LS body = standard classical guitar?

Started by alvinlam, January 31, 2015, 12:55:03 AM

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I'm wondering if the LS body is of the same dimension as the standard classical guitar manufactured today. Any member here has knowledge on this?  Thanks
Yamaha LL-16 12 strings
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"He who thinks he has all the answers probably hasn't heard all the questions."

very very similar The Classical may have a fraction of an inch more depth and slightly bigger upper bout but sooo close would be OK to say they are the same IMO
Larrivee Electrics - My Dream then and Now!!!!!<br /><br />Forum IV     00-03MT       #4      (Treasured)

Yes, I believe the LS is essentially a classical nylon string body with the neck,  bridge, and bracing of a steel-string guitar.

Hi alvinlam,

You'll find the dimensions for different models here:  Larrivee

The dimensions for the LS and the Classical models appear to be identical for the body.

I have an LS05 and a C38 (Classical with Florentine cutaway).  Except for the cutaway, the bodies are identical size and shape. The C38 feels lighter though, and then of course there's the differences in the neck.

Thank you for all your input. Appreciate it very much!   :thumbsup :thumbsup
Yamaha LL-16 12 strings
Yamaha LL-TA
Tanglewood TW-15 DLX
Alhambra 5PA-PT
Mcilroy A25


"He who thinks he has all the answers probably hasn't heard all the questions."

As far as standard classicals go, my L body is definitely bigger than my Ramirez R1 classical in the overall size of the top.  It's not by a tremendous amount but in my lap the don't feel the same, depth aside.

Quote from: B0WIE on February 01, 2015, 03:39:38 PM
As far as standard classicals go, my L body is definitely bigger than my Ramirez R1 classical in the overall size of the top.  It's not by a tremendous amount but in my lap the don't feel the same, depth aside.

We were comparing the size of an LS, not the larger L body

There is no one standard size for a classical guitar.  They do share overall body shape, but measurements can vary.  For example, a Ramirez 1a is different that the Fleta, Hauser or Torres designs.  That being said, I suspect the Larrivee LS is rather close in body shape and measurements (not bracing, neck, bridge, etc.), perhaps moreso than any other steel string guitar.

Quote from: ST on February 01, 2015, 12:10:08 PM
Hi alvinlam,

You'll find the dimensions for different models here:  Larrivee


Larrivee's listed dimensions are fairly far off from their actual dimensions due to rounding.

Latter if I have the energy I'll pull out my Wife's classical Larrivee and my LS-03 and take some measurements.

Quote from: tuffythepug on February 01, 2015, 04:12:07 PM
We were comparing the size of an LS, not the larger L body
I thought the LS only differed in depth and that the bout was the same.  Anyhow, the two classicals I've had are/were smaller in actual bout size compared to the L.  I don't find them to be similar experiences at all.  My SDs feel more like a classical because of the neck (wide board and 12 frets).  In fact, significantly more so.

LS - Larrivée Small Body as published by Larrivée  Larrivée Products Comparison Page

   Lower Bout · 15"
   Upper Bout · 11.875"
   Waist · 9.75"
   Depth · 4.25"

   Overall Length · 40.5"
   Scale Length · 25.5"
   Nut Width: 1 & 3/4" (44.3mm or 1.75")

I just measured my LS-05 (build date December 1999).
Differences from published are bold.
   Lower Bout · 15"
   Upper Bout · 11.25"
   Waist · 9.5"
   Depth · 4.25" (3.75" at heel)
   Body Length · 19.75"
   Overall Length · 40.5"
   Scale Length · 25.5"
   Nut Width: 1 & 3/4" (44.3mm or 1.75")

1976 Larrivee Classical:


   Lower Bout · 14.75"
   Upper Bout · 11.25"
   Waist · 9.5"
   Depth · 4.00" (3.75" at heel)
   Body Length · 19.375"
   Overall Length · 39.25"
   Scale Length · 26.0"
   Nut Width: 2.030

Forum III LS-03 12-fret.

   Lower Bout · 15.125"
   Upper Bout · 11.25"
   Waist · 9.75"
   Depth · 4.125" (3.75" at heel)
   Body Length · 20.125"
   Overall Length · 39.375"
   Scale Length · 25.5" (measured on the "high e")
   Nut Width: 1.755

So while close, the LS body appears to be longer and a hair wider at the waist.

Of course since the classical is almost as old as I am there is more than a very good chance the specs have changed over the past few decades...

Interesting indeed. Thanks folks for sharing your knowledge. I've been deliberating on getting an LS guitar.


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Yamaha LL-16 12 strings
Yamaha LL-TA
Tanglewood TW-15 DLX
Alhambra 5PA-PT
Mcilroy A25


"He who thinks he has all the answers probably hasn't heard all the questions."

I'm sure you would be very happy with an LS.  The 12 fret version such as the forum III is a favorite of mine.

The LS body that i've seen (at Wildwood Music) are 14 frets, i think.  the 12-frets version probably has to be custom-ordered (correct me if i'm wrong). 
Yamaha LL-16 12 strings
Yamaha LL-TA
Tanglewood TW-15 DLX
Alhambra 5PA-PT
Mcilroy A25


"He who thinks he has all the answers probably hasn't heard all the questions."

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