New D 03R

[crewdog151]

Ive been shopping for my first quality guitar for about 3 months! I played 4 different taylors this morning, Then stoped by another shop and picked up a Larrivee for the first time and was blown away at how much better it sounded. I first played a D 05 with Mahogany which was a little more than I could go. Then I played the D03R...... And really liked it once I warmed up to the Satin finish..... But I have a problem.... The low e has bad intonation!! very obvious with a capo or barre chords. All other strings are good. I certainly hope this can be fixed and to add insult injury I payed too much after reading another thread !. Oh well, cant change that but does anyone know how they correct the intonation problem?  Sure wish I had read this forum before GAS got me!!!!!   I must say again though, Im very impressesd with the sound of this dread! And compared to the price of the taylors I did save some $ ( Gotta find a bright side). Even though I paid too much, you cant even touch a new spruce/rosewood Taylor for the cost of a larrivee!!!! Anyway, I would be grateful for any knowledge in this area, Thanks Richard

[Tycho]

A good setup should easily fix any intonation problems.  Did you get the guitar at a reputable dealer?  If so, they should give you a setup as part of the purchase -- especially if you paid close to MSRP.

However, if you don't trust the dealer to do the setup, find a good tech and shell out the additional few bucks it'll cost you to get a setup to your specifications.  It'll be well worth it.

[crewdog151]

Thanks, Glad to know the set up will take care of it. Yea I actually paid about 200 more than I could have online( From a dealer in good standing) but, if I had this same problem with an online store I would probably have more hassle. ?. So I guess I should look at that as a silver lining Thanks again

[Tycho]

Sorry, now that I re-read your post again, I'm wondering what you mean by "bad intonation with a capo or barre chords". 

Many capos will throw the tuning out of whack because they put too much pressure on the strings. 

With barre chords, I don't mean at all to slight your ability, but you can have tuning problems if you aren't applying just the right pressure.

There's really only one way to test intonation that I know of, and that's to compare the harmonic at the 12th fret with the fretted note (preferably with a good tuner, so that you can see how many cents the intonation is off, if it is off).

Even then, as simple a thing as changing the string gauge can throw off the intonation.

[crewdog151]

I may be using the wrong terminology,I'm new to this forum and new to well made guitars.( been playing low end since I started) My problem is, I can use my tuner and get in perfect tune then chord a standard G and the E string is sharp. I can just use one finger on the E string all the way down the neck a it just keeps getting sharper all the way down! I've experimented with both capos, (Kyser and deluxe Shubb) Adding just enough pressure to chord the stings clearly with the same result. I hope I've gave you a better picture of whats happening. I'm kinda frustrated because because the shop wont open again till Tuesday. And to be honest I'm not confident yet of his willingness to correct the problem. Anyway, thanks so much for any advice you may have. Richard

[ducktrapper]

Sound like it should be fairly easily corrected by a knowledgable guitar tech. Congrats on a nice guitar. It should do you quite nicely for a while. Hang around here and you'll have another one in no time.     

[jeremy3220]

Have you tried changing the strings yet?

[Michael T]

Just sounds like high action if it is somewhat present on most/all strings. If it's just a couple it may be related more to relief. In either case the store likely has a set up policy, either free or low cost. In either case talk to the guy who is actually going to do the work. Be prepared to show him your concern, possibly play a tune or 2 for him so he has an idea of your style of play. It would also be a good time to decide what string gauge you prefer and have them put on for the set up, to set the nut groove/action height etc. Unfortunately you will likely be without your new guitar for a bit. Few techs have open schedules anymore to just zip 'er in.

[Tycho]

Crewdog, from your post in response to mine, it sounds like this really may be an intonation issue and not just due to capo or fingering pressure.

The good news is that Michael T's advice is right on. I would suggest, though, that you should ask for a setup as part of purchase, and most decent retailers should be able to do that quickly rather than make you wait.  I was once buying a used guitar at Folkway (a fine retailer up here in Canada) and noticed that the intonation was off.  They were able to fix it in literally five minutes.  So it shouldn't be a big deal.

If the store won't do that, it's still well worth your while to find a good tech and get him/her to do it.  The D-03R is a great guitar, and once you've got it set up to your satisfaction, I'm sure you'll love it.

[crewdog151]

Thanks alot Tycho!!!! And all others who posted. O man, I already do love this guitar! I've been ignoring the sharp E and just keep on playing!! I'm amazed at the difference in this git and my low ends I've played all my life! Regardless of my issue with this guitar I am sold on Larrivee! Just great value and craftsmanship for the money. And as far as paying retail, What the heck you cant take it with you!! I used to blow $200 every weekend jumping outta airplanes, Why would I sweat paying extra for this awesome instrument, that wont kill me although the wife may when I tell her that I want that D 05E with mahogany!