Forum V - The RS-4

[PM33AUD]

bacchus,

Definitely!

That guitar looks amazing.  The top on #3 has a subtle touch of quilt to it.  I cannot wait.  The way you describe the neck is exactly what I'm looking for so now I'm even more excited!  I find with heavier stuffs, you gots to use the bridge as the neck gets muddy in the mix but clean bridge sounds a bit honky like a bridge HB does.  I plan to use the neck for sparkly and lightly overdriven 'warm' cleans.

On another note, I just got finished modding the AC30 - added dual ch. powerscaling, MIDI control for trem and powerscaling ch. selection, choke replacement/PSU 'fixing', and other circuit mods.  It's flipping sweet and can't wait to get it into actual service and try it out with the mini.

Personally, I really dig the black pup bezels - didn't think of that one!  The colour looks absolutely awesome.  Nice n vintagey and def different enough than my rootbeer which I was hopin for!

Quick question: is the entire neck satin or just the back of the neck?  I can't tell from any of the pics if the headstock face is gloss !?

Cant wait!!!

[bacchus]

bacchus,

Definitely!

That guitar looks amazing.  The top on #3 has a subtle touch of quilt to it.  I cannot wait.  The way you describe the neck is exactly what I'm looking for so now I'm even more excited!  I find with heavier stuffs, you gots to use the bridge as the neck gets muddy in the mix but clean bridge sounds a bit honky like a bridge HB does.  I plan to use the neck for sparkly and lightly overdriven 'warm' cleans.

On another note, I just got finished modding the AC30 - added dual ch. powerscaling, MIDI control for trem and powerscaling ch. selection, choke replacement/PSU 'fixing', and other circuit mods.  It's flipping sweet and can't wait to get it into actual service and try it out with the mini.

Personally, I really dig the black pup bezels - didn't think of that one!  The colour looks absolutely awesome.  Nice n vintagey and def different enough than my rootbeer which I was hopin for!

Quick question: is the entire neck satin or just the back of the neck?  I can't tell from any of the pics if the headstock face is gloss !?

Cant wait!!!

That AC30 sounds nice.  I think you will need some comparison before and after clips.

Regarding your question, the neck itself is satin (and very nice to the touch, smooth as silk) and the headstock veneer is gloss. 

A couple of other things that I neglected to mention earlier, some things that surprised me:

- I really like the case, it is very classy.
- The inlays are fantastic, more than expected actually.  They are very well executed and extremely colorful.
- The weight of this thing is perfect.  Just heavy enough to feel nice and sturdy, but light on the shoulders.

I wish I wasn't at work today....

[JOYCEfromNS]

- The weight of this thing is perfect.  Just heavy enough to feel nice and sturdy, but light on the shoulders.

Anybody get a chance to weigh one, as Matthew had said he had a special reserve of light mahogany just for these guitars

[Mikeymac]

Anybody get a chance to weigh one, as Matthew had said he had a special reserve of light mahogany just for these guitars

Even my standard RS-4 is not that heavy on the shoulder because of the body's design and thickness. Yet, as mentioned above, it still feels like a very solid, substantial guitar - and when you play it you notice it's great resonance from body to neck and back.

The RS-4 is just a great design all around.

[randmag]

Anybody get a chance to weigh one, as Matthew had said he had a special reserve of light mahogany just for these guitars

I weighed my RS-4 Goldtop at 8.55 lbs.

The RS-4 Forum V weighs 7.5 lbs

The difference in weight is something I noticed immediately. I've been playing the FV for about a week now and the honeymoon is definitely NOT over. The mini pickups are just incredible. I love all the tones I'm getting from this guitar but obviously it sounds best when it's pushing my amp (Swart AST). Like some here I would consider myself intermediate at best but I plan on doing some sound comparisons between the Goldtop and FV. It won't be anything fancy but I try and capture several different configs for you guys to hear. I'll try and do that this weekend and post next week.

[PM33AUD]

Wow,

That's pretty significant weight savings!  I though my RS4 was already extremely light and comfortable.  This one would approach my Ibanezes!

I think it's really great they did gloss on the veneer.  More work but I was a bit curious if they'd be willing to take the extra step.  I should have known better!

Phil

[bacchus]

...
Like some here I would consider myself intermediate at best but I plan on doing some sound comparisons between the Goldtop and FV. It won't be anything fancy but I try and capture several different configs for you guys to hear. I'll try and do that this weekend and post next week.

That would be awesome.  We need to get more clips of these things in action, they definitely deserve it. 

[Mr_LV19E]

I got #3 last night.  Man this thing is sweet!  I love everything about it.  This thing looks great, feels great, and man o' man does this thing sound great. 

There are so many usable tones in every position.  And the mini - this thing is so cool!  It does exactly what I hoped it would.  You get that nice, thick, smooth neck tone, all without any of the associated muddiness of a hot hum in the neck position.  The neck doesn't seem to overdrive very easily, but I am more than OK with that because it sounds fantastic clean to crunchy.  The bridge full-HB is no slouch either, obviously.  It just screams rock, this thing sings like a rugged gentleman.  The guitar itself is just so balanced and resonant, it is hard to get it to sound bad.

Long story short, I am very happy!  I am obviously still firmly in honeymoon phase, but all signs point to this guitar being a lifer.  Thanks to everyone at Larrivee for doing such a great job on these.  A very special thanks to the facilitators of this process: Matt, Ted, and Andrew.

Anyway, sorry to babble, here are some more pics.

The guitar is a thing of beauty, fabulous color.

One question, why does it look like the wound strings are not set in the middle of the saddles?  I know less than nothing about electric guitars, that's why I'm asking.

[bacchus]

I think that this is just an artifact of camera perspective.  I'll check tonight.

[L07 Shooting Star]

I weighed my RS-4 Goldtop at 8.55 lbs.

The RS-4 Forum V weighs 7.5 lbs

The difference in weight is something I noticed immediately. .................................

Boy, I just weighed mine and it's WAY heavier than both of yours, Randy.  It's almost 17 lbs.!  Oh wait a minute, let me take it out of the case. 

Seriously though, mine comes in at right around 8 lbs.  However, I could be out half a pound either way as I don't have any real accurate scales here.  On the fishing scale in my tackle box, I get around 8.5 and on my bathroom scale, about 8 lbs. (both by weighing it alone, and deducting it from my weight while holding it).

Also, I hate to harp on this, but what kind of documentation, if any, did the rest of you get with your guitar?  Wondering about warranty registration.  Still no response from L.A. Guitars on this.

Kurt

[bacchus]

Also, I hate to harp on this, but what kind of documentation, if any, did the rest of you get with your guitar?  Wondering about warranty registration.  Still no response from L.A. Guitars on this.

None to speak of for me either.

The guitar is a thing of beauty, fabulous color.

One question, why does it look like the wound strings are not set in the middle of the saddles?  I know less than nothing about electric guitars, that's why I'm asking.

Welp, I got home and noticed that you were right,  the wound strings were not in the saddle slots... oops.  I slipped them in there this evening and all is well...  I don't know how I missed that earlier.  I must have been blinded by the elation of a new guitar. 

[Mr_LV19E]

  I must have been blinded by the elation of a new guitar. 

Not surprising, I'd have a hard time taking my eyes off it long enough to play it.  Glad it was something easily fixed.

[jojo123]

Greetings all.     Number 7 of 10 checking in !  I received my Larrivee RS-4 Forum V yesterday.  I only had a chance to play around with it briefly but long enough to form an initial impression. 

I am delighted with it!  Fit and finish are flawless.  Set up is perfect.  The maple top is very aesthetic and tasteful.  Love the headstock inlay.  I will get pics up later, but it looks much like the others actually. 

I got the mini/mini.  The pick-ups are very clear and articulate with good note separation, and they seem nicely touch sensitive.  I look forward to "dialing it in" through my Swart STR-Tweed 5W amp and various OD and delay pedals.  This guitar is perfect complement to my all mahogany RS4 with the gen3 humbuckers.

It is always leap of faith to buy a custom model, but this exceeded all of my expectations.  Thanks to Matt and the team at Larrivee and LA Guitar. 

[bacchus]

I am delighted with it!  Fit and finish are flawless.  Set up is perfect.  The maple top is very aesthetic and tasteful.  Love the headstock inlay.  I will get pics up later, but it looks much like the others actually. 

I got the mini/mini.  The pick-ups are very clear and articulate with good note separation, and they seem nicely touch sensitive.  I look forward to "dialing it in" through my Swart STR-Tweed 5W amp and various OD and delay pedals.  This guitar is perfect complement to my all mahogany RS4 with the gen3 humbuckers.

It is always leap of faith to buy a custom model, but this exceeded all of my expectations.  Thanks to Matt and the team at Larrivee and LA Guitar. 

Aren't these just awesome?  We still want pics    It is nice to see how they all turned out.

Im curious how you think the mini in the neck on the FV compares to the full neck PU in your RS4?  I am really loving all the tones I am getting out of this thing.  The neck PU has really exceeded my expectations.

[PM33AUD]

    

[MC13]

Here is #2 (again) flanked by my other 2 Larrivees.
-Matt

[bacchus]

Great Pic and 's

[jojo123]

Aren't these just awesome?  We still want pics    It is nice to see how they all turned out.

Im curious how you think the mini in the neck on the FV compares to the full neck PU in your RS4?  I am really loving all the tones I am getting out of this thing.  The neck PU has really exceeded my expectations.

This is indoor artificial lighting so crappy photos.  Below are pics of pics of #7 and some other guitars as well. 

Pictured with the Forum V is an all mahogany RS4 which is my main electric.  I originally came with gold hardware, which was too blingy for my simple tastes.  So I swapped out the hardware to nickel.  I put in gen3 humbuckers which are finished in like a gunmetal black; the originals were gold and gen 2 I think.  I also sanded the neck (very carefully) to make it satin. 

In the rack are my family of Larrivees.  The other guitars: the semi-hollow body is a Vox Virage.  It is a great guitar, super comfortable, with sophisticated construction.  However the original pickups were not that great, so I installed some Dimarzio soapbar P90's, plus put black knobs on it.  I'm not done with it yet, I may even try the Larrivee mini's in it to see how it sounds.  The tele is a Squier J5.  Made in China, very well built guitar, but cheap electronics and pickups.  I just recently installed some gen3 uncovered humbuckers and replaced the electrics with a prewired Callaham control plate.  The difference was noticeable.  It roars like a beast now.        

[jojo123]

Aren't these just awesome?  We still want pics    It is nice to see how they all turned out.

Im curious how you think the mini in the neck on the FV compares to the full neck PU in your RS4?  I am really loving all the tones I am getting out of this thing.  The neck PU has really exceeded my expectations.

Regarding the mini neck pickup compared to the full humbucker neck pickup, that is a good question !!   I REALLY like the Larrivee gen3 full humbucker neck pickups.  I have them in my RS4 and modded a tele with the gen3's as well.  The sound is thick with great bass presence and power.  The bridge pickups are more bright, focused and twangy and good change of pace.

Compared to the full humbucker neck pickups the minis seem tighter, more focused, more touch sensitive (left hand needs to be accurate) with a faster attack.  They also seem "hotter."  The fulls seem warmer, and more organic.  Both are good pickups of course, with good note separation.  Your preference would likely depend on what kind of music you play.  I play blues stuff, so I actually prefer the fulls.  Keep in mind I am just a hobbyist (with steadily expanding guitar collection) !!     

[bacchus]

Regarding the mini neck pickup compared to the full humbucker neck pickup, that is a good question !!   I REALLY like the Larrivee gen3 full humbucker neck pickups.  I have them in my RS4 and modded a tele with the gen3's as well.  The sound is thick with great bass presence and power.  The bridge pickups are more bright, focused and twangy and good change of pace.

Compared to the full humbucker neck pickups the minis seem tighter, more focused, more touch sensitive (left hand needs to be accurate) with a faster attack.  They also seem "hotter."  The fulls seem warmer, and more organic.  Both are good pickups of course, with good note separation.  Your preference would likely depend on what kind of music you play.  I play blues stuff, so I actually prefer the fulls.  Keep in mind I am just a hobbyist (with steadily expanding guitar collection) !!     

Thanks for sharing!

You have quite a collection.  Very nice!  I love the all mahogany RS-4, looks very cool and very unique.  I also love the flame on your F-V.

I don't have much to compare it too, granted, but I am really liking the neck mini.  One thing it is doing for me is encouraging me to play some cleaner stuff because it just sounds so nice that way.  It is very smooth but with great articulation.  It's also got a nice balance from the warmth of the neck position and the slightly brighter nature of the pickup itself.  I am also really liking the pup driven with just enough gain to get a nice, chunky grind.

I don't even need to mention the full Gen3 bridge pup, that thing is exactly what I wanted, particularly for the real rock stuff, top notch.  I couldn't be happier here.  I am curious to hear the mini's in the bridge position though.

I haven't messed much with the in between settings, but really want to dive in there too.  So much to do...