Sound Hole rosette evolution

[headsup]

As companies like Larrivee evolve, changes are made, always.

I've been comparing the different sound hole rosettes on my collection.

Earliest (1971-1980) have the original "mosaic " with a double ring of rosewood. (Toronto & Victoria builds)

mid 80's-early nineties have the mosaic (signature) with-out the rosewood rings. (Vancouver builds)

then at some point there was a switch to the abalone ring.

then the introduction of the "herringbone" ring.

I realize these are equated with models, the models I own are the higher end, gloss finish models.

I'm aware there are the simpler rosettes (like Martin etc) on many models.

Anybody have more ideas/information/insight  on this particular detail?

[unclrob]

I would be of no help as I never notice them.Its all about feel and tone for me.Please forgive me.

[Mikeymac]

As companies like Larrivee evolve, changes are made, always.

I've been comparing the different sound hole rosettes on my collection.

Earliest (1971-1980) have the original "mosaic " with a double ring of rosewood. (Toronto & Victoria builds)

mid 80's-early nineties have the mosaic (signature) with-out the rosewood rings. (Vancouver builds)

then at some point there was a switch to the abalone ring.

then the introduction of the "herringbone" ring.

I realize these are equated with models, the models I own are the higher end, gloss finish models.

I'm aware there are the simpler rosettes (like Martin etc) on many models.

Anybody have more ideas/information/insight  on this particular detail?

Not sure much more can be added - other than I have one each of the early mosaic rosette patterns and love them both, but especially the late 80's - early 90's mosaic without the rosewood rings. I think this one looks both simple and elegant - and not as "heavy" as the earlier pattern.

Plus, it's the pattern that was on my first Larrivee, my '92 OM-05, which I still have and love!   

I also have a Custom L-05 which has the "rope" pattern in the rosette. I like it as well...

[JOYCEfromNS]

I would be of no help as I never notice them.Its all about feel and tone for me.Please forgive me.

Too bad you are limited to only that 

[JOYCEfromNS]

Sure would luv to see pics of the evolution

[Mikeymac]

Pics...

Edited to add years for each rosette, and also note the different fingerboard bindings Larrivee has done:

+ 1979 L-19 with ivoroid binding only along the sides of the ebony fingerboard;
+ 1992 OM-05 with ivoroid binding along the sides and end of the ebony fingerboard;
+ 2015 L-05 Custom with ebony binding (yes, separate pieces) on the sides and end of the ebony fingerboard.

[JOYCEfromNS]

Pics...

Mike can you put some years to those pics 

[headsup]

from 2003 era. TSB OM's

[AZLiberty]

+ 2015 L-05 Custom with ebony binding (yes, separate pieces) on the sides and end of the ebony fingerboard.

That is dead sexy.    My Parlor has black binding (which I vastly prefer to white), but it's plastic.  The ebony on ebony looks fantastic.


My Wife's 1976 Larrivee.  No Model number or serial number, just the date (Nylon String). Note the cutout and partial frets at the end of the fretboard.

[headsup]

cool classical!

well i checked another one i have.
this one has the body binding that goes down the sides of the fingerboard, and across the bottom.

[Mikeymac]

My Wife's 1976 Larrivee.  No Model number or serial number, just the date (Nylon String). Note the cutout and partial frets at the end of the fretboard.

I bet the tone of that thing just rumbles! Gorgeous top wood.

[ducktrapper]

Mine rings and never rumbles. That would be my intestinal tract.   

[Mikeymac]

cool classical!

well i checked another one i have.
this one has the body binding that goes down the sides of the fingerboard, and across the bottom.

Lots of cool Larrivee variations.

[headsup]

OF ALL MY  guitars, especially the Larrivees, the 76 Toronto build original L model is, by far the richest, most well balanced guitar I own. Followed very closely by a Victoria L-10.
After all, that's what Jean set out to do back in the day, and he and his early apprentices did just that.
The C models I own, the OM models, and the D models- nothing is as sweet, with such a perfect balance from bass to treble as the original L.

Unconventional shape, no pick guard be damned- Tom Ducktrapper will certainly concur, the very best Larrivee guitars are what Jean set out to do from the get go, and still, for my money has that aspect down better than any other maker of fine guitars.  

[ducktrapper]

OF ALL MY  guitars, especially the Larrivees, the 76 Toronto build original L model is, by far the richest, most well balanced guitar I own. Followed very closely by a Victoria L-10.
After all, that's what Jean set out to do back in the day, and he and his early apprentices did just that.
The C models I own, the OM models, and the D models- nothing is as sweet, with such a perfect balance from bass to treble as the original L.

Unconventional shape, no pick guard be damned- Tom Ducktrapper will certainly concur, the very best Larrivee guitars are what Jean set out to do from the get go, and still, for my money has that aspect down better than any other maker of fine guitars.  

Yep. Absolutely perfect guitar design as far as I'm concerned. 

[247hoopsfan]

Love the old school rosette on my JCL 40th Anniversary Edition.  I picked this one up right of Jean's hands at the factory in 2008.  He was really proud of this model. 
The Flying Eagle D10 Brazilian has the usual abalone inlay.   Very nice.

41C4E758-90F7-4B37-9771-2F819445C811 by KEITH GREENAWAY, on Flickr

97413082-3015-431D-8FCC-1689DBF9289B by KEITH GREENAWAY, on Flickr