Neck comfort on Larrivee 00 12 frets?

[JohnnyDes]

Hey folks.

Based on something I read somewhere, Larrivee's approach to 12 fret design is to move the bridge lower, which brings the remaining 12 frets of neck closer to the body?  I'm looking for that more intimate feel on the neck for my left hand, and would like to confirm this.

Thanks!

[Denis]

I think it's pretty safe to say that all brands that make 12 fret 00s do the same thing, moving the bridge a little bit lower, closer to the middle of the lower bout of the guitar.  Larrivee also made a short scale 12 fret 00.  That allows for easier playing too.

[eded]

If you're looking for someone who is going to say what you want to hear, you've found him.  

Just that is what I like about my OO and even moreso parlor.  I'm short (and as far as I can tell, getting shorter as I age).  The intimacy of these small bodied short scale 12 fret models brings it all in close.  I'm not reaching for anything.  I'm not stretching to reach around the body.  It's all effortlessly right where I want it.

No, they don't boom like a dreadnaught, and they aren't as loud as one either, but with a little figuring out how to play them, I can get everything I want out of them.

As usual, YMMV!

Ed

[eded]

I think it's pretty safe to say that all brands that make 12 fret 00s do the same thing, moving the bridge a little bit lower, closer to the middle of the lower bout of the guitar.  Larrivee also made a short scale 12 fret 00.  That allows for easier playing too.

Not true.  Look at a Martin 12 fret 00 next to a 14 fret.  The bridge is basically in the same place on both.  The body of the 14 fret is a bit shorter.  It is like the body was pushed down to meet at the 14th instead of the 12th fret.  The lower bouts and waists are the same but the upper but is shorter on the 14 fret version.  The body length is about an inch shorter on a 14 fret.

Many makers copy the Martin style.  Others, like Larrivee do it different (and better IMO).

Ed

[Peter Cree]

Bridge placement on Martins and all 12 frets are farther south of the soundhole.   The 00 body is stretched.   

Basic premise is the bridge is more on the "sweetspot".   

[JohnnyDes]

Thanks folks, it was the fact that Martin doesn't do this that made me want to clarify.

Nice to see you here, Denis.  I'm still working on Samuel, which I discovered for the first time when I did a Google search on "Larrivee 00-50" and your youtube of Samuel came up.

JD

[cke]

Not true.  Look at a Martin 12 fret 00 next to a 14 fret.  The bridge is basically in the same place on both.  The body of the 14 fret is a bit shorter.  It is like the body was pushed down to meet at the 14th instead of the 12th fret.  The lower bouts and waists are the same but the upper but is shorter on the 14 fret version.  The body length is about an inch shorter on a 14 fret.

Many makers copy the Martin style.  Others, like Larrivee do it different (and better IMO).

Ed

It's true  that  Martin people insist the bridge is in the same place. They squared  and broadened the  shoulder when they made the 14 fret OM, but I am reasonably sure they moved the bridge a bit too. I suppose the controversy will rage, but I find the 12 frets sound warmer/deeper than 14 frets and I think the bridge placement is the reason.

[Mr_LV19E]

Take a look at the Martin website and compare their 12 and 14 fret models.
The 00 12 fret looks like a miniature 000 12 fret, the 00 14 fret looks like a miniature 000 14 fret which looks exactly like a OM 14 fret.

When you take a Larrivee body like an L, LS or OM which come with a 14 fret neck and then put on a 12 fret neck the bridge moves down the same distance as the length of the 13th and 14th frets (about 1 3/8").

Martin also makes 000 and OM body style in short and standard scale length so the bridge is going to be placed accordingly.

Its just not that easy to make generalizations.

[Denis]

My 000-16, 12 fret IER/sitka, has the same scale length as a Martin dread but a 12 fret neck.  They have to be a bit lower on the bout.  I had a 000-15S at one time as well.  Same scale length, 25.4", just like any dread or OM.  They can't have a shorter neck and not have to move the bridge a bit lower?   

BTW, my 000-16SRGT is an amazing instrument.  Just astounding.  And yet, the FIV comes out just as often.  Every guitar has a time and a place. 

All this talk just makes me want a 12 fret L-03 or L-03R even more. 

[cbarclay]

All this talk just makes me want a 12 fret L-03 or L-03R even more.