N(U)GD - My 1st Larrivée, JCL Reissue 2007

[Sabu Chan]

A new member and Larrivée owner from Japan.

I found a JCL Reissue 2007 in a shop in Tokyo 2 weeks ago. I shuttered my right elbow in a traffic accident and has been relearning to play a guitar as a part of my physical therapy. Due to the limited range of my elbow joint, my main acoustic guitar has been a parlor size Yamaha (CFS3M). I wanted to play a larger body and longer scale instrument, but I was afraid that I felt uncomfortable.

I tried the Larrivée L-body size guitar for the 1st time and had no problem folding and playing it. Although it was in the player-grade condition, the sound and playability were superb. It followed me home. It came with the original HSC, but didn't come with a certificate. I contacted the Larrivée customer support, and they confirmed the serial # and its authenticity.

This Larrivée is the best sounding finger-style guitar which I ever played. Because of my old age and the aftereffects of the injury, my both hands are also weak and strung it with an Elixir 11-52 string set currently. What brand and gauge do you recommnd for the L-Style Larrivées?

[B0WIE]

Congrats! Those are very nice guitars.
Regarding weak hands and strings, I recommend considering tuning down half a step (or more). This reduces tension, and often times it just sounds better as it emphasizes overtone over fundamental.

There are also strings that help. Newtone makes a string with lower tension. I forget which model they are.

Perhaps the most important thing would be to have a guitar tech check the nut and saddle to see if they are ideal for your playing style. A factory nut will usually err on the side of being slightly high. And, factory saddles can usually be lowered which makes playing much easier on the hands.

[teh]

Sabu Chan,

First, welcome to the Larrivee Forum and congratulations on finding a great guitar. Larrivee makes a lot of nice guitars and the L body shape is one of their best designs. Bowie gave you some great advice to maximize the comfort and playability of your new guitar. I have an LSV, which is slightly smaller than your L body, set up for light gauge D'Addario phosphor bronze strings. There are lots of string choices available to try and this forum is a great place to discuss ideas and share experiences about your guitar.

Three years ago, I had major rotator cuff surgery on my right shoulder and I found that playing the guitar was the best therapy I could have asked for to speed up my recovery. Best wishes for a return to full mobility with your elbow.

[Sabu Chan]

Congrats! Those are very nice guitars.
Regarding weak hands and strings, I recommend considering tuning down half a step (or more). This reduces tension, and often times it just sounds better as it emphasizes overtone over fundamental.

Thanks for the suggestions. One of the reasons for my getting longer-scale guitar is to play Open-tuning songs (mostly Open D). A half step down regular tuning would reduce the string tension and makes it easier for my hands and fingers. I should try it before I switch to Extra Light(10-47) sets. Regarding the nut, the previous owner replaced the original. It looks good to me. At this moment, the action looks O.K. (1.75-2.25mm at 12th).

[Sabu Chan]

Three years ago, I had major rotator cuff surgery on my right shoulder and I found that playing the guitar was the best therapy I could have asked for to speed up my recovery. Best wishes for a return to full mobility with your elbow.

Thanks so much for your warm welcome. I am sure that this forum will make me learn a lot from the knowledgeable members. It is inevitable for my elbow to getting stiffer as I age, my surgeon recommends me to move and use the joints as much as possible. Playing a guitar is fun, and I believe it is the best therapy.