I was assuming the fingerboard, in question, was quite dirty. Some people exude some pretty strong stuff from their hands and extra fine steel wool is the best way to remove it. I have never heard of anyone else with a huge concern for ebony dust. You're going to produce about a millionth of a gram of the stuff. There's probably more dust or debris from the steel wool. Heck, have someone hold the vacuum over the job as you're doing it. Personally, lightly going over the fingerboards once in a blue moon keeps the frets shiny and the finger boards clean. Nose grease keeps them oiled. I humidify the house and would never put anything on my wood(s) other than wiping with a damp cloth. Then again I don't sweat much and, other than (regular) dust, my guitars stay very clean. NOW .... ROSEWOOD DUST!!!! YMMV.     :cheers