new C-09 review

[sixpickn]

well, new to me at least. 

she's a '93 model with understated everything, no MOP or abalone, no fretboard markers, just 12 year old wood.  Love the rosewood headstock.  sound is typical opened spruce/rw - bold, complex, loud, very balanced.  a little brittle on the two highest strings, but they're lights for now.  may eventually install mediums or a hybrid set.  this one seems heavier and more heavily built than the newer (L's) I've played, and the lower bout is 1/4" less deep than my '03 L-03BW, so it isn't quite as big on the low end.  The sound doesn't appear to suffer much from the absence of top wood where the cutaway is - but maybe that's the reason why the two trebles are a hair on the weak side.  If so, the trade-off is worth it for the gained fret access.

It's really an L with the sharp cutaway, but the two "L's" are miles apart in character.  The BW is more warm, focused and mellow, but can reach higher acoustic volume when asked to.  go figure.  I should measure the top thickness some time with calipers.  The C-09 has much more of an edge to it in all registers, and because of its complexity (and reach) offers the better "all around" solution, though the blackwood has more raw power.  Intonation is excellent.  The last four frets drop off into the sound hole a bit from shrinkage but nothing major. 

Interestingly, the original Larrivee care guide claims a controlled manufacturing humidity of 37% to 42% relative to 75°F.  I don't believe that is still the case.  From what I've been told it's been bumped up 5% since then, which is significant up here in the northeast in terms of maintaining the original humidity during the heating months. 

I'll try and post some pictures soon.  These models are harder to find in local shops, and I know I had questions about all things C, so perhaps this may help others as well.  Thanks to the forum for being such a valuable resource.

- jim

[ronmac]

Congratulations Jim! The C is one of the most beautiful guitar bodies, IMHO.