Larri Classicals

[leerichards]

Late last year I purchased a used Larri classical from Jim at Trinity. Later, I emailed Larrivee and Yumi informed me that it was made in 2006 in a run of only seven guitars. I am immensely pleased with it; it seems to me to show all the characteristics of the steel stringers - clarity and balance and good volume. But I only have a little La Patrie parlour to compare it with and I wonder if there are any members who are more into classical guitars who could give me an idea of where in the spectrum of classicals the Larris would be regarded? From what I understand there has been quite a long gap since Larrivee produced classicals in any volume so mine would possibly not share the same characteristics as the older ones, but any opinons on the general status and/or descriptions of sound qualities would be much appreciated. Mine is spruce & IRW and contains a label which says simply LS 03R. With many thanks in advance, Rick. 

[JOYCEfromNS]

Rick,  the label LS 03R would have made me thought this was not a classical model?

[Randy_R]

They did make some classical LS 03's a few years ago, and Lee has one of them.

This came up briefly in the discussions leading up to the Forum IV guitar I believe.

Makes life interesting ... 

We've sidebarred Lee's discussion of classicals though.

[unclrob]

I've played a 2005's with and without cutaway and always found them very comfortable to play and a fairly nice versitile tone.The long scale puts off most traditional classical guitarist but I have a client that love's his.He see's them as both very usable for classical playing and jazz.

[leerichards]

Rick,  the label LS 03R would have made me thought this was not a classical model?

I shouldn't have mentioned the label - there have been some very heated debates here on what labels mean. But Joyce, I can assure you that it is a classical guitar and I can assure you even more emphatically that I know the difference. Not to put too fine a point on it, even if the label in my classical Larri said "Gibson Les Paul", I would still know that it was a Larrivee classical. 

Uncle, thanks for the input. You have great depth of knowledge to be able to mention straight off the longer scale on these guitars (26"). But what I'd be interested to know is how the Larri classicals would be regarded by serious classical musicians. As you say, the scale might be an instant turn off but I hope that someone on the forum has experience with better quality classicals and be able to rate the sound qualities of the Larris against the bigger names. With thanks and still hoping, Rick 

[unclrob]

Though I'm not a serious classical player I have played all sorts of classical guitars ie:Hill and Ramerez are the one's I can think of as far as name's but some very hutie tootie guitars have passed thru my hands.It seems to me that classical guitar players arestrongly brand based.Guys on the west coast of the US will only play certian guitars and won't touch something made on the east coast and vice a versa.I will say that for myself I'd rather play a Larrivee then most of the others I've played more then likely because it responded to my poor steel string player technic.

[leerichards]

Wow, that's good news, Uncle - just what I was hoping to hear. When I called Jim with my card number to close the deal, I asked him how it compared with the high end Larri classicals and he said that he thought my 03 sounded as good as the higher grade Larris that had passed though his hands. But I've never known its "form" in a wider context. I don't play classical  music at all, in fact I can't even read music, but I play all my own stuff improvised fingerpicking and the classical offers forms of expression that a steely doesn't. At a guesstimate, I'd say I play steel:nylon about 55:45 and I really wouldn't like to have to choose only one to live with. So thanks a heap for your help.    Rick

[Zohn]

At a guesstimate, I'd say I play steel:nylon about 55:45 and I really wouldn't like to have to choose only one to live with. So thanks a heap for your help.    Rick

Hey Rick!
I have never even seen a Larrivee Classical, but it sounds like the longer scale length model you have was "made for a steel player". The more tension should provide for more expression with finger style - and if you use alternative open tunings should do the "dropped D" rather well.
My Tak is a "steel player's nylon" at 650mm scale length (that would be approx 25,6") which I enjoy as well.
The classical Larri is on my "to play list" which hopefully I will try out soon. 

[leerichards]

 Here's a pic of my two Larris. The steel is an L03R - I've posted this pic before so excuse the tedium factor. What surprised me is that the body size difference is quite subtle. The classical is almost identical to the FIII size except its depth is 4.25" rather than the FIII's 4". But how fortunate are we  to be able to access such quality sounds at the prices Larrivee charge?

Zohn, I enjoy your contributions, but could you sound a bit less triumphant with your GO SPRINGBOKS slogan, please? The All Blacks are not doing so well at the moment and every time I read your slogan it rubs it in just a bit more.   But we'll be back. Possibly.  Rick

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[Zohn]

Hi again Rick!!

Zohn, I enjoy your contributions, but could you sound a bit less triumphant with your GO SPRINGBOKS slogan, please? The All Blacks are not doing so well at the moment and every time I read your slogan it rubs it in just a bit more.  But we'll be back. Possibly.   Rick

Jayyyyyy!! - at last another rugby-forumite!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The Boks had a good season, but had their good fortune too... The Wallabies have me worried somewhat for this year's season (please don't tell Fongie), and then the Blacks: well they're always in there aren't they?
Anyway, I took these snaps from a 2005 catalogue this morning, to add substance to your classical:  (looks like a good one too) 



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[leerichards]

Zohn, I've not heard of those LS 30s. I suppose all the build specs are the same as mine except that mine has the satin 03 finish.

And as for the All Blacks being "always in there"... well yes we are in there all right, but where do we finish? Same as Fiji last time, that's where. Dunedin, the city in which I live is at present in the process of bankrupting itself to build a new covered stadium in time for the 2011 RWC. It has been immensely controversial and divisive because the initial plan was to have the stadium entirely financed by private corporations, but when the private backing never materialised, the City Council pushed ahead despite polls conducted by the Otago University indicating that ratepayers were 70:30 against the city picking up the debt. They never consulted us (the ratepayers) by way of official referendum. Now Dunedin, a far from wealthy city, is saddled with a massive debt that will impact on progress in other core areas for many many years.

But this is a long way from Larris.  Rick

[Zohn]

Dunedin, the city in which I live is at present in the process of bankrupting itself to build a new covered stadium in time for the 2011 RWC.

Oh man, don't you get me started on wasting tax-payers money. All of 15 new soccer stadiums are being built for the soccer world cup tourney which is being staged in SA later this year. Meanwhile our roads are pot-holed, we're running out of power (electricity) - sounds familiar? - and general services are neglected like you can't believe.
So, you must be a Highlander-supporter - I kinda liked the "House of Pain" - specially beating the All Blacks there recently!!
Yeah - at least we have great guitars don't we?    (Steinlager)

[ducktrapper]

Here is an 1977 Larrivée classical @ the 12Fret. 650 mm scale length.

scroll down  -  http://www.12fret.com/used/index.html#CLASSICAL &

picture   -   http://www.12fret.com/used/LarriveeClassical1977my09.jpg

[ffinke]

Here is an 1977 Larrivée classical @ the 12Fret. 650 mm scale length.

scroll down  -  http://www.12fret.com/used/index.html#CLASSICAL &

picture   -   http://www.12fret.com/used/LarriveeClassical1977my09.jpg

I've noticed people referring to the Larrivee classical as a long scale (26"). If it's a 650mm (25.6") scale that is normal for a concert classical. 640mm is the short scale version and is easier to play ala the short (24.9") scale that is popular on some guitars. Segovia had a very heavy attack (to be heard without amplification in concert halls) and his Ramirezes were always set up with high action to accommodate his style. If the Larrivee is 650mm that's in the ballpark for the concert classicals; if it's longer all the better (call it a baritone).

f

[mas music]

The subject of Larrivee classical guitars is a reoccurring theme on this forum. The look, feel and shape of the "L" series was clearly inspired by the Classical guitar. Since Jean Larrivee began his career building classical guitars I'm willing to bet they are great instruments. 

[leerichards]

Duck, I should thank you for the 12th Fret link but your instruction to "scroll down" caused me a painful experience. The maple archtop Harrison for example, fortunately sold but you know what I mean. Do you take me for a rich man? Or one immune to GAS? Please don't do that again without PMing me your credit card number in advance. 

ffinke, I've just checked mine and it is definitely 660mm scale. But with all your guys help, I have come to the realisation that I have a top notch classical. It probably deserves a more skilled owner, but I've got her for the time being. She certainly is a joy to play and responds to the slightest touch, maybe the higher tension drives the spruce top better. So thanks for all the input, people, it is very much appreciated. 

Oh, and Zohn. Carisbrook. Yes I have walked on the hallowed turf many times having followed cricket there as well until cricket moved to the beautiful and much more appropriate University Oval. I don't think they have fully decided what is to come of Carisbrook yet. Highlanders? Hmmm. A franchise, a "bought in" team. I get much more tuned up when Otago play in the National Provincial Championship (NPC) - it's more "natural". But then maybe I'm just getting to be too close to being an old timer and set in my ways.    Rick

[ST]

Click the picture below for more details about my Model 38 Classical


--== click the picture to see more details ==--