How’s the 24 series selling?

[StringPicker6]

I keep hoping to hear some feedback about the new 24 series, but not a lot of reviews out there. Has anyone heard if it was a successful launch?

[B0WIE]

Soon to say, IMO. The market is pretty bad right now and a lot of people are still trying to unload their pandemic buys. I'd be curious to see how the 24 series does when the economy gets stimulated a bit.

[teh]

If the success of the 03 and 40 series models are any indication, I think this series will do well. From my perspective, the Larrivee 24 series provides a quality option for players looking for a short scale guitar at an affordable price. As soon as this series was introduced in the Spring of 2024, the combination of the 12 fret, short scale neck, scalloped bracing and the appointments along with the option of the 00 body size immediately caught my attention. 

Since I wanted an all mahogany guitar with a 00 body, in May 2024 I asked if I could swap out the Adirondack Spruce top with a mahogany top. I added an archtop case and a factory installed Anthem SL pickup and the guitar was delivered in early October and it exceeded my expectations. This is my fourth satin finished and my third 12 fret neck Larrivee.  It appears that Martin has added satin finished guitars to their lineup including the 18 & 28 standard series and the recently upgraded 17 series.

Time will tell but I'm glad I got my 00-24. 

[William2]

My dealer got a 000-24 in and I liked the sound on his video. I think for someone looking for a short scale instrument that doesn't have that cheap blues box sound they are great instruments. I wonder if players seeking short scale instruments are looking for THAT particular sound like the Martin 17 series of the Waterloo type of sound. For me as a dreadnought player, I'd probably say no as I like standard scale dreadnoughts. I've never heard a Gibson dreadnought beat a Martin Dreadnought and I believe it is the short scale v standard scale being the reason. However, if having the Adirondack top on a short scale dread equaled the short scale difference, I'd reconsider getting one.

[Denis]

My 00-24 is pretty much the only steel string I play these days.  I recently acquired a nice Jellinghaus classical so that gets a lot of attention as well but the 00 is my go-to when I'm composing, recording or just picking.

[StringPicker6]

Do you think your 00-24 has a drier tone, almost like a Gibson because of the short scale?

[Denis]

Do you think your 00-24 has a drier tone, almost like a Gibson because of the short scale?

I think the Adirondack top is defintely a bit livelier, more sustain.  My 12 fret LV-03, when it has dead strings on it, has more of a dry Gibson thud of sorts, which is nice.  Thing is, I'm not playing the LV all that much these days which is weird.  I had it made back in 2017 and played it almost exclusively for 5-6 years.  The 00-24 is sitting in my lap right now and as a nearly 58 year old, I have to say that the short scale has really made a difference in my playing.  It's easier to play and is very responsive.  Worth every penny!

[Sandstorm]

Since the 24 series appeared last Spring I've been checking the major Canadian retailer's website to see what models and prices were going to be here in Canada and it's been almost a year and they still haven't been added to the retailer site.  I'm sure they could get me the price and availability if I called and I like the 24 series a lot but I'm not as serious as I am curious at this point as I'd like to hold out for a custom Larrivee idea I've had for my next.  Makes it hard to sell the model when it doesn't appear available so I agree that I don't think you can reasonably judge the success of the 24 series yet. 

[B0WIE]

Since the 24 series appeared last Spring I've been checking the major Canadian retailer's website to see what models and prices were going to be here in Canada and it's been almost a year and they still haven't been added to the retailer site.  I'm sure they could get me the price and availability if I called and I like the 24 series a lot but I'm not as serious as I am curious at this point as I'd like to hold out for a custom Larrivee idea I've had for my next.  Makes it hard to sell the model when it doesn't appear available so I agree that I don't think you can reasonably judge the success of the 24 series yet. 

I was listening to a discussion about the state of the industry and one company owner said stores are still struggling to sell stock they received in the last 2 years. He basically reflected my sentiments about consumers over-buying during the pandemic and we're now in a spot where makers can't find stores to send stock to. I'm not saying that's Larrivee's situation but it is a guitar industry problem.

[William2]

I was listening to a discussion about the state of the industry and one company owner said stores are still struggling to sell stock they received in the last 2 years. He basically reflected my sentiments about consumers over-buying during the pandemic and we're now in a spot where makers can't find stores to send stock to. I'm not saying that's Larrivee's situation but it is a guitar industry problem.

How does this situation get corrected? Does this lead to buying direct from the maker and store closings? I often wondered if you are a dealer for let's say Martin if you are required to take a minimum amount of inventory as part of the arrangement.

[B0WIE]

How does this situation get corrected? Does this lead to buying direct from the maker and store closings? I often wondered if you are a dealer for let's say Martin if you are required to take a minimum amount of inventory as part of the arrangement.

I don't know that there is a solution, other than companies navigating industry changes. I do believe the US economy will improve soon but will the guitar industry? Many of the boomers are aging out of their guitar buying years and thinning the herd while people of my generation (X and Y) grew up on electric guitar music, and there's not as many of us who appreciate acoustics.

 As far as direct purchase goes, a lot of companies don't want the hassle as they then need to be good at making guitars, AND selling. Selling comes with returns, inquiries, and many other things that require staff and skill. While it seems like they would make more money, many companies lose money and end up going back to using dealers. In the coffee thread, we were talking about Kicking Horse recently. I used to buy direct from them. A few years back, they realized they just couldn't deal with the demands that go along with direct sale and ceased sales to consumers.

[Queequeg]

How does this situation get corrected? Does this lead to buying direct from the maker and store closings? I often wondered if you are a dealer for let's say Martin if you are required to take a minimum amount of inventory as part of the arrangement.

Gibson embarked on just such a "floor planning" program several years ago (10 years maybe?) with minimum purchases and we saw the brand disappear from all but the major retailers.
If stores are over-inventoried now the only solution other than waiting it out is to reduce prices. They raised prices during the pandemic to meet demand and now the market forces have shifted. Not unlike eggs.
Supply and demand 101.

[teh]

Selling products using multiple distribution channels can be challenging for both the seller and the buyer. Choices include brick and mortar vs. big box stores, online or direct as well as competing against the used market with Craig's List, Facebook and others. Sellers have to have decide which channels to use while buyers weigh the benefits of supporting their local shop against buying new or used online at a discount.

Guitar Builders also have to continuously develop new products and manufacturing processes to attract both new and repeat customers. As an example, yesterday I opened a link to Gibson's new line of guitars and they are following Larrivee's lead and now offer a satin finish Hummingbird for $2,100 and a satin J-45 for $1,995. To help keep their costs down, these guitars are shipped in a gig bag instead of a hardshell case. I was glad I upgraded my 00-24 from a flattop to an archtop hardshell case.

[William2]

I often wonder if this need to come out with new things is caused by events like NAMM. I'm not impressed by most of the new models etc. that come out every year. Most of these Martin, Gibson, and Taylor new things don't impress me on any level. If it is a new bracing system or something innovative, I would pay attention. I got that Gibson email the other day also. Now why would anyone want this new instrument that has a thinner body than the original regardless of finish or tote bag. If you want a J-45 you want the original size instrument. Gibson hasn't done anything innovative for a long time, just produced variations on the originals. And Martin with these ridiculous new offerings. Why would I want an instrument named the CEO-11? He probably can't play and isn't a luthier LOL. I was listening to a demo of a Larrivee Simple 6 instrument the other day. What a sound and it even has a dovetail neck connection and scalloped bracing. With Martin you won't get those options at that price point. I buy my instruments through a brick-and-mortar store. I've bought 5 so far and am happy that the dealer will send me sound clips of the instrument if I am impressed with it in one of his demos.

[Queequeg]

Why would I want an instrument named the CEO-11? He probably can't play and isn't a luthier LOL. I was listening to a demo of a Larrivee Simple 6 instrument the other day. What a sound and it even has a dovetail neck connection and scalloped bracing. With Martin you won't get those options at that price point. I buy my instruments through a brick-and-mortar store. I've bought 5 so far and am happy that the dealer will send me sound clips of the instrument if I am impressed with it in one of his demos.

CF Martin CEO is Thomas Ripsam. 25+ year career, first at Booz Allen & Hamilton, and then as a partner at Pricewaterhouse.

[William2]

CF Martin CEO is Thomas Ripsam. 25+ year career, first at Booz Allen & Hamilton, and then as a partner at Pricewaterhouse.

Maybe I'm too new to acoustic guitar, but how do the above credentials translate into guitar construction.

[B0WIE]

Maybe I'm too new to acoustic guitar, but how do the above credentials translate into guitar construction.

TBH, I don't hold that against them at all. A company that size really needs someone who understands sales.

Regarding new models, NAMM is for business relationships/distribution as much as it is showcasing new product. I don't feel anyone launches a new product just for that show. The challenge guitar companies face is how to sell their customers another guitar. Taylor are the kings of this, even going as far as "improving" the bracing periodically.

[Queequeg]

Maybe I'm too new to acoustic guitar, but how do the above credentials translate into guitar construction.

He was hired for his business acumen.
They have plenty of staff with sufficient guitar expertise.