Bone Saddles and Setups

[BradleyofKansas]

I've had my D-03Z now for almost a month now and I am loving every minute of it.  The guitar came from the store with light gage strings on it which is typical for this guitar according to the Larrivee.com site.  I am so used to playing mediums that I could hardly find the strings on her.  So I called Larrivee and asked if it would hurt the guitar to put on some Mediums.  The gentleman said it would be no problem at all, but I may decide to have the guitar set up by a good guitar store afterwards to maximize the experience.  He said it wouldn't be required, but it wouldn't hurt.  Is there any harm in waiting a bit to have it set up?

Also, when I go to get it set up, I have read a lot on the blog about getting a bone saddle.  That is something I am very interested in, but not sure how much it costs, and if it could possibly effect the tone of the guitar negitively or if it just brings out the best of the woods.

Any experiences would be interesting to read.

Thanks All.

[tuffythepug]

Bradley
First, congratulations on your new D-03Z.    Second, it won't hurt your guitar at all to use medium strings on it.   The set-up is recommended for optimum playability and tone.   You can wait on it unless you develop a fret buzz on some other condition that needs to be remedied.

As to bone saddles..........    Opinions vary.  Some guitars can benefit from a bone saddle, others will not be improved by this modification.   My own experience is that it's best to wait several months or up to a year before you change it out. 
They are not expensive;  less than $20.    No big loss if it doesn't change the sound for the better;  you can switch back to the tusq or plastic that's on it now.

[unclrob]

 .
A set up shouldn'd be done until at least week 6 of ownership.This give's you time to know the guitar and what you may be looking for out of it setup wise.
Yes wait on the bone,when you get it made make sure its the same hieght so you can compare feel  as well as tone.

[jgriffter]

Bradley

I have the L-03Z as well and I have a bone saddle in it.  The guitar sounds wonderful.  I cannot tell you how it compares to the Tusq saddle because Jim at Trinity changed the saddle out to bone before he sent it to me - he told me he could do it and the setup at once (for fingerstyle).  Everything turned out great and i am very happy with Jim's work.

I have a number of guitars and 4 Larrivees.  Some have bone saddles - at different times.  Sometimes the difference is significant, sometimes more subtle.  I agree with fellow posters - play the guitar for a while, then if you get the itch, order a bone saddle to give it a try.  It is not a big expense and you may be happily surprised.

Enjoy the L-03Z - I am.  I read that only 5 were made in the last run.  Wonder if other Forum members have the rest of them!

J