Main Forums => Larrivee Electric Guitars => Topic started by: Mikeymac on October 02, 2013, 03:07:14 PM

Title: "I Had a Dream..."
Post by: Mikeymac on October 02, 2013, 03:07:14 PM
...last night I dreamed that I toured the Oxford plant with my brother (Larry), and Jean was our personal tour guide most of the time. We ate lunch with Jean and visited about guitars, then toured the factory with some other folks, "group" style. Also met Matthew, btw...

...then, on part of the tour, Jean picks up this new model electric guitar that is built, but not finished yet: just raw wood; no pickups or hardware yet...

...it's a 335 style body! Semi-hollow, with some amazing figure in the wood on both neck and body (looks almost like black korina or very figured walnut...).

Anyway, I sadly wake up (about 2:30 in the morning) and realize it's all a DREAM!!! Rats!

But it leaves me wondering... will Larrivee ever build something like this?

I kind of doubt it, so in the meantime, I'm looking at one of these sweet things! (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=190916725765&fromMakeTrack=true)

What would YOU do? Pull the trigger, or wait to see what Larrivee comes up with next?   :wacko:
Title: Re: "I Had a Dream..."
Post by: ducktrapper on October 02, 2013, 03:09:03 PM
Be still my heart! The answer is yes to both.  :cheers
Title: Re: "I Had a Dream..."
Post by: JOYCEfromNS on October 02, 2013, 04:20:59 PM
Well Mike I'd wait, like you I am "patiently" waiting for a Larrivee Hollowbody.

I am not familiar with the modern day D'Angelico, is it a case of someone buying a name with a lot of history behind it and building guitars in Asia? I'd be cautious. Why not just get a Gibson if in a hurry or a Godin if you want to save a few bucks?
Title: Re: "I Had a Dream..."
Post by: Danny on October 02, 2013, 04:26:17 PM
  I like the dream and the guitar.
Title: Re: "I Had a Dream..."
Post by: Mikeymac on October 02, 2013, 05:10:55 PM
Quote from: JOYCEfromNS on October 02, 2013, 04:20:59 PM
Well Mike I'd wait, like you I am "patiently" waiting for a Larrivee Hollowbody.

I am not familiar with the modern day D'Angelico, is it a case of someone buying a name with a lot of history behind it and building guitars in Asia? I'd be cautious. Why not just get a Gibson if in a hurry or a Godin if you want to save a few bucks?

They're made in S. Korea, and there are also some USA models being built by a team trained by Gene Baker (formerly of Baker Guitars) in So. California. Have no idea on the price of the USA models. So far these Korean ones are getting good reviews, as are some Gretsches being made there (same factory maybe?). Gibson lefties are hard to come by and ex$pen$ive, and quality is hit and miss. I'm not familiar with any lefty Godin hollow or semi-hollow models similar to this one?
Title: Re: "I Had a Dream..."
Post by: Mikeymac on October 02, 2013, 05:12:16 PM
Quote from: ducktrapper on October 02, 2013, 03:09:03 PM
The answer is yes to both.  :cheers

Duck, you're no help at all!   :bgrin:
Title: Re: "I Had a Dream..."
Post by: ducktrapper on October 02, 2013, 05:24:54 PM
Quote from: Mikeymac on October 02, 2013, 05:12:16 PM
Duck, you're no help at all!   :bgrin:

You know you want to.  :laughin:
Title: Re: "I Had a Dream..."
Post by: JOYCEfromNS on October 02, 2013, 05:30:04 PM
Quote from: Mikeymac on October 02, 2013, 05:10:55 PM
I'm not familiar with any lefty Godin hollow or semi-hollow models similar to this one?
There is Godin Montreal Premier (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MzdOaubgig) as far as I know are available in Lefty as have seen other Godin Hollowbody Lefties. Been sniffing around these a bit myself as a 335 style with a twist.

Specs here (http://www.godinguitars.com/godinpremierep.htm)
Title: Re: "I Had a Dream..."
Post by: Mikeymac on October 02, 2013, 06:02:14 PM
Quote from: JOYCEfromNS on October 02, 2013, 05:30:04 PM
There is Godin Montreal Premier (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MzdOaubgig) as far as I know are available in Lefty as have seen other Godin Hollowbody Lefties. Been sniffing around these a bit myself as a 335 style with a twist.

Specs here (http://www.godinguitars.com/godinpremierep.htm)

I see a few (very few!) lefties listed on Godin's website, unfortunately, the Premiere isn't one of them.
Title: Re: "I Had a Dream..."
Post by: Mikeymac on October 05, 2013, 12:09:46 AM
Quote from: JOYCEfromNS on October 02, 2013, 04:20:59 PM
Well Mike I'd wait, like you I am "patiently" waiting for a Larrivee Hollowbody.

Do you have any info on this - is Larrivee working on something, or is this just a pipe dream? The D'Angelico keeps beckoning to me...it has had some very good reviews:

Here's the 335 style review. (http://www.guitarplayer.com/article/roundup-the-new-dangelico-line/152735) (Guitar Player gives it an Editor's Pick Award. interesting, though - they call the Kent Armstrong pickups "high output," while every other place I've read they're described as "vintage output"...I would hope for the latter.)

Title: Re: "I Had a Dream..."
Post by: JOYCEfromNS on October 05, 2013, 07:00:24 AM
Quote from: Mikeymac on October 05, 2013, 12:09:46 AM
Do you have any info on this - is Larrivee working on something, or is this just a pipe dream?

No not really, last I spoke to Matthew during the Forum V Build he said it was very possible and something he and JCL were considering - so I chose to hang my hat on that.

Re the The D'Angelico review and guitar - I am a bit of a sceptic by nature so magazine reviews I always am wary especially of a guitar name with an historic past where its name was purchased by investors seemingly to exploit. Why wouldn't the builders put their own name on it? Marketing at it's fullest on all fronts in my view. I  would not buy without first trying a few out. But that's just me and my twisted view :wacko:
Title: Re: "I Had a Dream..."
Post by: Mikeymac on October 05, 2013, 12:58:45 PM
Andrew,

Nothing wrong with being skeptical in this day and age...I understand that.

And I also take what magazines say with a grain of salt. I've talked to a couple people who attended NAMM and said they were pretty impressed with them (this is from a dealership that doesn't stock them, so they have no horse in the race). Their other comment was that the Gretsches they're getting out of Korea (which they DO stock and sell) have been very well made.
Title: Re: "I Had a Dream..."
Post by: Mikeymac on October 07, 2013, 09:56:46 AM
Well, guys, I had another dream, and it's putting the dream of a 335 style on hold.

I've been gassing for a C-series Larrivee for years, and I've found a lefty that may be mine soon...very unique specs, but wrong for the original buyer - his loss, my gain. It's a C-10 with Silver Oak back/sides and Italian Spruce top...

...I'll keep y'all posted in the other Forum if the deal goes down...

...and maybe it just means there might be a LARRIVEE hollow or semi-hollow in my future...
Title: Re: "I Had a Dream..."
Post by: JOYCEfromNS on October 07, 2013, 10:19:40 AM
Congrats look forward to pics. It sounds like an extra special guitar
Title: Re: Re: "I Had a Dream..."
Post by: Strings4Him on October 07, 2013, 10:39:27 AM
Nice!  Hope you get it.
Title: Re: "I Had a Dream..."
Post by: broKen on October 07, 2013, 07:44:08 PM
Sounds like a nice instrument Michael. Hope your very pleased with it. Looking forward to your assessment of that tonewood.
I expect another guitar in my future and have not yet decided what it will be made of. SO is a possibility.
Title: Re: "I Had a Dream..."
Post by: Mr_LV19E on October 08, 2013, 09:59:24 AM
If I were you I'd get the D'Angelico, you can always get a Larrivee if they come out with one. I'm not even left handed and I am tempted.  :smile:
Title: Re: "I Had a Dream..."
Post by: Mikeymac on October 08, 2013, 10:56:59 PM
Quote from: Mr_LV19E on October 08, 2013, 09:59:24 AM
If I were you I'd get the D'Angelico, you can always get a Larrivee if they come out with one. I'm not even left handed and I am tempted.  :smile:
I'd love to get the D'Angelico ... but it's not in the budget right now. Now if I sell enough gear, then...  :thumbsup
Title: Re: Re: "I Had a Dream..."
Post by: Mikeymac on October 12, 2013, 12:10:01 AM
Quote from: Strings4Him on October 07, 2013, 10:39:27 AM
Nice!  Hope you get it.

The C-10 in "Silver Oak" is on its way ... it will be here Tuesday. Full review in the acoustic forum to follow.

(You bet I'm excited!  :nana_guitar )

:donut :coffee :donut2 :coffee
Title: Re: Re: "I Had a Dream..."
Post by: JOYCEfromNS on October 15, 2013, 05:44:10 AM
Quote from: Mikeymac on October 12, 2013, 12:10:01 AM
The C-10 in "Silver Oak" is on its way ... it will be here Tuesday. Full review in the acoustic forum to follow.

(You bet I'm excited!  :nana_guitar )

It's Tuesday!!!!   :?  :?  :? So let's hear about it!
Title: Re: "I Had a Dream..."
Post by: Mikeymac on October 15, 2013, 07:18:44 AM
Andrew - it actually arrived yesterday afternoon! (I didn't have a tracking number, so I didn't really know when it would get here - just by Tuesday for sure.)

Look soon for a "Silver Oak" thread in the main forum for my fawning review...



But it is a VERY :nice guitar:
Title: Re: "I Had a Dream..."
Post by: Mikeymac on October 18, 2013, 06:06:36 PM
Well. someone go ahead and say it, I've lost my mind...

...but I ordered the D'Angelico last night. I just couldn't stand it ... I've regretted it a few times in the past when I've passed on a unique left-handed guitar like this, and since Music Zoo publishes pictures of the exact guitar you're ordering, you know exactly what you're getting.

It will arrive next Tuesday, and unfortunately, unless I'm "sick," I'll be out of town...bummer. I'll have to ask FedEx to hold it so I can pick it up on Wednesday when I get home.

More on that when it gets here (maybe in the "other guitars" forum).

:nanadance :nana_guitar

Meanwhile, yes, I'm LOVING the C-10 - sounds better every time I pick it up!
Title: Re: "I Had a Dream..."
Post by: Queequeg on October 18, 2013, 06:41:45 PM
Quote from: Mikeymac on October 18, 2013, 06:06:36 PM
Well. someone go ahead and say it, I've lost my mind...

...but I ordered the D'Angelico last night. I just couldn't stand it ... I've regretted it a few times in the past when I've passed on a unique left-handed guitar like this, and since Music Zoo publishes pictures of the exact guitar you're ordering, you know exactly what you're getting.

It will arrive next Tuesday, and unfortunately, unless I'm "sick," I'll be out of town...bummer. I'll have to ask FedEx to hold it so I can pick it up on Wednesday when I get home.

More on that when it gets here (maybe in the "other guitars" forum).

:nanadance :nana_guitar

Meanwhile, yes, I'm LOVING the C-10 - sounds better every time I pick it up!
Mikeymac, you may be coming down with something. You look a little pale behind the gills. I want you to rest up this weekend and you should try going to work on Monday, but if you can't do 1000 push-ups when you home, you need to stay home on Tuesday to regain your strength.
Title: Re: "I Had a Dream..."
Post by: Mikeymac on October 19, 2013, 11:09:28 AM
Quote from: Queequeg on October 18, 2013, 06:41:45 PM
Mikeymac, you may be coming down with something. You look a little pale behind the gills. I want you to rest up this weekend and you should try going to work on Monday, but if you can't do 1000 push-ups when you home, you need to stay home on Tuesday to regain your strength.

Hah! I wish! Actually, it's a getaway that I don't want to miss, so I have mixed emotions. But I can schedule the guitar for pickup on Wednesday afternoon when I get back, so all is good.
Title: Re: "I Had a Dream..."
Post by: robwms on October 19, 2013, 03:40:36 PM
I couldn't wait any longer. If Larrivee comes out with a hollow body, I'll certainly consider it. In the meantime I came across this 1974 Gibson ES-175 in absolutely stunning shape. We're having a splendid time together:
Title: Re: "I Had a Dream..."
Post by: Queequeg on October 19, 2013, 09:26:46 PM
 175 is a great guitar.
And that burst is gorgeous.
And pre-Henry Juszkiewicz, better yet.
Title: Re: "I Had a Dream..."
Post by: Mikeymac on January 03, 2014, 03:51:27 PM
Update on the D'Angelico ... it was nice, but my final assessment was that it wasn't $1,300 of Korean nice, so I returned it.

I'm waiting on my recently ordered Lancaster ... after that I guess I'll keep waiting for Larrivee's hollow or semi-hollow entry to the market. The Larrivee 50th Anniversary model (whatever it is...) is only a couple years away; I definitely will be saving for one of those!
Title: Re: "I Had a Dream..."
Post by: robwms on January 12, 2014, 10:03:16 PM
Re: D'Angelico

got the impression some guys with money were trying to capitalize on the name. Although part of me thinks that's a travesty, I guess everyone is entitled to try and make a buck (or loonie, or euro, or yuan, or whatever).

The Eastman guitars seem to be getting the best response for inexpensive, well-made hollow bodies. They have a good story, starting out in 1992 by successfully making violins and then branching out into guitars and mandolins. They look and sound impressive but I wonder how they'll hold up over time. My Gibson is celebrating it's 40th this year and it is one awesome instrument, in spite of the Norlin Corporation.
Title: Re: "I Had a Dream..."
Post by: Danny on January 13, 2014, 09:19:32 AM
Quote from: robwms on January 12, 2014, 10:03:16 PM
My Gibson is celebrating it's 40th this year and it is one awesome instrument, in spite of the Norlin Corporation.
My first really good guitar was a Gibson Heritage made in 69-70 or so, I really can't say if it was a Norlin or not but have a feeling it was. I had it 40 years ago and it was truly a cannon.
Quote from: robwms on October 19, 2013, 03:40:36 PM
I couldn't wait any longer. If Larrivee comes out with a hollow body, I'll certainly consider it. In the meantime I came across this 1974 Gibson ES-175 in absolutely stunning shape. We're having a splendid time together:

That is a fine looking Gibby :nice guitar:
Title: Re: "I Had a Dream..."
Post by: JOYCEfromNS on January 13, 2014, 09:27:17 AM
Quote from: robwms on January 12, 2014, 10:03:16 PM
My Gibson is celebrating it's 40th this year and it is one awesome instrument, in spite of the Norlin Corporation.
I have played many gems from the "Norlin Era" looks like you got yourself another!
Title: Re: "I Had a Dream..."
Post by: JOYCEfromNS on January 13, 2014, 09:34:13 AM
Quote from: dependan on January 13, 2014, 09:19:32 AM
  My first really good guitar was a Gibson Heritage made in 69-70 or so, I really can't say if it was a Norlin or not but have a feeling it was. I had it 40 years ago and it was truly a cannon.
I think many see the "Norlin Era" starting when McCARTY left in 65 but officially it wasn't until December 22, 1969
Title: Re: "I Had a Dream..."
Post by: Danny on January 13, 2014, 09:40:20 AM
Quote from: JOYCEfromNS on January 13, 2014, 09:34:13 AM
I think many see the "Norlin Era" starting when McCARTY left in 65 but officially it wasn't until December 22, 1969
Yeah, 1966 was the year they started using plastic bridges on a lot of guitars. They were still made in Kalamazoo then, but several "innovations" were being initiated. Just like some of Ford's better ideas, many were to the detriment of a good guitar company.
   I still have one Kalamazoo Gibson that I'm sure is a Norlin Era dreadnaught. It has a double X bracing pattern.
Title: Re: "I Had a Dream..."
Post by: Mikeymac on January 13, 2014, 11:50:11 AM
A friend of mine had a left-handed '74 "sandwich body" LP Custom that he loaned me for a year or so (he wasn't playing guitar regularly at the time; he has since sold it). It was heavy, but it was a great playing (fretless wonder), great sounding guitar! If I had had the money when he wanted to sell it, it would have become mine. But I didn't want to try to lowball him on the price, and it was worth around $2,200-2,500 at the time he sold it, and I just didn't have it then.
Title: Re: "I Had a Dream..."
Post by: Mikeymac on January 18, 2014, 12:36:33 PM
So, in the ongoing semi-hollow saga, I weakened and ordered a late '70's lefty Yamaha SA 1000 from Ishibashi in Japan. It's from that era when Japan was kicking Gibson's and Fender's butts with very well built guitars, so I'm crossing my fingers on this purchase.

It hasn't got any issues - Ishibashi says everything on it seems to be original. It's not maple ply like Gibson's; it's beech and birch, so we'll see. But for under a grand (shipped) I'll have an MIJ semi-hollow that's very rare in lefty versions.

I'll keep you posted - don't know shipping details yet, but hope it will be here by the end of the week.

Here's one pic to hold you over:

Title: Re: "I Had a Dream..."
Post by: robwms on February 24, 2014, 10:07:57 PM
Quote from: Mikeymac on January 18, 2014, 12:36:33 PM

I'll keep you posted - don't know shipping details yet, but hope it will be here by the end of the week.

So what happened with this guitar Rev?

Before I found my Gibson, the SA 1000 was one of the guitars I considered. Never came across one I could pull the trigger on. You're a brave soul having it shipped all the way from Japan.
Title: Re: "I Had a Dream..."
Post by: Mikeymac on February 25, 2014, 10:10:28 AM
Quote from: robwms on February 24, 2014, 10:07:57 PM
So what happened with this guitar Rev?

Before I found my Gibson, the SA 1000 was one of the guitars I considered. Never came across one I could pull the trigger on. You're a brave soul having it shipped all the way from Japan.

I told the rest of the story in the Other Guitar Makers Forum. (http://www.larriveeforum.com/smf/index.php?topic=45800.0) It seemed appropriate to move the topic there, since this area is now dedicated to Larrivee electrics.

It took awhile for it to get here (hung up in Chicago because of their bad weather for a WEEK!) but it was worth whatever "risk" I took ordering from Japan - I'll say again, they were GREAT to work with! Great guitar - it's become a humbucker favorite!

There are pics in that thread as well.