Thoughts on CS models

[Michael Howard]

 

I've owned a 90's C-09 for nearly two years and absolutely love it. The florentine cutaway has really grown on me too.

My question is regarding the CS body shape and how it compares the C. Does anyone own both or played both and can share some insight into each? I'm moving towards finger style from a background of strumming.

Compared to other models, there aren't many around of either shape but am keeping an eye out. There was the gorgeous Matt Thomas models that came out a few years back.

[B0WIE]

The 'S' is a smaller body so there will be the natural changes as you go down in size. Less bass and volume. More of a "vocal" quality with the mids being forward and emotive.

[jpmist]

My question is regarding the CS body shape and how it compares the C. Does anyone own both or played both and can share some insight into each? I'm moving towards finger style from a background of strumming.

I'll weigh in from the other direction. I've owned an LSV and later tried several LS and OOO bodies during a period of time trying to find "the one." So for a time I did have an LS and an OO to compare back to back and to my poor ears, the larger LS simply had too much everything compared to the OO. Doing fingerstyle, I liked the focus the OO had in presenting my melody notes. I hardly ever do full strumming which I believe bigger bodies excel at compared to OO's.

So if I read you right, if you're thinking of doing more fingerstyle, going smaller would be worth trying as your melody notes will sound more prominent.

[Michael Howard]

I'll weigh in from the other direction. I've owned an LSV and later tried several LS and OOO bodies during a period of time trying to find "the one." So for a time I did have an LS and an OO to compare back to back and to my poor ears, the larger LS simply had too much everything compared to the OO. Doing fingerstyle, I liked the focus the OO had in presenting my melody notes. I hardly ever do full strumming which I believe bigger bodies excel at compared to OO's.

So if I read you right, if you're thinking of doing more fingerstyle, going smaller would be worth trying as your melody notes will sound more prominent.

Some good thoughts here, thanks. It's fascinating the trade offs between the different shapes and sizes. However subtle they may be - and some will be able to tell, others not so much.

[gtrplayer]

I presently own a Matt Thomas model, CS09 sitka over ziricote, exception being the nut width of 1 3/4".  Everything else is the same as Matt Thomas.  I also own a Tommy Emmmauelle C03 TE. sitka over IR.  The MT CS09 model, darker sounding, has almost the same volume as the C03 but certainly has more resonance.  The C03 is more drier sound ( a little of mahogany sound) which is typical of Larrivee satin finish.  Ergonomically they're both 12 fretters and feel about the same when playing.  The CS09 is heavier...could be the ziricote.  Any questions? Ask away.


BTW Guitar Gal has a Thomas CS09 for sale...(no relation to seller)

[ty56]

I presently own a Matt Thomas model, CS09 sitka over ziricote, exception being the nut width of 1 3/4".  Everything else is the same as Matt Thomas.  I also own a Tommy Emmmauelle C03 TE. sitka over IR.  The MT CS09 model, darker sounding, has almost the same volume as the C03 but certainly has more resonance.  The C03 is more drier sound ( a little of mahogany sound) which is typical of Larrivee satin finish.  Ergonomically they're both 12 fretters and feel about the same when playing.  The CS09 is heavier...could be the ziricote.  Any questions? Ask away.


BTW Guitar Gal has a Thomas CS09 for sale...(no relation to seller)

I have this guitar as well. It isn't one of the original batch made in 2020 but is built to the same specs. My other Larrivee is an SD-50 which does have more bass but I don't find the CS-09 lacking in bass. If anything it is much tighter and focused in the bass frequencies. I suspect much of that can be attributed to the 12 fret neck design. Having the bridge in the center of the lower bout enhances the bass response in the smaller body. The entire frequency range is extremely well balanced and it is such a comfortable guitar to play. I use a neck-up and it puts it in just the right playing position. And yes, it is much heavier than my SD-50, mahogany is a much lighter wood than Ziricote. I was originally looking for an LSV-11 but when the opportunity presented itself to have this guitar made, I went for it. IMHO, it is my bucket list guitar. I would have to spend considerably more money to better it.