Forum V - The RS-4

[JOYCEfromNS]

I dont intend to derail this conversation, and I believe that this is relevant to the topic at hand, so here goes. 

I am wondering whether it would make sense to combine the new mini-HB with a full-size HB for this guitar.  I don't know much at all about the custom pickups being used, but have heard nothing but accolades for Matt's designs.  I really love the idea of having the mini, but am still looking for a bit of throaty crunch so I figured maybe this configuration would give me the best of both worlds.  Any opinions?

Not at all Friend, my problem is deciding between P90 or Full in Bridge and definitely a Mini in Neck. Leaning today towards Full HB in Bridge and Mini in neck. Yesterday it was a P90 in Bridge Mini in neck. Only constant is Mini in Neck. With a Full and Mini together this way seems to me almost doubles your output in middle position compared to two fulls - why is this donno they just seem to get along better. The others seem to work better independently. Have  Norlin Les Paul set up this way. Lots of choices here everyone may have a different preference that's why I am very happy Larrivee is so flexible in PUP choice

[Mikeymac]

Lots of choices here everyone may have a different preference that's why I am very happy Larrivee is so flexible in PUP choice

Amen to this.

As to the fingerboard inlays:
Since Matthew's not too crazy about the acoustic style inlays on the electrics (even though I think it "COULD" look pretty cool, or, at least "pretty"), I'd also vote for incorporating a "V" into the inlay at the 12th fret and keep the standard "block/triangle" inlays.

I do like the vine logo with the Larrivee name in it best - even though it has been used (what? once or twice?) on the RS-4.

Getting closer to full specs, I can feel it... 

[Mikeymac]

This is also cool: I love the snakewood used as binding on this guitar (see pic below). Don't mind it on the headstock either, and it's also used for the heelcap on this one; could be used for the heelcap on the Forum V, too. could be an appointment that ties a bunch of stuff together.

Also, what about using the Kluson "vintage style" tuners on this one instead of the Schallers?

Just suggestions, certainly not deal breakers (sorry about the double pic post):

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[PM33AUD]

Nice... yea my RS4 has the Klusons with ivoroid keys and I love em.  I have Gotohs, Schallers, and Grovers on my other guitars and I like these the best.  I think they may be standard on the new ones?

[bacchus]

Not at all Friend, my problem is deciding between P90 or Full in Bridge and definitely a Mini in Neck. Leaning today towards Full HB in Bridge and Mini in neck. Yesterday it was a P90 in Bridge Mini in neck. Only constant is Mini in Neck. With a Full and Mini together this way seems to me almost doubles your output in middle position compared to two fulls - why is this donno they just seem to get along better. The others seem to work better independently. Have  Norlin Les Paul set up this way. Lots of choices here everyone may have a different preference that's why I am very happy Larrivee is so flexible in PUP choice

Good to know, I am really looking for some versatility in this bad boy and having the choice of PUP combos, including the tantalizing addition of a brand-new, special signed and numbered mini has my mind spinning a bit.

[rockstar_not]

This is also cool: I love the snakewood used as binding on this guitar (see pic below). Don't mind it on the headstock either, and it's also used for the heelcap on this one; could be used for the heelcap on the Forum V, too. could be an appointment that ties a bunch of stuff together.

Also, what about using the Kluson "vintage style" tuners on this one instead of the Schallers?

Just suggestions, certainly not deal breakers (sorry about the double pic post):

What's going on with the filigree inlay on the headstock on all the curved areas (like along the top edge and down by the E and e tuners?  Looks a little jagged.  Is that just from the photo?

[JOYCEfromNS]

As to the fingerboard inlays:
I'd also vote for incorporating a "V" into the inlay at the 12th fret and keep the standard "block/triangle" inlays.

Yes I think that would be very nice and the more I think about it -  the stock RS 4 inlays are Mother of Pearl & Abalone V Block so what could be more appropriate than that   Thoughts

[bacchus]

Yes I think that would be very nice and the more I think about it -  the stock RS 4 inlays are Mother of Pearl & Abalone V Block so what could be more appropriate than that   Thoughts

I love the idea of having a 'V' somewhere, I had envisioned it at the 5th fret, but the 12th would be fine as well.  I could even do that without any other fretboard inlays at all (well, or just the simple ones that were recommended).

[Walkerman]

What's going on with the filigree inlay on the headstock on all the curved areas (like along the top edge and down by the E and e tuners?  Looks a little jagged.  Is that just from the photo?

It's just the photo.

[PM33AUD]

Anyone know a rough timeline on the Forum guitars and what deposits usually are?  I need to plan this out and see if I have enough time to pull in some loot.

[Mikeymac]

Anyone know a rough timeline on the Forum guitars and what deposits usually are?  I need to plan this out and see if I have enough time to pull in some loot.

I just ordered a Bakersfield locally and had to put 20% down ... but each dealer is different, and for a forum guitar, I suspect it might be more ... even up to 50%. Maybe Andrew knows.

[JOYCEfromNS]

I just ordered a Bakersfield locally and had to put 20% down ... but each dealer is different, and for a forum guitar, I suspect it might be more ... even up to 50%. Maybe Andrew knows.

No I felt these details would be decided between LA Guitars and Larrivee. I believe the Forum IV was $500 down Once I know will of course share with you right away. Will try to get some kind of feeling on that this coming week.

As for Timeline will get a better idea once Final Specs and then order #'s are more clear. 2 to 3 months seems what previous Forum Gits were tho

Priority right now ought to be nailing down the Specs

[L07 Shooting Star]

On the Forum V - RS4, how much extra could a flame maple headstock overlay like this, (with the vine inlay in wood instead of abalone/pearl) cost over the regular ebony one?  Can't see why it should cost that much more.  Must be some small pieces of flame maple laying around, maybe enough to do this on a dozen or so guitars, no?  Wouldn't using wood for the logo inlay be cheaper than using pearl, abalone, or silver?  Just wondering.  

Borrowed this pic from Walkerman's post in another thread.

Kurt

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[JOYCEfromNS]

On the Forum V - RS4, how much extra could a flame maple headstock overlay like this, (with the vine inlay in wood instead of abalone/pearl) cost over the regular ebony one?  Can't see why it should cost that much more.  Must be some small pieces of flame maple laying around, maybe enough to do this on a dozen or so guitars, no?  

The veneer itself is somewhat easy to install but the logo will look like crud against it which hours of minute scrapping and sanding. The headplate would be color Forum V ( ice-tea) as well, and most difficult to mask off the pearl logo. Also the silver would look strange if not proplerly done. I guess what I'm saying is it would be very labour intensive to the tune of about $250 per.

[L07 Shooting Star]

Andrew,
in my proposal there would be no pearl, abalone, or silver inlays of any kind on the headstock.  The inlays and headstock border would all be in contrasting (dark) WOOD.  I don't know the process, but wouldn't you just sunburst the headstock overlay maple first, then route out for the inlays afterwards?  I thought it was a given that this was how this process is done.

On second thought, I see your point.  The inlays have to be levelled even with the overlay before the finish is put on.  D'uh.  I guess my idea would only be cost effective if the headstock was not sunbursted but just left natural.

Anyways, it's no big deal.  I'm happy with whatever headstock is chosen.

Kurt

[JOYCEfromNS]

Friends, at the end of the day it doesn't matter which choice we go with to me. As I know we will end up with a special unique guitar made only available to us.

The only thing that I would seriously ask you all to really consider is Callaham Bridge. Unfortunately with this option it's an all in (except the Bigsby opters) and there would be an upcharge likely close to $200,

I don't think there is one factor greater that we are considering that would have a greater positive effect on tone than the Callaham Bridge. The SD 35th Annniversary didn't choose this bridge by accident they chose the best available woods, hardware and builder - just like we want to do . Please read up on it and give it some thought. 

[PM33AUD]

The Callaham seems sweet.  If I go tunomatic, I'll go in on that (they have it in gold?!).  If they dont have gold, and it's nickel plate maybe Larrivee can do all other HW gold and leave the bridge as nickel and I can send it to my plater (I have some other stuff I need plated anyways).

After deposit, how long are we looking here?  Is it a month, 6 month, a year, several years?  I have no idea on the approximate timeline - maybe some previous forum guitar-ers can chime in on how the last batch kinda went.  If it's too soon and ML can pop these things out faster than I'm guessing can be done, then I probably have to step out of this whole deal since I wont have enough $$$.

As far as other features, I don't think I'd change anything other than putting block V inlays on it - with maybe V on the 12th or sth.  We can vote on features maybe and just get it out of the way?  Or just let Matthew Larrivee use his creative judgement and do what he sees fit.  I hope the top is insane like some of the 10-tops I've seen on various guitars.  The figure on my RS4 is pretty sweet as is :D

I think I may go to a music store today to try out a Bigsby or 2 to see if it's something I'd want.  :D

[WPete]

........
I don't think there is one factor greater that we are considering that would have a greater positive effect on tone than the Callaham Bridge. The SD 35th Annniversary didn't choose this bridge by accident they chose the best available woods, hardware and builder - just like we want to do ...

Dang, I wasn't paying too much attention to the F-V since I'm still getting used to my "new to me" RS-4, but if this turns out with hi function hardware with select wood and custom color - then it really will be an investment grade instrument even w/o fancy inlays and be a great player to boot !
Good job Andrew !!

[PM33AUD]

OK, just got back from the music store and tried out some Bigsbys...

B3:  This I actually liked more because the trem arm is in easy access and more towards the neck - about 1-2" closer than the B7.  The only issue is that of string angle.  I only tried this on a Gretsch hollow-body and the saddle was SUPER high (I think over an inch) so even w/o the extra bar the B7 has, the string angle was still steep enough for strings not to pop out.  Unfortunately, neither store I went to had a solid-body with a Bigsby so I couldn't get a feel for the string angle - but I will say it's gonna be much less and am still a bit worried about strings popping off the saddle on a solidbody electric.  That being said, I liked this one better still.  It also looks nicer IMO.

B7:  About the same feel as the B3 but because the whole bridge assembly is further back and shorter, the trem arm is kinda too far back and not as easy to access as the B3 making it a little harder to use and def not as natural.  The additional bar of the B7 allows a really steep string angle though.

Tuning seemed just dandy on both and were super smooth.  I like it!

[ST]

Hi PM33AUD,

Don't want to derail this thread so please see Bigsby string angle at the bridge.

I'm starting a new discussion to talk about Bigbsys - outside the strict context of the Forum V RS-4.