I really want a Larrivee Parlor. Why do I want this?

[fongie]

The Larris have a very solid construction, which is particularly apparent in the Parlors, so they take a long time to play in. It can take 3 or 4 years before they really open up. Following threads on this forum, I did get my luthier friend to sand down half of the X-bracing (the half in the lower bout, not the upper bout near the soundhole) and that has improved the sound a bit as well.  Obviously such actions will make your warranty null and void.

As with all Larrivées, the workmanship is impeccable - not always the case with certain other makers, both big-name and lesser known.
[/quote]

Thanks for that info ParlourPicker, thats very interesting with the X-bracing, no, I won't touch my rosewoods, but it's good to know.
cheers
fongie

[Danny]

The Larris have a very solid construction, which is particularly apparent in the Parlors, so they take a long time to play in. It can take 3 or 4 years before they really open up. Following threads on this forum, I did get my luthier friend to sand down half of the X-bracing (the half in the lower bout, not the upper bout near the soundhole) and that has improved the sound a bit as well.  Obviously such actions will make your warranty null and void.

As with all Larrivées, the workmanship is impeccable - not always the case with certain other makers, both big-name and lesser known.


Thanks for that info ParlourPicker, thats very interesting with the X-bracing, no, I won't touch my rosewoods, but it's good to know.
cheers
fongie

I agree they look the part, but I played a Baby Martin HPL today that I almost brought home. Made in Mexico for very little denero. It sounded good

[rpm60912]

  I agree they look the part, but I played a Baby Martin HPL today that I almost brought home. Made in Mexico for very little denero. It sounded good

That's why I try to stay away from guitar stores. If money wasn't a problem, I'd have 2-3 entry level Martins by now.

ricky

[Ponte]

Why do I want this?
It is the ultimate fetish for most of us that play the blues sitting on a sofa in front of the TV, enjoy looking at a nice well made instrument, don´t play in a band or in crowded venues, and can´t afford a Froggy Bottom.

[rpm60912]

I am pleased to be the new owner of a 2001 Larrivee Parlor Walnut - apparently this is rare.

I traded my OM-40 for it with some cash coming to me in the trade. I figure, I did well in the deal.

My OO-09 seem like a little giant when standing next to the Parlor - quite handy & portable.

I need to have it set up higher for strumming and may be change the nut & saddle to bone as Bltprf502 suggested - he loves

his P-Walnut and wouldn't trade it for anything.

As for trading it for a 314ce - two years ago I would in a heartbeat.

But my guitars are getting smaller in size (my preference being smaller in stature) and do a lot of road trips.

My P-Walnut fits my Ami gig bag perfectly.  The Ami having laminate b&s is heavier to carry than the P-Walnut.

Too new (to me) to comment on the sound.

ricky

[BluesMan1]

   Ricky, I know that you like to finger pick alot, at least that's the impression I've gotten. I'v played a few P-09's, RW, & just sounded thin & tinny to me when flat picked. As for those that use them as their main or most used guitars, they strike me, as said, as one for "doodling" aroung with or quiet time guitars. That's what they were made for. A small room (a parlor) & not meant to be loud, but more of a finesse instrument. Not cheap for that either. Do you really think they are that great to take along & strum, esp. for the money they cost. Never heard any others than RW, but they just don't strike me as a fun-louvin' strummin' guitar. More of a finger style guitar made for a small size area to be played in. I know that you're willing to spend alot on a travel guitar, or just have after your thread on travlers,  but is this what this will be?. Sounds like it defeats the purpose of the whole size & what it was meant for. I'm not being critical or arguementative, just curious? They are nice eye-candy, though!
     Jeff

[ryler]

Ricky,

Congratulations.  I ogled that one when it went up for sale.  I am very curious to hear your comparison between the OO and this parlor.  Further, if you can compare the walnut parlor to a P09 or P05, that would be very interesting.  Yes, I know, you need time to properly evaluate it.

I initially rejected the one and only Larrivee parlor I have ever played, but increaslingly dinky guitars have my attention.  I want one for my bedroom, where I play more and more before turning in for the night.  I hope you are happy with it.

[prof_stack]

I've got a 70-year old parlor that was probably considered a "toy" guitar when new but now is a resonant tone monster.  Still boxy compared to the FIII, but it is the sweetest strummer; you can't believe how sweet it is.

Every Larrivee parlor I've played has not impressed me, but give them time and a lot of play and I'm sure they will someday be as sweet as my "toy" guitar.

[jeremy3220]

"I really want a Larrivee Parlor. Why do I want this? "

I take mine everywhere I ride my bike.

[Ponte]

"I really want a Larrivee Parlor. Why do I want this? "

I take mine everywhere I ride my bike.

Brilliant!!!!

[fongie]

"I really want a Larrivee Parlor. Why do I want this? "

I take mine everywhere I ride my bike.

LOL, awesome 
cheers
fongie

[Danny]

  Actually the bike is normal size, Jeremy is just a big guy.

[fongie]

  Actually the bike is normal size, Jeremy is just a big guy.

LOL, Dan's back!
cheers
fongie

[jeremy3220]

Jeremy is just a big guy.

That's actually true, 6'5" about 200lbs.

[Bltprf502]

If set up, parlors are great!  I have some higher end guitars and my parlors always sees more than its share of play time.  I really like the older P01 and P03's the best.  I find them to be some ofthe best I have played or heard.  Mine is a P03 walnit with bearclaw sitka top.  Just a fantastic guitar with a big voice!

[rpm60912]

If set up, parlors are great!  I have some higher end guitars and my parlors always sees more than its share of play time.  I really like the older P01 and P03's the best.  I find them to be some ofthe best I have played or heard.  Mine is a P03 walnit with bearclaw sitka top.  Just a fantastic guitar with a big voice!

Rich,

How is yours set up? Mine is too low it buzzes when I strum. I feel like putting some cardboard filling under the saddle to raise the action (admittedly, this is a cheap solution).  I don't know if it's worthwhile to invest in bone saddle or tusq - to raise the action a bit.

Otherwise, I love how small and handy it is - it makes my OO-09 seem like a giant of a guitar compared to the parlor.

I'm learning how to play with bare fingers and up to this point, no pick, as I could barely strum it without a buzz.

Please advise - and I thought I'd have traders remorse and mourning over my OM-40 (but it's redundant and my FG3 does a whole lot better than the OM).

There I digressed again.

Is your Walnut-parlor set up for both fingerstyle & high enough for moderate strumming with a pick without buzzing?

ricky

[fongie]

Rick, I've just had extra lights .010-.047 PB, D'addario's fitted on my FM-09, mainly for finger picking. How sweet this baby sounds and how, not just the finger picking, strumming as well. My FM-09 came standard, no buzzing, no alteration needed, which is a blessing.
By the way, 'Congrats' on your new addition
cheers
fongie

[rpm60912]

Rick, I've just had extra lights .010-.047 PB, D'addario's fitted on my FM-09, mainly for finger picking. How sweet this baby sounds and how, not just the finger picking, strumming as well. My FM-09 came standard, no buzzing, no alteration needed, which is a blessing.
By the way, 'Congrats' on your new addition
cheers
fongie

Great fongie!  I have a lot to learn about parlors. My new-to-me parlor walnut made me appreciate my OO-09 more. With the OM-40 gone, I really think I have a good selection of various guitar sizes and models.

I think Rich (bltprf502) recommends that I use medium gauge strings - perhaps I should try the EJ-16s which are the ones used in our FG III which I'm beginning to really like.

ricky

[fongie]

Great fongie!  I have a lot to learn about parlors. My new-to-me parlor walnut made me appreciate my OO-09 more. With the OM-40 gone, I really think I have a good selection of various guitar sizes and models.

I think Rich (bltprf502) recommends that I use medium gauge strings - perhaps I should try the EJ-16s which are the ones used in our FG III which I'm beginning to really like.

ricky

Yup, trial and error, some like med, some like lights, each to their own. 
cheers
fongie

[Queequeg]

find the string gauge you like and have your parlor set up for those stings and your style of playing. I put mediums on my parlors. If I strung it up with XLs it would buzz like crazy. I would need to adjust the saddle and tweak the trussrod.