D 40's and d44s

[Rob Boyes]

I have a D 40 that I bought new at Long and Mcquade (Canada) about ten years ago. (Serial#96875)  I was told that it was a special series made for Long and McQuade . It has a mat finish. I have also heard that it is almost identical to a D 50. I assume that it is very similar to the new D44 that is featured in this months give away. The specs match, but I bought mine for Around ?1300. 00 Canadian.  The D 44 is valued at about $2700.  I wonder if anyone knows just how similar mine is to the D44.

[George]

The newer 40 model "Legacy" series were introduced in 2012 and have hybrid scalloped top bracing.  If memory serves me the L&M special run were X braced and predate the Legacy models. Someoone please correct me if I am wrong about this.  I believe we have discussed this topic here before and JM Larrivee clarified.  The 44 series are just a gloss finished version of the 40 series models.  If I were going to buy a 40 model today, it would be a 44.

[Casey86]

Hey Rob

Your D40 at $1300c vs a D44 at $3550c? ($2774us)

The gloss finish of the D44 looks nice but so does the satin of the D40. It's a matter of taste.
The bracing will be different but it is not a big deal sound wise, imho. Both should sound great.

I have the new bracing in a D40r, old bracing in another and Larrivee's with both gloss and satin finish.
They all sound and play good.

Casey

[Capn Rory]

I have not got to play the new D44, but I bought an L & M special D40 about two years ago used. That guitar has such an even response, both across the strings and up the neck, that I just love that guitar.
The series have always got good reviews from owners.
I'd love to win the D44 giveaway, but as they say "... a bird in the hand..." Prices for everything have risen, and I do not begrudge any luthier a fair return on instrument making. Insofar as the similarities between the two, while specs may tell you some things, they do not tell you whether an acoustic instrument has a tone that speaks to you. Only a period of playing it can do that.

[Niteshooter]

I have a D 40 that I bought new at Long and Mcquade (Canada) about ten years ago. (Serial#96875)  I was told that it was a special series made for Long and McQuade . It has a mat finish. I have also heard that it is almost identical to a D 50. I assume that it is very similar to the new D44 that is featured in this months give away. The specs match, but I bought mine for Around ?1300. 00 Canadian.  The D 44 is valued at about $2700.  I wonder if anyone knows just how similar mine is to the D44.

I also own the L&M D40 special edition. It doesn't have the new bracing that the current D40 has. You are correct our D40's are almost identical to the D50 with the exception of the top which for some reason I keep thinking was glossy on the D50 but could be wrong.

New Larrivee's have been increasing in price and with the exchange rate being crappy that could have a bearing on price.

As for the D44, the glossy finish will likely have an effect on tone as would the new style bracing. Only way for you to know for sure is to try one and see how you like it.