Upgrades.....

[crewdog151]

What does it normally cost to have a bone saddle installed.... Better yet, What would it cost to have it Boned, and change the tuners to Gotoh? And would having a bone nut and saddle increase the volume at all? Thanks,

[tuffythepug]

crewdog151

You can do these yourself with a little bit of patience.  A new bone saddle will run 15 to 20 dollars from Larrivee or Bob Colosi and you can trim it to fit yourself with some sandpaper.   Instructions usually come with the saddle.    New Gotoh tuners, if you get the right ones, should just be a straight change-out with no drilling or modification required.   I'd have a professional install a bone nut however.  Yes, I'd say the guitar volume would be increased with the bone saddle;  I know that's what happened when I installed bone saddles in my guitars.  It could be very slight or very noticable depending on all the usual variables.  What guitar are you planning to upgrade ?


tuffythepug

[crewdog151]

Im planning to upgrade my new Larrivee D03R. I love it, But would enjoy just a touch more volume. I've gotta have a set up anyway because of an intonation issue and thought while its there go ahead and at least upgrade the saddle. I know Mr. Colosi has the bone saddles, but would anyone know the best place to get a deal on the tuners? Thanks for your advice!!!
       Just gotta say 1 mo again, This guitar is great, I really never knew what I was missing until I got this thing home and sat privately playing all my same old tunes and it all sounded new again!!!! Now I;ve been inspired to learn more fingerpicking stuff and this afternoon tackled Tears in Heaven, So much more fun learning new stuff when I accidently get it right and it sounds so gooooood!!!! Thanks again!

[Michael T]

Here ya go,    http://www.larriveeforum.com/smf/index.php?topic=16491.msg149247#msg149247

Btw, if you are tking it in to do the tuners and saddle, do the nut at the same time (if you eventually are leaning that way), and choose your gauge of strings. That way your nut can be slotted and saddle compensated for the best intonation all at once.

[tuffythepug]

If you're going to have the guitar set up anyhow, sure have them install the new saddle, nut and tuners and you'll be all set.  I don't think you're talking about a whole lot of money for the labor on this stuff.  saddle, nut and tuners could set you back around $100 give or take just for the materials.
Guitar tech should be able to quote you a firm price for the things you've listed. I wouldn't be surprised to see the total bill be $175 - $200 for everything.   


Dreds are usually fairly loud anyhow but these small changes should be noticeable.  Also, of course you could move up to a heavier string to get even more volume.   I'm sure you are aware that sometimes you can sacrifice tone in favor of loudness.  I try to go with what the guitar seems to favor tone-wise.

Glad to see that you are enjoying the new Larrivee.  They are pretty special.

tuffythepug

[ducktrapper]

It just cost me $60.0O CDN for a set-up, new saddle and a string change (Elixirs) on my D05. I have a set of Gotoh 21:1 contours coming from LMII. $78.10 + shipping. I can drop those in myself. It plays great and sounds very nice right now.