Forum IV

[Danny]

   I thought it was the North and South that took pot shots, not the East and West.

[tadol]

I'm interested in that SD-03 Forum V, right after career reinvention I and income replenishment II. 

Norman

Right there with ya! Especially since at this point this is all primarily entertainment, as the boys and girls argue about technical details that don't seem to advance the goal of the majority - but I may be wrong. I thought the goal was to spec a reasonably affordable custom guitar that was within the normal construction processes of the Larrivee FACTORY - not the probable capabilities of JCL or any particular member of his family, or the theoretical use of materials that they may or may not have on hand, or alternate construction techniques that other builders use. I think the reason we got IS on the Forum 3 at such a good price was because they had it in stock, and this was a very generous use of some of the material that might not otherwise be up to their standards for -09 and -10 instruments which the rest is probably destined to be used on - But as I said, I may very well be completely wrong -

Tad

[Walkerman]

One thing that seemd odd to me was the fact that so many different tone woods were used.  I thought that a particular run of forum guitars should all be the same.  I guess the only thing that is similar on the last set of forum guitars was the appointments.

[GA-ME]

   I thought it was the North and South that took pot shots, not the East and West.

Danny, I never did much hunting, except the occasional coon hunt, with my paternal grandfather and his hounds, and I ain't been to war, so I don't know about the pot shot as much. I guess I gave up on the coon hunting pretty quickly because, once the coon was treed, any shot seemed like a pot-shot to me! I did, however, hang out in pool halls around my neck of the woods, quite frequently, when I was more predisposed to the activities that go on in such establishments. As far as pock, or pot shots coming from the East and West, the East side of the equation is through with that exchange, permantly.

[tuffythepug]

Fred,

Walkerman is correct about the fragile nature of the cedar.  I love the sound of a cedar top on a small to mid sized guitar.  By no means is is inferior to other woods, but different in many ways.  It is much softer than the spruce woods.  If not properly humidified, it can crack much easier and it has a higher probability to ding the top due to its softness.  It doen't take any more himidification than any other wood, but you have to make sure it is humidified without missing a lick.  

I would have to agree with these statements.   I've owned many, many acoustic guitars with spruce or mahogany tops but only one with a cedar top.   Guess which was the only one to develop a crack in the top.   And, for the record, I admit that I was probably lax in the humidification department;  this was well before I really knew anything about the need to prevent drying out of the wood.   Still, it should be noted that cedar is notorious for cracking if not meticulously cared for.   Just use proper humidification techniques and all should be well.

[Yoyodyne]

Just for the record, this forum has officially jumped the shark for me.

[prof_stack]

Just for the record, this forum has officially jumped the shark for me.

Jump the shark:  "a term to describe a moment when somethin that was once great has reached a point where it will now decline in quality and popularity.   Origin of this phrase comes from a Happy Days episode where the Fonz jumped a shark on waterskis. Thus was labeled the lowest point of the show."

Okay, I guess I agree.

[prof_stack]

Back on the Forum IV track:  Today I played a couple of small Santa Cruz guitars, (1) a cute Firefly and a (2) H-13.  Both had amazing sound but the H-13 was a depth monster what with about 5 inches of thickness at the lower bout.  That depth really brought out the bass, a really smooth sound.  The 4k price tag brought me back to reality.

[flatlander]

I would have to agree with these statements.   I've owned many, many acoustic guitars with spruce or mahogany tops but only one with a cedar top.   Guess which was the only one to develop a crack in the top.   And, for the record, I admit that I was probably lax in the humidification department;  this was well before I really knew anything about the need to prevent drying out of the wood.   Still, it should be noted that cedar is notorious for cracking if not meticulously cared for.   Just use proper humidification techniques and all should be well.

Thanks for that tip fellows. I have a cedar top instrument, and I didn't realize that.

[fongie]

1. 12 Fret Yes
2. Slotted Head Yes
3a. 00 YES, YES
3b. Adi, Engelman, or Italian Spruce Any
4. Back & Sides Rosewood (am I the only one?)
5. Gloss top Satin all around, for price
6. 1 3/4" Nut Yes
7. 2 5/16" string spacing at the saddle. No opinion
8. Short scale was also mentioned in the true spirit of 00's (29,9"). (Typo?: I think he meant 24.9) Whatever is most traditional
9. Rosewood or Cocobolo Standard 03 body binding, headstock veneer*, heel-cap and end block-wedge.
10. Bone nut and saddle. Saddle only (for price, plus I use a capo pretty often)
11. Upgraded tuners (at least Gotoh or Grover Sta-tites in 18:1 ratio) Depends on price
12. Unique IV marked on the head stock** No, or @ the body joint ??, and on the label Yes, and on a brass plate on the Case Depends on price.
13. Very simple rosette in a figured wood Uncertain, but leaning no
14. Ebony finger board and bridge (bridge in a straight traditional, or a Pyramid style) Pyramid


* As much as I love showing off the Larrivee name, I like someone's suggestion of no name on the headstock in the traditional style. I'd absolutely love a stamped or burned name on the back of the headstock like the old Martins, but I wouldn't to go to the mats for it.

** For the "IV" marker, I like the idea of the 4 dots at the 12th fret. But for those who aren't into it, what about a simple/discreet roman numeral IV at the 12th fret or at the very end of the fretboard near the sound hole? Just a suggestion.


I like alot of the suggestions made so far and I missed out on the FIII. I'd love having a 00-slothead, but I think my aim would be more of a simple, vintage style 00-03R rather than bling, which also eases the pain on the wallet, but also for aesthetics too. I don't judge anyone who does want a lot of nice appointments on the FIV. It would certainly be gorgeous, however it turns out.

Also, I wouldn't be able to commit if we're thinking this year. I'd be interested planning it for production next year though. 

Thanks.

OK, if this F-IV don't proceed this year, how about a definate next year? This will give 'F-111' owners time to sell theirs in time for the 'IV' 
Hellostarling, definately love your added specs, especially the 'IV' being placed at the 12th fret or the very end. As for the top, I'd like mine to be 'Hog', and glossed, if thats ok? But if it keeps the $$$ down, then I'd follow suit. I think 'Blings' should be optional and with your choice, so is the PG. Deeper body, 'Yes', but again $$$
If the F-IV can be tabled to Jean now for next year, and the members given the 'Specs', 'Options', '$$$', this will help with the preparations regarding saving $$$ and truely be appreciated to most overseas buyers.
cheers
fongie
cheers
fongie

[es-335]

if you guys get a chance, try the Elvis Costello Sig.

It is a great guitar.. Probably what F4 could turn out to be.

[BluesMan1]

   Fongie, I'm liking what I'm seeing, esp. the HOG top. Think it will work out as I said, in the style of older Martin all HOGS? I think they were OO size, different designation (O-17?). If it's similar to those, I'll hold off on my Martin OOO-15s for this one. Also will give me time to save some dinero?
     Jeff 

[fongie]

   Fongie, I'm liking what I'm seeing, esp. the HOG top. Think it will work out as I said, in the style of older Martin all HOGS? I think they were OO size, different designation (O-17?). If it's similar to those, I'll hold off on my Martin OOO-15s for this one. Also will give me time to save some dinero?
     Jeff 

Definately, I don't have a 'all Hog', and the more I get to see members display theirs, the more I want one. Definately looks great too 
cheers
fongie

[Danny]

Back on the Forum IV track:  Today I played a couple of small Santa Cruz guitars, (1) a cute Firefly and a (2) H-13.  Both had amazing sound but the H-13 was a depth monster what with about 5 inches of thickness at the lower bout.  That depth really brought out the bass, a really smooth sound.  The 4k price tag brought me back to reality.

Here is part of the SCGC H-13 description. It is what I would like to see built as an F-IV but I know it won't.
        "With its player-driven design that has 13 frets clear of the body, plus special soundhole and bridge locations, Santa Cruz Guitar Company's H 13 Fret joins the SCGC H lineup with a sweet tone that capitalizes upon the best attributes of a 12-fret's resonance and a 14-fret's access. As a result, it's ideally suited to fingerpicking, coaxing the sonic character of each note while projecting an overall tonal depth.

Despite its small appearance, the H 13 Fret employs a body depth approaching that of a much larger dreadnought-sized guitar, producing extra volume and bass support to bolster its rich tone. Its comfortable size and complex tonal characteristics make it especially appealing to traditional players, soloists, and recording artists who demand maximum warmth and tonal versatility."

[dermot]

1. 12 Fret Yes
2. Slotted Head no prefrence
3a. 00 yes
3b. Adi, Engelman, or Italian Spruce Not Adi, Sitka, Engelman, Italian
4. Back & Sides Rosewood -or- any wood that they want to present ( i never heard of Sliver Oak before i playeda really good one)
5. Gloss top Satin all around, for price +1
6. 1 3/4" Nut prefer 13/16 -or- 7/8
7. 2 5/16" string spacing at the saddle. yes
8. Short scale was also mentioned in the true spirit of 00's (29,9"). (Typo?: I think he meant 24.9) 24.9l
9. Rosewood or Cocobolo Standard 03 body binding, headstock veneer*, heel-cap and end block-wedge + 1
10. Bone nut and saddle. what ever keeps costs down, i will replace them myself anyway
11. Upgraded tuners (at least Gotoh or Grover Sta-tites in 18:1 ratio) what ever keeps costs down, i will replace them myself anyway
12. Unique IV marked on the head stock** No, or @ the body joint ??, and on the label Yes, and on a brass plate on the Case Depends on price + 1.
13. Very simple rosette in a figured wood what ever keeps costs down, but sounds nice
14. Ebony finger board and bridge (bridge in a straight traditional, or a Pyramid style) Pyramid + 1

I would like to see the orignal JCL logo as seen on the re-isssue 09's recently on the headstock.

[fongie]

I would like to see the orignal JCL logo as seen on the re-isssue 09's recently on the headstock.

Hey dermot, thats a great idea, I'll be in for that as well
cheers
fongie

[lyric_girl]

I would like to see the orignal JCL logo as seen on the re-isssue 09's recently on the headstock.

That would be really kewl. Good idea.

[BenF]

I would like to see the original JCL logo as seen on the re-isssue 09's recently on the headstock.

I love that logo, but when it was suggested for the forum III it was noted that JCL doesn't like it because it is his initials, and it is not just his company now, it is him and his wife and sons.  It was used on the 40th anniversary model because that was his tribute model.  Suspect you might struggle to get this agreed, although it is the nicest logo in my opinion.

[Walkerman]

Back on the Forum IV track:  Today I played a couple of small Santa Cruz guitars, (1) a cute Firefly and a (2) H-13.  Both had amazing sound but the H-13 was a depth monster what with about 5 inches of thickness at the lower bout.  That depth really brought out the bass, a really smooth sound.  The 4k price tag brought me back to reality.

What did you think of the Firefly.  I saw one at the Sta. Cruz shop.  It reminded me of a jumbo shape in a parlor size.  How would you compare it to a  Larrivee parlor?

[Dotneck]

                Here is part of the SCGC H-13 description. It is what I would like to see built as an F-IV but I know it won't.
        "With its player-driven design that has 13 frets clear of the body, plus special soundhole and bridge locations, Santa Cruz Guitar Company's H 13 Fret joins the SCGC H lineup with a sweet tone that capitalizes upon the best attributes of a 12-fret's resonance and a 14-fret's access. As a result, it's ideally suited to fingerpicking, coaxing the sonic character of each note while projecting an overall tonal depth.

Despite its small appearance, the H 13 Fret employs a body depth approaching that of a much larger dreadnought-sized guitar, producing extra volume and bass support to bolster its rich tone. Its comfortable size and complex tonal characteristics make it especially appealing to traditional players, soloists, and recording artists who demand maximum warmth and tonal versatility."

I've been thinking of these lately also. Have not played one for a number of years but I was completely taken by the light build and tone of the guitar. Starting to think I should pursue a real Santa Cruz instead of keep trying to find a less expensive guitar that's almost as good...