What new features would you wish on Larrivee guitars?

[jerrysleftyguitars]

Having a cutaway option on the OM seems like a must. Also, making an OM w/o a pickguard. I'd have a Larrivee OM right now if these had been options. Sure, one can remove a pickguard, but when I buy a new guitar, I don't want the trouble of taking it off nor do I want a tan-line.

When it comes to strings, anytime I get a new guitar I always remove whatever is on it and put on a new set anyway, so the cleartones don't bother me.

Any dealer can ask to not have the pickguards put on. They just pack them in the case so the owner can do whatever they want. I've ordered ALL my guitars that way from now on.

[Danny]

Any dealer can ask to not have the pickguards put on. They just pack them in the case so the owner can do whatever they want. I've ordered ALL my guitars that way from now on.

And if your git is new; a hair dryer and a little patience and it's history. (naphtha for a little clean up)

[DaveyO]

thinner and smaller necks for the Om's
Would love a Larrivee Om but the neck is a little wide for me.
Maybe a smaller Dread as well, just a tad.
Larrys are pretty great the way they are, but those things would be cool for me.
Dave

[Danny]

thinner and smaller necks for the Om's
Would love a Larrivee Om but the neck is a little wide for me.
Maybe a smaller Dread as well, just a tad.
Larrys are pretty great the way they are, but those things would be cool for me.
Dave

Dave , you are the first I have heard say this, most want a wider neck on the OM for finger style and the dreads are the thinnest I have ever owned outside of my 3/4 size Gibson. Why is it you want them smaller? Danny

[blued03r]

Okay, I had to come out of retirement for this one....How about finished fret ends?  ...I've owned a D-03r, LV-03RE, D-09 and D-60, all of which had awful fret finishing.  I'll spend another $1000+ when Larrivee decides to build their guitars with the fit and finish of much cheaper Chinese guitars.  Otherwise, maybe they could include a fret hammer with the truss rod wrench when you buy a new guitar.  Sorry all, I love Larrivee guitars, but I can't overlook such carelessness. 

I hope you all are well.  I miss the wit and banter, esp., the creature....Is he still being devious?...I'll be back sometime.   Take care!

[Calvin]

I've personally never had any problems with a Larrivee neck, or fit and finish for that matter.  I dont know how they are now.  But certainly the ones I've seen as easily better made than the current asian instruments.  I think the Asian instruments are great, just not there yet.


As for new features, how about a plain jane 03 made from maple, with a wedge body (okay now I am being wishful).  I think that's a concept that will be great, because that's something more geared towards performers than collectors.

[eded]

I'd like to see a P-05 with a cutaway.  And, I'd like to see the revival of the 0 series (with and without cutaway).  For that matter, I'd like to see something between the 13" parlor body and the (nearly) 16" OM, but still with a 12 fret and 24" scale.

Some of that is wishing for too much from a production shop like Larrivee, though.  They have decided on a certain business model and have to go with what is going to turn a profit.  Considering the consistency of their product, I think they're doing "right".

Ed

[ducktrapper]

Strings, tuners and pickguards are basically accessories. They have little to do with the actual guitar. The guitars sound good in the store and are in a sellable condition longer with coated strings. Martin could take a note. If part of what makes Larrivées one of the best guitars around and AFFORDABLE, is coming with merely adequate tuners, I'll take it. I've been around a long time and swapping out tuners is something guys used to do with out thinking twice. Neither difficult nor expensive to upgrade. Suddenly it's a big deal?  
BTW, although the machines on my D05 could be called disappointing, my L09 and my 000-50 both came with great sets of gears. I'm changing the 05s tuners soon, the old ones will go on a Univox. It all works out.  

[eded]

Strings, tuners and pickguards are basically accessories. They have little to do with the actual guitar. The guitars sound good in the store and are in a sellable condition longer with coated strings. Martin could take a note. If part of what makes Larrivées one of the best guitars around and AFFORDABLE, is coming with merely adequate tuners, I'll take it. I've been around a long time and swapping out tuners is something guys used to do with out thinking twice. Neither difficult nor expensive to upgrade. Suddenly it's a big deal?  
BTW, although the machines on my D05 could be called disappointing, my L09 and my 000-50 both came with great sets of gears. I'm changing the 05s tuners soon, the old ones will go on a Univox. It all works out.  

Yeah but changing the tuners does a couple things...  won't it void the warranty?  And just like changing the orig. strings and removing the hang tags, it'll destroy the future vintage market. 

(all said with tongue deeply buried in my cheek)    

I prefer a pickguard but I *do* agree with the idea of, put it in the case and let the buyer decide if they want it on or not.

Ed

[Yoyodyne]

How about finished fret ends?

Definitely agree on this one, it really is a bit off-putting on an otherwise nicely-built guitar.

[Michael T]

Tuners, saddles, pins, nuts, pick guards, pick-ups - there are some really good people out there making and supplying these. It would be nice to get a guitar from the factory with some of these upgraded items already on it, but its also nice to let your local tech do these upgrades and keep them employed and available for bigger problems. And you can get frets changed - not simple, but it can be done.

Yes, I agree nothing like talking to someone who is actually going to work on your guitar about what you are looking to adjust. I only wish there were more available who would be able to do competent and complete work. Good techs & luthier are hard to find without shipping a prized possesion around the globe. I think we all agree the thought of an instrument sitting in a box in a parking lot in 100+ degrees for hours, or days, or the opposite extreme is agonizing. Then there is the damage issue, insurance is good but it won't replace the memories and familiarity we build with the bond of our guitar. Then there is the waiting  

Therefore I feel, material & mechanical issues like nuts, saddles, tuners, fret installation QC issues etc. are important from a build supply stand point even if at a significant up charge.

Cosmetics and adjustments like pick guards, strings, action adjustment, truss adjustments, tuner tightening, fret dressing, can be relatively quick & easy for a overworked store tech, or even ourselves to accomplish. IMO

[flatlander]

To put things in perspective, check out randy's catalogue from 79'. The L model was pretty much it. A rare classical and I seem to remember a a smaller concert model or something, but that's fuzzy.
http://randyrick.us/guitars/history/1979Brochure.htm
By the way The Fret Shop is where I got mine the next year.

[ducktrapper]

Again I'm confused. I've always called my 1975 L an 09 but it's actually a cross between the L-11 Standard and the L-19. It has the L-19's fingerboard inlay with the 11's plain headstock. Oh and braz. What should we call it?

[Danny]

Again I'm confused. I've always called my 1975 L an 09 but it's actually a cross between the L-11 Standard and the L-19. It has the L-19's fingerboard inlay with the 11's plain headstock. Oh and braz. What should we call it?

[bhika]

Again I'm confused. I've always called my 1975 L an 09 but it's actually a cross between the L-11 Standard and the L-19. It has the L-19's fingerboard inlay with the 11's plain headstock. Oh and braz. What should we call it?

How about "FRICK'N AWESOME"

[ducktrapper]

Okay, it's all that but I'm still confused.