Considering D-03R

[ace1979]

First off, I would like to say that so far I have been very impressed with the amount of useful information on this forum...as I have been browsing it for a few days.
Now I am sort of in the market for a new guitar.  I have had many acoustics and electrics through the years..and let many go (foolishly)...currently i have a gem of a guitar a factory blemished Alvarez AF60S  for my only acoustic...great little guitar really does well...but also looking for something different now...always wanted a rosewood/spruce combo guitar...for sure want something larger than my current "concert/OM" body size for heavier strumming and flatpicking....have tried several that I liked Martin D-35, HD-28, Taylor GS (haven't really liked any other taylors), Gibson Advanced Jumbo...and really wanted to try some Larrivee's...thinking that the L body shape may be the ticket...tried some out the other day L-03/05/09  and D03R and D03...now I have been saving in my "guitar fund" for awhile to get something "nice"  and was thinking that it would take awhile to get the cash together to get a martin, gibson, taylor....but have was so impressed with the larrivees the other day they have moved to the top...now my thought is that the D-03R would be a great way to go..wonderful value...but I then thought that the D09 as has a bit more "bling" may be better overall....any thoughts or opions on these ramblings would be helpful...also does anybody ahve a D03R that the have "spiced up" with tuner knobs or buffing or anything...one of my concerns is the satin finish (never had that before) will it be as durable down the road?  thanks for any thoughts..sorry for the long post :mellow:

[SongMan]

Welcome to the forum!
D-03R and D-09 are identical minus the gloss finish on D-03R. Of course they use better looking woods on the 09 series, but that has not much to do with it's tone.
If you like Gloss finish, nicer rosette, and willing to pay roughly $400-500 more, go for the 09 series.

3 of my friends own D-03R and they are very happy with it. However if I were to get Larrivee Dread, it would be D-09 or D-60. That's because I really like guitars with gloss finish.

oh, and to answer your question, Satin finished Larrivees are very durable.

[roknroll]

A larrivee satin finish is exactly like a gloss finish, with the exception that the satin hasn't been buffed to a shine. 

[Gemnoc]

Not sure about that. There are many coats on a gloss finish. I was under the impression the satin had only one.

[norcal99]

never knew that... So theoretically you could buff your satin finish to gloss? Ahhh sort of explains the Orsino semi-gloss method...

[jeremy3220]

I'm pretty sure the gloss finish is totally different from the satin finish. I believe when it is sprayed on, it is already quite glossy.

[SongMan]

Satin finish is not going to become gloss regardless of how long you buff. I don't know where you got that information.

[Steve]

Larrivée is using a UV cure Poly finish.  These finishes don't just come one way.  You want a gloss finish you use a gloss Poly, satin a satin Poly, etc.  Taylor Guitars is doing the same thing.

They are different in chemical composition, not the same from gloss to satin.

[DVGuy]

The gloss distinction is in the catalyst in the finish, as I understand it. It is different for each, and produces different results.

[Gemnoc]

I'm wondering if anyone has confirmation of what I was speculating. Is the satin finish only one coat of UV cure poly? Since there is no buffing, I guess there'd be no need for it...

[DVGuy]

I'm wondering if anyone has confirmation of what I was speculating. Is the satin finish only one coat of UV cure poly? Since there is no buffing, I guess there'd be no need for it...

Not exactly. The material is slightly different because there is a different chemical added to it to cause it to remain "un-glossy." It isn't exactly the same finish, but pretty close.

[synkronized1]

I prefer a satin finish. Not sure I would when I bought the guitar - a bit unconventional when you look at what's out there. But I find it easier to play for some reason. Not sure how this relates to the original thread but wanted to throw it out there.  :GRN>

[stuco]

 

I agree, I've have satin and gloss guitars and they are both durable.   I agree with synkronized1 for some reason you feel more connected with a satin finish.  Maybe it's because you don't worry about scratching it as much but I find I am very comfortable with a satin finsish. but I do like the looks of gloss as well.  It doesn't really matter if you are looking for tone.  the satin guitars look great as well. but the gloss does give it a more "high end" look. and you get choicer woods and abalone rosette ebony knobs bone saddle etc.  If it is the last guitar you want to buy get the L-09 and you wont ever wonder, if you don't care and just want an awesome guitar at a great price get the 03r.

[Gemnoc]

Not exactly. The material is slightly different because there is a different chemical added to it to cause it to remain "un-glossy." It isn't exactly the same finish, but pretty close.

Maybe I was not clear. I was wondering if there was only one application of varnish on the satin finish guitars. I understand the actual formula between gloss and satin is different.

[ronmac]

Here is the section of the virtual Factory Tour from the Larrivee web site that deals with finishing.

http://www.larrivee.com/flash/features/onlinetour/photo/oxnard/05.html

Since this it is the Oxnard plant that is being shown, the finish discussed will be gloss. I believe that the procedure is very similar with satin guitars. There is a promised virtual tour of the Vancouver plant "coming soon"  :WNK>, so perhaps we will get a better glimpse of the process for satin then.

[ace1979]

thanks for the feedback thus far...any other comments on this matter...also any good advice on purchase of the D vs. L....already have a "concert" body shape with my alvarez af60s....thanks again