PV-09 Rosewood / TSB Maple . Any thoughts about the difference in tone?

[Ron N]

I may very well pick up one of these this year, but have been leaning towards the TSB Maple.
Anybody have one?  If so, please share your thoughts regarding tone.  Is it overly bright?  How would you describe the tone as compared to the Rosewood model?

[B0WIE]

Parlors don't get as much interaction from the back as a larger model would, so the differences become smaller. In general, I find maple to be very neutral and not to add a particular or distinctive harmonic characteristic like some woods do. Some describe that as being "bright" but I personally just hear it as less colored.
East Indian Rosewood tends to thicken the lower midrange and soften the top end, giving what many consider to be a "warmer" sound. Because there's a lot of midrange overtones it can be thought of as complex or reverberant. However, I wouldn't expect to hear much of that in a Parlor. When I hear rosewood in a small guitar, what I'm usually hearing is a slightly softer, thicker sound.

 Everyone has a different perception and experiences so that's just one perspective. If you are trying to find which is "better" I recommend against that. Some of the finest instruments in the world are made from maple so it's simply a matter of taste and not one being better than the other. Personally, I find Larrivee TSBs to be gorgeous, as are their maples. It would be hard to resist that, given the two options. You can always find strings to make a guitar darker but making them brighter is tough, IMO.

[teh]

Ron,

You were lucky to get a detailed answer to your question from Bowie right out of the gate. Over the years here, I've gained a lot of insight from reading his posts. I'm not sure I can add to his description but I will share a few impressions of my own and one caveat. In May 2004, a friend of mine took me to a guitar shop filled with Larrivee Guitars including five 03 series parlors (two rosewood, 2 mahogany, 1 flamed maple). Over the course of an hour, I played all five guitars and put a $50 hold on the Special Edition flamed maple parlor so I could discuss it with my wife and think about it. This was only my second guitar purchase in 27 years so I returned the next day and bought it. I upgraded from the gig bag to a hardshell case and immediately removed the clear pick guard upon purchase.

I chose the maple version for its simple clean lines, satin finish, tone, ease of playing and portability (Its a great travel guitar). Bowie's description of the tone is spot on. With one exception, I use light gauge strings on all of my guitars although many others prefer using medium. With it's 24" scale, this guitar is a fingerpicker/folk/blues player's dream and even works well with open tunings. Here's the caveat: I've found that players either love the parlor or they don't. There doesn't seem to be much in between. The fact that you're looking at a cutaway adds to the cost but well worth it on a 12 fret models. In part because it's a more labor intensive process, especially on a smaller bodied guitar. I have Venetian cutaways on my two L bodies and it's one of Larrivee's best options.

In the end, I am happy with my decision to choose this Canadian made parlor as my first Larrivee. This guitar is also my son's favorite and spends a lot of time at his house. I have two other guitars out on loan now and rotate them with my son and a few close guitar playing friends.

Good luck with your decision.

[BlueBowman]

You can always find strings to make a guitar darker but making them brighter is tough, IMO.

Worth repeating.

Ron, all the best in finding a sweet, little parlor 

[Ron N]

Thanks for the thoughts thus far.  they confirm my hopes.  I have an OM-60 and a 00-40 and have been so happy with my Larrivee's.  We will see how it goes, but my hope is to pull the trigger on this in the spring.  I am leaning towards the MapleTSB.