Sd50 Review

[unclrob]

Let me start by saying BANG ZOOM WOOOOOSH,Holy sonic boom Batman.Now that I've said that.I don't remember if anyone posted a review yet{and I'm to stupid when it comes to computers to do a searchso}this thing is without a doubt a CANNON,Great note seperation Balanced and do I say LOUD.For those who have never played a 1 7/8 nut it will take getting use to I had a hard time finger pickin it but give me a day or two.I played some finger style blues on it then tured it over to my supplier a local blyes player named Pepperman{I get my hot peppers from him,YUM YUM}.He proceded to play a bunch of Chicago blues on it and again WOW.If you get a chance to play one you will be amazed a REALLY FINE GUITAR.Thats all for now have fun and keep on pickin{Your Guitar} :D  

[hsojeel]

Sweet, now I want to play one, thanks unclrob <_<

[kente777]

I would have seriously considered buying one except for the neck width.  I only play 1 3/4"  

I settled for a custom Martin instead.

I have the Larrivee Parlor and would love to buy a big 12 fret dread.  Maybe Larrivee will consider the smaller neck?

Ken

[manthoney]

Wouldn't the wider neck make it easier to play fingerstyle?  I've never played a classical.  Call me crazy (my wife tends to), but I'm tempted to sell my L-01just for a wider neck.  

[unclrob]

This is a real wide nut.I'm not used to them,and I have a hard time playing classical guitars.I grew up playing finger style on a dread.

[kente777]

Wouldn't the wider neck make it easier to play fingerstyle?  I've never played a classical.  Call me crazy (my wife tends to), but I'm tempted to sell my L-01just for a wider neck.

that's why I have a 1 3/4.  I'm rather surprised that they put a classical width on a dread.  Anyone know why?

Ken

[Fstpicker]

How 'bout an MP3 to listen to? Just wondering...

Thanks.
Jeff

[unclrob]

Jeff I wish I was more shall we say modern.Hopefully when I finish my shop/recording studio I try and bring some stuff home to record and then I can send the CD to someone with more briams to post.The studio is about 2months away.Maybe Jason or one of the others dealers here can do a recording.

[manthoney]

The LS-30 has a 2" nut.  Looks like 2 inches and slightly larger may be standard issue for classicals?  I am tempted to play one.  I have been learning to play from a series of classical books-- good stuff.  

[Calvin]

The LS-30 has a 2" nut.  Looks like 2 inches and slightly larger may be standard issue for classicals?  I am tempted to play one.  I have been learning to play from a series of classical books-- good stuff.

Yup.  But seems like the more modern classicals are making the nut width smaller to allow some steelie player to give classicals a try.

I find that steel string necks are very annoyingly thin (as in thickness wise, not width), and I have pretty small hands.

BTW, classical just sounds better lol.  

[sacredground]

I've had my SD50 for 7 months, now. I agree with the general sentiment that that the neck width takes getting used. For those of us used to playing longer and skinny-er (is that a word??!) necks, the wider string spacing causes some initial fumbling and searching. Folks with small hands might find it too cumbersome.

What the wide neck does for fingerstyle, is that it gives extra room for playing quick passages cleanly--much like a classical. I've recorded with mine, and really dig the crystal highs coupled with a warm and round bass response. ;)

We're talking "desert island" guitar, baby!  :P  

[jimmyd]

Thanks for the review. I've been gassing for either an SD or a 000 12 fretter but got to have a more narrow neck. I'm afraid it would have to be a custom order from Larrivee if it is even available in that configutation.

[BlueWing]

The wider neck on the SD-50 takes some getting used to - but not that much.  For me it took about a day.  My fingers now feel cramped when I play the Taylor - which I find I'm doing less and less now.

[unclrob]

Well I played it for about an hour today{yes I know I normally don't sit and play in shop but}.Yes you can get comfortable with the neck over time and I did,but if were to own one I would order up a 1 3/4 nut like my J05.The transistion would make life easier.

[FrankF]

Well, I just returned from Rob's shop and all I can say is WOW!!  That's the first SD I've seen in person and let me tell ya, it's a monster!!  Did I say LOUD yet?? (I mean my ears are still ringing - but in a good way.)  Seriously, if there is anyone out there looking for an SD, you should give Rob a call!  This guitar is really something special.  It is surprisingly balanced, given its volume.  I would have expected it to lean toward either too much bass or too much in the mids, but it really has the right mix.  Granted, the neck is wide, and I have small hands, but it was obvious, as Rob has said, that it wouldn't take much adjustment to really get into this thing.  Now I understand why Norman Blake played those big D-18S Martins for so long.  

I really like the ebony tuning buttons too.  Man, what a well built instrument.  That thing has me singing its praises.  Someone has got to get this guitar...seriously....before I end up divorced over it.....

Frank  

[FrankF]

Jeff I wish I was more shall we say modern.Hopefully when I finish my shop/recording studio I try and bring some stuff home to record and then I can send the CD to someone with more briams to post.The studio is about 2months away.Maybe Jason or one of the others dealers here can do a recording.

see, now here's the perfect opportunity for me to help out....all you have to do is let me take the guitar home for a few nights and I'll record a few tracks to my computer and post them (yeah right - just before catching that plane to the islands.... ) hey but at least you'll have some recordings of it as a nice remembrance.... :P  

[unclrob]

Frank like your wife would let you in the house....oh wait now I understand you won't be going home.DUH!!!!