Just Bought My First Larrivee

[nobodeuno]

Hello folks,

Just bought a used D03R...it is a 2008 made in Canada and is in mint condition.  Sounds great, need to put some new strings on.  What do they normally come with 12-53 or mediums?  I need to get use to the neck, really played in and aged nicely tone wise.  I'm happy! Looking forward to jamming with it!   
PS: there is a link to a song on the last post here in this topic....scroll forward. 

[B0WIE]

Congrats and welcome to the forum! Yes, I believe you're correct on the strings. Brand changed over the years but 13's on a dread is appropriate to get the top moving.

[nobodeuno]

Thank you! 

[Silence Dogood]

Definitely experiment with different string brands and gauges.  I play a D03 and use lights (though I used to use mediums because I thought it was required for a dread). I play in lower tunings and even with lights my guitar's top moves plenty.  More than one way to skin a cat, as the old folks used to say...

[John in Charm City]

Congrats and welcome.  just mess around and decide for yourself what strings you like.  No shortage of opinions here but start with your own.

John

[nobodeuno]

Thanks folks...I put some Elixir pb lights, but apparently this 2008 has been set up for mediums, slight buzz on b string. It has a totally different bone nut and saddle I believe, but not sure. It had a worn out set of mediums when I got it...Had a Chinese three way pickup I removed, I had to put a shim under bridge. It sounds great still with lights. Neck seems to have just enough relief...probably have to work on new saddle/nut or use some 53 on base side and med on treble. Btw..the bridge has routed channels coming out of bridge holes but has slotted pins installed, definitely seems like a modification...I don't think that is done by Larrivee though...anyone know about that?

[BlueBowman]

Btw..the bridge has routed channels coming out of bridge holes...I don't think that is done by Larrivee though...anyone know about that?

If they don't come with them, I slot the bridge on all my guitars, but I believe only the traditional -40, -50, and -60 series come from the factory with those slots. I think so, but maybe someone can verify that for me.
 
If done well, they're an upgrade, IMO.

[nobodeuno]

If they don't come with them, I slot the bridge on all my guitars, but I believe only the traditional -40, -50, and -60 series come from the factory with those slots. I think so, but maybe someone can verify that for me.
 
If done well, they're an upgrade, IMO.

Thanks Blue...yes it is well done, not just a tiny saw cuts but actual really precision ramps...it would not be easy ! 

[BlueBowman]

Thanks Blue...yes it is well done, not just a tiny saw cuts but actual really precision ramps...it would not be easy ! 

That's good to hear. I've seen some massacres in my day! The right tool (a slotting saw and a file with the proper profile) certainly makes things easier.

[StringPicker6]

Larrivee sells new replacement saddles and nuts on their website if you need anything replaced.

[nobodeuno]

Thank you I will check it out!

[nobodeuno]

If anyone is interested the rhythm part of the song here (no. 4) "Yes, It's Good To be King" a Tom Petty cover I rearranged to be a long jam is played on the D03R...the lead is played on a 2007 Charles Fox Grand Auditorium.

https://www.reverbnation.com/bartboecklernobodeuno/songs