Looking for a Forum-IV 00-03MT

[Danny]

Anybody have a chance to compare the FIV to a Martin 00-15?  I tried the latter at LA Guitar Sales and was really Impressed.

JD

The F-IV was initiated because the Martin 15 series was not so impressive to me. So I started an order thread. The result was a superior guitar.

[dkoloff]

I would be coaxed onboard for a 00 03mt.....

[JOYCEfromNS]

The F-IV was initiated because the Martin 15 series was not so impressive to me. So I started an order thread. The result was a superior guitar.

And for that Danny many of us are forever grateful each time we pick up the Fabulous Forum Four 

[Denis]

The Martin 00-15 is a 14 fret neck and 1 11/16" nut.   The FIV is a 12 fret neck and a 1 3/4" nut. 

Jim Holler was the dealer we went through for both the FIII and FIV.  Not sure he's open to doing it again but there are other dealers you could ask like Jason at Notable, Dave at Guitar Adoptions to name a couple.  Good luck.  Danny I remember being so excited when we started putting together the FIV.  I hope we see another round of these, Forum VI customs

[PM33AUD]

I would be happy to organize this on the forum end unless someone else wants/prefers to take the reigns or may already have a head-start.  LMK!

I was thinking:

00-03MT 12frets to body, 1 3/4" nut, etc... (essentially the Forum IV)
but with a slotted tuner headstock and satin varnish finish (idk if the IV is poly or varnish?).  Maybe a different inlay or rosette/backstrip design (although I do really like the herringbone!).  The headstock I think would give it an immediate visual distance from the F IV.  This would keep the F IV guitars still in their own 'special' category I think.

Phil

[Danny]

I would be happy to organize this on the forum end unless someone else wants/prefers to take the reigns or may already have a head-start.  LMK!

I was thinking:

Rt00-03MT 12frets to body, 1 3/4" nut, etc... (essentially the Forum IV)
but with a slotted tuner headstock and satin varnish finish (idk if the IV is poly or varnish?).  Maybe a different inlay or rosette/backstrip design (although I do really like the herringbone!).  The headstock I think would give it an immediate visual distance from the F IV.  This would keep the F IV guitars still in their own 'special' category I think.

Phil

You could add all those items, but you will double the price and lose most of those interested at this point.
    Then an endless debate of what should be included will insure the demise of the project.
      But start a thread and see how far it will go. I wish you the best.

[CJ]

I could be easily convinced to pounce on a Forum IV 00-03MT if a new order were being placed.

my email is "Jack at VJam.net" if anyone is running with this.

Note that I've long debated the Martin 000-15SM from MFG, in large part because the 00-03MT seems rare as hens teeth on the used market. The 00-03MT addresses a couple things I don't like about the 000-15SM as well - size - lack of binding ... the only thing that keeps the 00-03MT from being perfect to me, is the satin finish and paddle headstock ... I prefer gloss nitro and slotted ... but understand the cost considerations and need for a common spec ... assuming it comes in around a t-bill, I'd be up for it.

[PM33AUD]

You could add all those items, but you will double the price and lose most of those interested at this point.
    Then an endless debate of what should be included will insure the demise of the project.
      But start a thread and see how far it will go. I wish you the best.

Understood and very good point... the fixed option list and vote for the Forum V went democratic and quickly... I agree, though, a fixed set of options that are more affordable are something I'd like but still want *something* to distance it (not in price or anything like that) from the Forum IV so that the integrity of the IV remains intact.  I was just throwing out some possibilities.  I would also be very interested in a slotted headstock, if nothing else since I prefer this style anyway!

I will call up some folks and see what would be doable and try and get an approximate price.  Once I have some more details rounded up, I will create a new thread if this seems like a go!  Of to do some digging!

Phil

[PM33AUD]

...the only thing that keeps the 00-03MT from being perfect to me, is the satin finish and paddle headstock ... I prefer gloss nitro and slotted ...

The slotted HS is something I'd push for (when) I fire off a feeler for this... the cost upgrade is not cheap for this, however.  Retail is appx 300$ for this upgrade (about 2-250$ on our end through dealer).  Not as bad but this stuff will add up quickly.

If it's not satin, it's not an xx-03 anymore and cost will go up.  Satin is probably the way to go IMO.  There are other upgrades that could set it apart too like cutaways and whatnot but those are also pricey (similar to HS slotting).  I will get something wrangled up.

Phil

[Danny]

   The  00-50 Larrivee is a slot head "dressed up" Larrivee. Denis had one for awhile. It seems he enjoys his 00-03MT a little more though. But he would have to reply to that.
   Anyway I only know of a few 00-50MT models. They would be excellent guitars but I'm thinking they would be over 2K easily.
When we did the F-III many options were offered, mine was 1200 with the options I chose but others went for more than that. And that was three years ago. So based on these known figures we can guess at least 1500 aprox. for a slot head and extra markers etc, and maybe I'm being too low in my estimate.
   Real mahogany continues to be a problem for guitar companies to bring in at a good price. So we need Phil to do his leg work and get a better feel for the pricing. Even the original F-IV may be a bit higher than imagined now. It has been two years, hasn't it?

[PM33AUD]

So we need Phil to do his leg work and get a better feel for the pricing

Don't worry...

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[Danny]

my Phil with such small hands I'd think you would want a uke.

[CJ]

Why the long face?

[Denis]

This would make it 4 out of 6 Forum customs that are all mahogany or include an all mahogany variant.  Spooky! 

Danny, for the record, I miss the OO-50 a lot sometimes.  I miss a lot of Larrivees now though.  I think I've owned a dozen in the last 8 years!

Go for it Phil.  All the Forum guitars have been amazing so far.  They're great players. 

[PM33AUD]

my Phil with such small hands I'd think you would want a uke.

Well as CJ made a subtle allusion to I actually play with my face... more leverage!

I have Jason working hard on getting me some ballpark figures for 3 configurations which will include the slotted headstock and a venetian cutaway.  Anyone have any other neat ideas that would be relatively low on the $ scale to make this something more to pop?  I would really like to keep it in the -03 range as I think it's a very attractive price point.  I believe this guitar will end up being the Forum VI :D

When I get an update from Jason, I will post a Forum VI 'quick vote' thread for the configuration that is most popular and lock something with minimal pain.  Once a config is decided upon, I will create a Forum VI thread which will contain details on how to secure a seat on this mighty fine ride!

Phil