Other builders using Larrivee's symmetrical bracing

[BlueBowman]

I was reading a post on AGF recently about the influence some guitar designs have on the building community. In this particular post, it was the influence of Martin versus Taylor. Martin, of course, has had a much longer time to influence builders than Taylor, but the point was made that Martin's designs have been broadly adopted when compared to Taylor.

So, are there builders influenced by JCL, specifically the symmetrical bracing (SB)? I know many of his apprentices use SB, including John McQaurrie of Northwood. Another is Trevor Kronbauer, though I don't know if he was an apprentice. Mark Blanchard's guitars utilize SB similar to Larrivee, albeit in a much lighter fashion. I've read some of Mark's history, and I don't think he has any link to JCL. Seeing his guitars with SB is a real feather in JCL's cap, IMO.

Anyone else? Again, kinda asking from an influence perspective. Are there other features, besides bracing, notable to Larrivee that other builders have adopted (for example, the L-body)? Was Larrivee the first to use maple binding on SS acoustics?

[William2]

I've always found Larrivee's descriptions of their bracing systems confusing compared to every other maker. I just prefer scalloped, non-scalloped, forward shifted, and rear shifted to describe the bracing systems. I don't know enough about other luthiers to know if they were influenced by Larrivee. I thought I read that Taylor's V class bracing and neck design were patented so they probably can't influence anybody until the patent runs out.

[B0WIE]

Well, is important to recognize that Martin pioneered the bracing and sound that would become the basis for steel string guitars all the way to today. Taylor cannot be compared in that regard, but they're still important as Bob's contributions are more in the form of efficiency and progress. Many have credited him for finding better ways of doing things, and sharing that knowledge.

As far as Jean goes, symmetrical bracing is a classical influence but what he did is foster a culture of small shop builders who went on to make guitars independent of the big factories. His influence goes beyond design or technique, it's the spirit of going out there and independently making guitars. When I see interviews from people who apprenticed with Jean Larrivee, that's the main thing they seem to impress on the viewer/reader. Jean's ingenuity and spirit. Most of them are solo or small shop luthiers while Jean went on to make factory guitars. Both of which are legit but designed around different goals, particularly in terms of efficiency. The influences in design may be harder to identify as everyone went in different directions and developed all sorts of designs. I believe Linda started the arm bevel that's so popular now.

[BlueBowman]

Well, is important to recognize that Martin pioneered the bracing and sound that would become the basis for steel string guitars all the way to today. Taylor cannot be compared in that regard, but they're still important as Bob's contributions are more in the form of efficiency and progress. Many have credited him for finding better ways of doing things, and sharing that knowledge.

I have immense respect for Bob Taylor. He's taken that American luthier spirit of sharing knowledge and brought it into the factory space.

As far as Jean goes, symmetrical bracing is a classical influence but what he did is foster a culture of small shop builders who went on to make guitars independent of the big factories. His influence goes beyond design or technique, it's the spirit of going out there and independently making guitars. When I see interviews from people who apprenticed with Jean Larrivee, that's the main thing they seem to impress on the viewer/reader. Jean's ingenuity and spirit. Most of them are solo or small shop luthiers while Jean went on to make factory guitars. Both of which are legit but designed around different goals, particularly in terms of efficiency. The influences in design may be harder to identify as everyone went in different directions and developed all sorts of designs. I believe Linda started the arm bevel that's so popular now.

Well said. I guess it is difficult to pin down specific influences. JCL's ingenuity is definitely the thing that stayed with me after reading his piece in the Fretboard Journal. Relentless ingenuity. And, you're right, many of his former apprentices speak highly of him in interviews. Thanks for your post.