A lighter built Larrivee?

[UK Mike]

I was thinking what I liked about my Larrivee and what (ideally) I would like to be different. I like almost everything (build quality, woods, good looks) but I wondered if they had ever considered building their guitars lighter to get that extra tonal pazazz. I'd love to hear a Larrivee built with slightly thinner woods and with more delicate bracing. I can understand why they don't do it (more returns to the factory because they would be more delicate) but perhaps they could release a series with lighter build and make it clear that these things will require more love and attention over time.

Would they ever consider it?

Mike

[Mikeymac]

I thought my Larrivees already felt like some of the lightest acoustics I've ever held or played...but maybe everyone's perception of heavy and light is different...

:UND>

[ronmac]

They've already done it:

http://www.12fret.com/new/larrivee_OM-03_R_SH_pg.html

[parsky1]

They've already done it:

http://www.12fret.com/new/larrivee_OM-03_R_SH_pg.html

What, the slotted headstock?   ^_^

[Mikeymac]

Are those still available?!  I'd love to order a left-handed one...

[roknroll]

My D-05 feels featherlite compared to other guitars I've played.

[desaljs]

UK Mike,

You should have a chance to hold (and play!) my Santa Cruz OM short scale.  Talk about light.  When I pick up my other acoustics, they feel like dead weight.  Light and sturdy are not mutually exclusive.

Jim D

[dhill]

You said it Jim. My SCGC OM is incredibly light, and incredibly sonic. A light build, and guaranteed for life.

[tim farney]

Actually, Larrivees are pretty stoutly built. My Thompson T1, which is the size of an L (thinner front to back, though) is substantially lighter than my old L was. I think it's even lighter than my parlor (which sounds great, by the way). But lightly built is not necessarily better. It's just different. There is a famous classical builder whose name escapes me, that builds heavy guitars with rather thick backs and sides that are supposedly very loud and project extremely well.

Tim

[Tycho]

Mikeymac, I believe there are still a few of those left, but I don't think there were any lefties made.

[prof_stack]

There is a famous classical builder whose name escapes me, that builds heavy guitars with rather thick backs and sides that are supposedly very loud and project extremely well.

My 32-year old LoPrinzi (who also builds classical models and ukes) has pretty heavy rosewood back/sides to support a thin spruce top.  The sustain is pretty amazing on this old beauty.

My SD-50 is much lighter by comparison. 

[oneeyedjack]

It's all relative; my Larrivees feel like boat anchors next to my McAlister but next to the LoPrinzi I had they're quite light. I doubt you'll see you'll see Larrivee (or any other factory built guitar) get very much lighter due to manufacturing and warranty issues.

[Tycho]

When I picked up a few Tacomas a while ago, they all felt very light compared to my Larrivees. 

But the Larrivees don't feel heavy (the way the older Garrisons do, for example); they feel substantial.

[roknroll]

I agree with you tycho...My tacoma DM-10 was all solid woods, and it felt extremely light.

[bhika]

My MT (Lefty)) Forum guitar is a very light guitar, and it rattles my fillings loose when I really dig into it. I love all my Larrivees but that Forum guitar really stands out.  ^_^

[Randy_R]

My MT (Lefty)) Forum guitar is a very light guitar, and it rattles my fillings loose when I really dig into it. I love all my Larrivees but that Forum guitar really stands out.  ^_^

Indeed. John Jr. builds a fine guitar. And I think he gave the forum guitars a little extra mojo..

[Redeemed]

But the Larrivees don't feel heavy (the way the older Garrisons do, for example); they feel substantial.

Holy cow... now Garrisons.. the first time I held one, I thought I was curling free weights.  Ridiculously heavy.


-dan

[sneaky]

try a Larrive Lite...no, really. I own two...an OM and an L and love em to bits. 7/8 the size of a regular guitar and so much fun to play.

[ronmac]

try a Larrive Lite...no, really. I own two...an OM and an L and love em to bits. 7/8 the size of a regular guitar and so much fun to play.

* No artificial sweetners or woods added.

[UK Mike]

You said it Jim. My SCGC OM is incredibly light, and incredibly sonic. A light build, and guaranteed for life.

UK Mike,

You should have a chance to hold (and play!) my Santa Cruz OM short scale.  Talk about light.  When I pick up my other acoustics, they feel like dead weight.  Light and sturdy are not mutually exclusive.

Jim D

Best OM I ever played was a Santa Cruz OM. I really regret passing that instrument by. That's the sort of build I as referring to. I think the Larrivee guys must have built up the experience and have the machinery to have a go at a lighter guitar like that. Martin have their top-line instruments with lighter build/bracing, so why shouldn't Larrivee have a go.

BTW - I certainly didn't mean to imply that Larrives were built really heavily - I agree there are heavier as well as lighter guitars around (I think Larrivee is pretty much mid-pack). I'd just like to see them try even lighter on some models.

Cheers

Mike