Forum V - The RS-4

[bacchus]

This guitar is growing on me more and more (which is a bit creepy, really).

You probably ought to have that checked out, though there are worse things that could be growing on you.  Ok, done with terrible jokes, I was informed that I have reached my half day limit.

[headsup]

 

HI, folks, please forgive my getting lost in the thread here.
I own an RS-4 (with the Larrivee pick-ups) and  I am very pleased with it every detail.
I am trying ascertain whether anyone has actually added a bigsby to theirs or not.
and what model?
The B3?

Not terribly familiar with Forums generally, but having my fair share of Larrivee's over the years, (still have 3) and knowing Jean from 40 years ago, well, I might be a tad out of my league here.Any help around bigsby or link pointing will be greatly appreciated.
thanks ever so much.

newbie guy

[PM33AUD]

@ headsup:

I, too, am interested in the Bigsby if it's an option but still not 100% on it mainly due to the string angle.

There's another thread here created just for this topic: http://www.larriveeforum.com/smf/index.php?topic=38141.0

Larrivee seems to be going with the B3 for the RS4 which I still think is the better option.  I prefer the feel and simpler, more elegant look of the B3 but the B7 has an additional bar that increases the string angle helping it stay on the saddles better for guitars with shorter saddle heights.  For harder-hitters like myself the solution with a B3 is likely to just grove the saddles deep.  I'm still looking for a LP style guitar with a B3 I can try myself but most I've found all use the B7.

[bacchus]

I understand why many of you want the bigsby on this guitar, especially those of you with multiple Larri electrics.  My own issues with them are price, and honestly even more than that, if we are getting this beautiful special reserve top, it seems a shame to distract from it so much.  Those are just my 2 cents.  The callaham is much more appealing simply because only one of those gripes is true, but there is an assumed tonal benefit to their use.  Having said that, I still prefer the standard tonepros, but as I have said, if a consensus is reached, I will be happy either way. 

[bacchus]

So, not to distract from the current issue at hand, I am curious about this option:

Finish Choice Poly or Varnish Body with Satin Neck - all must be same. Or full poly like stock

I understand the satin neck, and am happy with that if that is where this goes.  Now regarding the poly vs. varnish, would the varnish offer any particular advantages, and what kind of markup would we see for that option?

[JOYCEfromNS]

I understand the satin neck, and am happy with that if that is where this goes.  Now regarding the poly vs. varnish, would the varnish offer any particular advantages, and what kind of markup would we see for that option?

No cost option here. For the record I am in either way, but feel the varnish option with Satin Neck would provide some uniqueness.

More can chime in here but The Varnish vs Poly Debate is somewhat significant in some electric circles. The Varnish certainly would be more traditional in appearance especially as it ages ( checking) and some might argue superior in tone but this is very subjective. The Varnish lets the wood age and breath, leading some to believe improvement in tone with age.

The pro to Poly is of course it's durability in staying ageless in appearance.

Anybody with a Larrivee Mandolin would have some idea of how spectacular a Varnish finish is




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[Walkerman]

Here's a varnish finish with flamed maple an a small burst......

[PM33AUD]

So is the deal with a satin neck option that the whole guitar has to be satin? (if so, then HECK NO!)

Varnish or Poly I have no preference.  Resin/Shellac-based varnish is closer to lacquer (just not solvent-based) but haven't had a varnish guitar but I am sure they are awesome - Poly is thicker and the poly finish on the RS4 I have NO complaints at all.  I think varnish should be pretty cool too - another thing to kinda set it apart for those already with an RS-4.  But whatever Larrivee thinks is best is fine by me.

@ bacchus:  I think I'm leaning towards the Callaham or Tonepros - you bring up a very good point regarding the 'reserve top' they plan to use.  If anything, I should put the Bigsby on my current RS4 and leave the Forum V's top as unobstructed as possible.  I already own some very nice tremolo guitars anyways.  My vote is with the Callaham in Gold.

[JOYCEfromNS]

So is the deal with a satin neck option that the whole guitar has to be satin? (if so, then HECK NO!)

Sorry friends maybe it's the Nova Scotianese causing a little confusion on the finish  

Your options here tho we all must have the same thus majority rules:

Full Poly ( like current RS4's)

Varnish Body Poly Neck

Varnish Body  with satan neck

Poly Body  with satan neck

Full Varnish

We are given a lot of options here with Pros and Cons to each. Hope this clarifies somewhat BUT I understand with choices we may sometimes find it hard to make a decision.  

[bacchus]

Yeah, I just dug into the varnish vs. poly debates on some electric forums.  What did I learn?  Well, that there are a whole lot of very opinionated people when it comes to guitar finishes.

I would really like to have Matt or someone in the know weigh in on what they think as far as varnish vs. poly on Larrivee electrics.  Varnish would definitely make for a unique guitar.  Also, FWIW, I think a satin neck could be pretty nice.

[JOYCEfromNS]

I would really like to have Matt or someone in the know weigh in on what they think as far as varnish vs. poly on Larrivee electrics. 

Not sure there is a definitive answer that you seek on this 

[bacchus]

You mean to tell me that the ever-debated complexities which have filled forums and pubs (or, at least, I assume) cannot be definitively answered by one man?  Color me disillusioned. :-D.  I guess the varnish - satin neck option sounds pretty good to me then.

[MC13]

Sorry friends maybe it's the Nova Scotianese causing a little confusion on the finish  

Your options here tho we all must have the same thus majority rules:

Full Poly ( like current RS4's)

Varnish Body Poly Neck

Varnish Body  with satan neck

Poly Body  with satan neck

Full Varnish

We are given a lot of options here with Pros and Cons to each. Hope this clarifies somewhat BUT I understand with choices we may sometimes find it hard to make a decision.  

If you're seeking opinions, I like the satin neck, but less concerned about the body.  I'll vote for a poly body if your pushing for votes.

Matt

[Cybercanyon]

My vote is for a satin neck with a poly body.

[L07 Shooting Star]

Me too.  Satin neck with poly body.

[Walkerman]

I can say that the varnish finish is very delicate.  For an electric, I'd opt for poly.

[JOYCEfromNS]

Tho Varnish may not have the durability of Poly ( nothing does) it is still very suitable for electric guitars as the electrics from the Gibbys from the 50's have proved.

Friends do some reading on the possibility of Varnish for all the Pros I have mentioned above as well as the uniqueness it would bring tho it wouldn't surprise me if Larrivee start offering this option more in the future on RS 4's 

[PM33AUD]

Sorry friends maybe it's the Nova Scotianese causing a little confusion on the finish  

Your options here tho we all must have the same thus majority rules:

Full Poly ( like current RS4's)

Varnish Body Poly Neck

Varnish Body  with satan neck

Poly Body  with satan neck

Full Varnish

We are given a lot of options here with Pros and Cons to each. Hope this clarifies somewhat BUT I understand with choices we may sometimes find it hard to make a decision.  

It doesn't make sense to mix-n-match finishes and I'm sure it probably would be a PIA to do.  I'm voting for:

Gloss poly, satin poly back-of-neck
or
Gloss varnish, satin varnish back-of-neck

I really dont mind so long as it's one of these two.   Love the poly on my RS4 but never had a varnish electric so I got that excitement too.  Varnish would also make it smell different which is another unique factor to consider :D

Are we at a stage where we should round up who's in/out and start doing votes on each of the parametres?

[bacchus]

Well, I like the idea of varnish, but poly is perfectly fine with me too.  I honestly haven't ever had experience with varnish on an electric so I would be presumptuous in arguing it's benefits.

Are we at a stage where we should round up who's in/out and start doing votes on each of the parametres?

I am definitely in, assuming we keep the $$ reasonable.  I think we can do this.

[Mikeymac]

My first choice would be varnish body/satin neck. But if they can do all varnish (body and neck) I'm up for that, too.

Is the wrap around tailpiece an option? I've been rethinking the Bigsby thing based on comments others have made, and it might make more sense to just get an aftermarket one to install on my current RS-4 ... or even get the flat one and install it on my RS-2 ... a much less expensive option.

So ... is the wrap around one piece bridge an option?