Noone of my guitar heros plays larrivees, why?

[expatCanuck]

A good friend of mine is a constantly traveling performer in the country music arena and he owns a Larrivee (and about 20 other guitars) and he really likes them but he said that he has to take a guitar with him on the road that has a little more durability to it than Larrivees might, typically. ...He plays a well-worn Goodall that he's had worked on a time or two, as sturdy as it is ...

Hmmmm.  Curious.  Goodall certainly makes a fine guitar (tho', to my taste, I find all but their smallest models 'muddy'), but from a durability perspective, I'd have thought the nod would have gone to Larrivée.

- Richard

[Mikeymac]

Gayl,

That's very cool info about Norman Blake - if anyone knows good tone he does.  Very revealing that he would PAY to own a couple of NEW Larrivees, when most of the stuff he plays is older than most of us on this forum.

[Ratishna]

Duke Robillard owns a Larrivee.  He was nominated for a Grammy award for best blues album this year.  But he lost to Ike Turner.

I had previously posted a youtube video of Leslie West playing a Larrivee live in concert.

[george kraushaar]

I personally hate the endorsement concept.  Martin used to hate it too, but now has models for just about everyone, whether they can play a guitar or not.  I toured with Larrivees about 10 years ago, but I ain't famous.  I found them to be completely reliable and professional in every aspect.  I waiting for the UPS dud to bring me one next week.  Oh boy!

[Tycho]

I think in a lot of cases that's why you see so many Takamines on stage so often -- they're hardly the very best-sounding guitar on the planet (a perfectly fine brand I'm sure) but they do sound good, play and amplify well and hold up pretty well to the hardships of road travel.

I remember reading that one reason you see so many Taks onstage with big names in country and rock is that they've got a very bright sound that might not be great by itself but is exactly what you need to cut through the murk in an arena.

[Tycho]

 

Martin used to hate it too, but now has models for just about everyone, whether they can play a guitar or not.

I was going to jokingly say "At least they aren't getting movie stars to endorse them," thinking about the new Gibson Kiefer Sutherland that's getting so much grief on the electric guitar forums -- but then I remembered that one of the nicer Martins you can get is the Andy Griffith dread.

[Mikeymac]

I was going to jokingly say "At least they aren't getting movie stars to endorse them," thinking about the new Gibson Kiefer Sutherland that's getting so much grief on the electric guitar forums -- but then I remembered that one of the nicer Martins you can get is the Andy Griffith dread.

Well, I mentioned the Johnny Cash Signature Model - and he's had TWO Martin signatures now, the Limited Edition D-42, and the still available D-35.  Johnny Cash is an incredible performer, songwriter, and all around LEGEND, but he's certainly not a great guitar player, and he's been known to jokingly admit that himself (he once said to Willie Nelson, after Willie borrowed his guitar for a song, "That's the first time that guitar's ever been played!"). 

[Calvin]

Larrivee doesn't get 2000 artistist and make 3000 signature models.

But road durability wise?  Get a Yamaha.

[gskar]

I don't think durabillity is the reason. I have played many times fingerstyle with my acoustic band with my larrivee in smaller or bigger clubs, with just a mike no pickups or transducers. I never had a problem on stage, not to mention changing the tuning between two pieces all the time,  which I don't think would work in a Takamine or yamaha. And the regular comments were "how do you get that sound?". Ofcource the soundmen hated me for not using a pickup. Humidity I think is the main problem, but it changes the sound not the durabillity of my guitar.

[Calvin]

I wouldn't cry if I dropped a Yamaha.  Well... I would, they are great guitars, but I certainly wouldn't cry as much as a dropped Larrivee.

[gskar]

I wouldn't cry if I dropped a Yamaha.  Well... I would, they are great guitars, but I certainly wouldn't cry as much as a dropped Larrivee.

If an accident is going to happen it can happen everywhere. I once hit hard a lakewood M32 that i use to have on the door handle trying to answer the phone. My larrivee doesn't have the slightest scrach during lives cause I was very carefull. But I don't think guitarist in such a high level would mind about it. They have the money too, I don't

[Novalis]

We have sold Larrivee guitars to many Stars that you would know instantly.

Thanks for the kind words Gayl, nobody ever called me a "star" before, you obviously haven't heard me play!

One thing that's no joke is how much I LOVE the SD-50 you sold me back in October. Definately a keeper.

[Cowgirlie]

What? you mean I'm NOT one of your guitar heroes? 
I have played Larrivees exclusively for about 7 years, and find them to be extremely durable. I fly and drive all over the country with no tuning issues, and every green room jam sessions finds my guitars getting passed around for a spin. I am careful with my guitars, don't leave them lying around or leave them leaning on things or out on stands, but as far as being durable...they are!
Why on earth play anything but the best? I'd rather not play than have to play a Yamaha,

[sisi]

I'd rather not play than have to play a Yamaha

  you snob you!   

[gskar]

What? you mean I'm NOT one of your guitar heroes?

You could be If I ever hear you play. I live in Greece you know.

[Betterbilt Fretted Products]

Novalis, I was just trying to protect you from all of your Larrivee fans.  That is why I did not mention your name or your unique style of play.

Gayl

[hal537]

One thing that's no joke is how much I LOVE the SD-50 you sold me back in October. Definately a keeper.

And the SD50 Mh TSB you sold me and sent to England is no joke either - but I'm no guitar hero - sung, unsung or otherwise.   

[Betterbilt Fretted Products]

Nice to hear from you guys.  Stay in touch.

I loved that SD50 MT Total Sunburst and I know you are enjoying it too.

Gayl

[Mikeymac]

Nice to hear from you guys.  Stay in touch.

I loved that SD50 MT Total Sunburst and I know you are enjoying it too.

Gayl

Are you saying Larrivee made an SD50 with a mahogany TOP - AND the TSB?!?!?    

Wow.  That sounds very cool.  If anyone has pics, please show them! (Sorry, don't mean to hijack this post.)

[Betterbilt Fretted Products]

It is amazing looking and sounding.  I did post photos but the forum mod's removed them saying that my photos are self promotion of a dealer, me.

I don't even use my web site address in my signature.

Gayl
Betterbilt Fretted Products