Larrivee Necks - Older vs Newer Builds?

[lmg47]

Hi,

From what I've read Larrivee neck profiles have changed over the years.  How would you compare an older neck made in Canada and those built in California? Have there been multiple changes in neck profiles over the year ?  What years did they change?   THANKS!

[B0WIE]

I've had models from the 90's up to 2015 and they all felt the same. I think there were a few variations here or there but it wasn't a big thing like with other makers where the profile radically changed. Compared to others, Larrivees have seen very few changes aside from the varying nut widths.

[Manothemtns]

Same here on the model years. My experience has shown very little if any difference to what I call a "Happy Medium" neck..which I happen to really like. Sorry I can't speak to model years 1998 and earlier. Someone here will surely chime in.

[eded]

Didn't Larrivee recently ((well, relatively recently) change from a compound radius fingerboard to a fixed radius?  Or, do I remember something wrong?

Ed

[Rockysdad]

Didn't Larrivee recently ((well, relatively recently) change from a compound radius fingerboard to a fixed radius?  Or, do I remember something wrong?

Ed

If I'm not mistaken,..... Pre Sept 2017 had compound radius of 17-21, after that a 16" radius.

[Mikeymac]

If I'm not mistaken,..... Pre Sept 2017 had compound radius of 17-21, after that a 16" radius.

That's pretty close, but I have a custom made in 2015 that has a 16" radius.

As to neck sizes, they HAVE changed - dramatically - over the 5 decades that Larrivee has been building. I don't think location (Canada vs. USA) is a factor.

Early Larrivees had larger, fuller necks. They also did not have adjustable truss rods until around 1985 (the same year, BTW, that Martin started using adjustable truss rods).

Then, in the mid-late '80's and early '90's, they were much smaller/thinner - more like an electric neck.

Then, at some point (mid-'90's, maybe?), they became slightly larger/fuller - but not like the early, non-adjustable truss rod necks.

Or - maybe all these variations are simply the result of hand shaping of necks - but I don't think so - I think they have gone through periods of different sizes/shapes.

Here are neck measurements from my 1979, 1988 and 2015 Larrivee L's. There are some noticeable variations:

1979 L-19 (S/N: 19 0656) Sitka/EI Rosewood
Neck width:
At Nut: 1 47/64" (44.09 mm)
12th fret: 2 9/64" (54.20 mm)
Saddle: 2 11/64 (55.36 mm)

Neck depth:
1st fret: .842" (27/32")
7th fret: .958" (61/64")
10th fret: .1.03" (1 1/32")

1988 L-09 FM (S/N: 04 8493) Sitka/Flamed Maple
Neck width:
At Nut: 1 23/32" (43.47 mm)
12th fret: 2 7/64" (53.48 mm)
Saddle: 2 9/64" (54.44 mm)

Neck depth:
1st fret: .786" (25/32")
7th fret: .809" (13/16")
10th fret: .840" (27/32")

2015 L-05 (S/N: 128752) Sitka/Mahogany
Neck width:
At Nut: 1 3/4" (44.56 mm)
12th fret: 2 11/64" (55.19 mm)
Saddle: 2 1/4" (57.10 mm)

Neck Depth:
1st fret: .820" (13/16")
7th fret: .909" (29/32")
10th fret: .930" (15/16")

[B0WIE]

They didn't produce a lot of guitars until the 90's so the Larrivees most people are going to come across in the used market will have remarkably similar necks.

[Mikeymac]

They didn't produce a lot of guitars until the 90's so the Larrivees most people are going to come across in the used market will have remarkably similar necks.

I agree - anything from mid-90's forward will probably be very similar... the only recent change being the switch to the straight 16" radius and the recent truss rod change to a Martin style truss rod (which doesn't change the feel of the neck, of course).

My theory is that in the 1980's - when Larrivee started building electrics because of the drop in acoustic guitar sales - their acoustic necks became thinner like those electric necks. My '88 L-04 and '92 OM have two of the thinnest acoustic guitar necks I've tried - certainly the thinnest Larrivee necks.

[Manothemtns]

I venture to say that's an accurate statement. I'll add that I have several Larrivee's, model years 1998, 2011, 2016, and they have very similar neck profiles. If there's a difference it's so small I'd call it imperceptible.

[B0WIE]

I venture to say that's an accurate statement. I'll add that I have several Larrivee's, model years 1998, 2011, 2016, and they have very similar neck profiles. If there's a difference it's so small I'd call it imperceptible.

Speaking of, it's always fascinated me how consistent they are for a hand worked neck. I know Jean did the finishing (rasp work?) for many years. Yet, mine have always felt the same and have felt perfect from headstock to heel. I have much more expensive instruments that aren't as consistent throughout the neck.

[Rockysdad]

Speaking of, it's always fascinated me how consistent they are for a hand worked neck. I know Jean did the finishing (rasp work?) for many years. Yet, mine have always felt the same and have felt perfect from headstock to heel. I have much more expensive instruments that aren't as consistent throughout the neck.

That's due to JCL being a very talented individual. 

[Manothemtns]

And, to Larrivee's outstanding build quality.

[J M Larrivée]

 
Hi Folks,

The Larrivée neck profile has not changed in decades. I was one of the last hand carvers before turning to CNC for carving. At which time my brother Matthew took a neck and digitized it. We have basically used the same program for the last 30 years. Only factors affecting variation are nut width and hand sanding. Profile "C" has remained unchanged.   

Historically they started out as a "D" shape in the 60s and early 70's. Then Mike Jones, Wendy Larrivée's brother, became the neck carver and brought a "V" style the neck. It was David Iannone (Morgan Guitars) and then myself that broth the "C" style in the mid 80's after leaving Victoria and moving to North Vancouver.

[247hoopsfan]

Nothing like hearing from the master carver!  Personally, I find the Larrivee necks perfect.  For that matter, the guitars are perfect too.

[Manothemtns]

Thank you for the inside information. We all love our Larrivee's!

[lmg47]

Great comments folks, and especially awesome to hear from the master carver himself !  Very informative.

Best to all !

[Strings4Him]

I "need" another Larrivee.  After going through several, I am down to just my PV-03R.

[folkedup]

My Larrivee 2021 OMV  Mahogany lower bout is 4 1/4in. . My Larrivee 2002 OMV mahogany lower bout is 4 in. ?

[broKen]

And lately they are producing the 12" radius.

[mike in lytle]

And lately they are producing the 12" radius.

I think you need to provide us the documentation on this... 12 inch radius.
Where from?
Mike