Forum III impressions and discussion

Started by Randy_R, March 25, 2009, 04:57:45 PM

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#17 arrived at my house in Berkeley 10 minutes ago. Just like I remembered in Vancouver - but now I get to sit down and play in my living room - Check back with y'all in a couple days -

Tad
Bunch of Larrivees - all good -
and a wife that still puts up with me, which is the best -



Since everyone is doing comparison shots, I decided to take some photos comparing my Forum III and my D-03.  My venerable D-03 is getting totally ignored at the moment and I'm wondering if I should keep it.  I just love my Forum III.   Its shaping up to be the perfect guitar for me.  You can do anything with this guitar.  Let me know what you think of my photos.

Jordan.

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LS-03MTHB Forum III (#19), RS-2 Sunburst

Mines in and waiting instructions on my set-up preference

75 is a coming


What did  you all ask for in set-up.  I was going for minimal neck relief and medium low action...

I had this great tech in Germany set-up my OM-2 and it is perfect, but ti didn't describe what I want to him... he just did it

david
Larrivee Forum-III all hog

The top is amazing, I've never seen silking on a MT top. Unless I'm imagining things, which is always possible.

holly
"Needs more cowbell."

http://www.artfire.com/users/goatmountainarts
15% discount for Larrivee Forum Members (enter Larrivee coupon code at checkout)
Handmade soap and stuff.

Quote from: strawintogold on April 04, 2009, 08:15:13 PM
The top is amazing, I've never seen silking on a MT top. Unless I'm imagining things, which is always possible.

holly
Holly,

No...you are not imagining things.  I really lucked out and ended up with this very unique hog top.  Here is a closer picture which shows you it in greater detail.  I'm sooo lucky.

Jordan.

[attachment deleted by admin]

LS-03MTHB Forum III (#19), RS-2 Sunburst

Well done Jordan... that top could almost pass for Koa!
OM-03R 2008 Twelfth Fret SE 5/12
LSV-03R 2009 Forum III 55/78

I'm trying to be at least a little objective about this new Forum III but I can't help bonding with this new guitar. I like the fact that it deviates from very balanced formula of a typical larrivee to be a bit heavy in the low end. The overtones with rosewood are gorgeous and the best way to describe the tone is smooth and creamy (though that probably doesn't help anyone envision it). Notes flow into one another beautifully. I also find the top very lively and I'm not sure if this due primarily to the unique bracing pattern or the Italian Spruce top. Maybe some of the all-hog owners can chime in.

Sadly I am being dragged back to the Big Apple for work and I won't get to play this baby for the next week. It also means that I won't get a chance to share pictures as promised until I get back. However I don't think that will be a problem since there are so many that will be delivered next week that I'm sure we'll all see enough wood porn. I hope everyone enjoys their Forum III's as much as I am.
Lots of acoustics and One Happy Dog


"The noble savage never existed; Eden occupied was a slaughterhouse; Paradise found is paradise lost." - E. O. Wilson

Quote from: limnephilidae on April 04, 2009, 11:49:29 PM
I'm trying to be at least a little objective about this new Forum III but I can't help bonding with this new guitar. I like the fact that it deviates from very balanced formula of a typical larrivee to be a bit heavy in the low end. The overtones with rosewood are gorgeous and the best way to describe the tone is smooth and creamy (though that probably doesn't help anyone envision it). Notes flow into one another beautifully. I also find the top very lively and I'm not sure if this due primarily to the unique bracing pattern or the Italian Spruce top. Maybe some of the all-hog owners can chime in.
Smooth and creamy is how I thought of the L-09 guitars I played the past few years.  Being a bit heavy in the low end is also my experience in 12-fret guitars (000-15S, SD-50, my '40 parlor). 
So you are describing about what I've been hoping my LS-03R will sound like.  Guess I'll have to send Jim the balance of what I owe him...   :wink:
Play it daily for best results.

The Fedex truck showed up around noon and delivered the much anticipated Forum III IS/RW. First impressions out the box ....WOW :nanadance
A beautiful even grained I/S top in creamy white. As someone, who loves and appreciates beautiful wood, I was really hoping for some 'character' in the rosewood, and I was not disappointed. It's not quite Ricky's, but very nice nonetheless!! The simple elegance of this instrument is truly special, and the workmanship is flawless. The herringbone around the soundhole looks great and the label with JL's signature, and 46/78 labeling finish off a really special little guitar. I could not help but love the lightweight feel of the instrument.

How does it sound?  Well, right out of the shoot, it absolutely exceeded my expectations. It's a lively, resonant and very well balanced guitar.  I find it surprisingly responsive for it's size, and overall it's just a real little gem. I've seen a couple of posts referring to a strong low end, and while describing tonal characteristics is a very subjective excercise, I don't think I'd describe this guitar as having a strong low end. The low end is definately not lacking, and there is an articulate quality to the low end, as opposed to more of a thump which I've experienced with a number of guitars. My Larrivee dred has a strong low end, this guitar exhibits very nice balance, particularly in the midrange.

I had a suspicion that the IS tops would really work out well on these guitars, and I'm pleased to report that IHMO these Forum III are going to be sought after instruments. I've played a number of OM-03RW's and none sounded as good as this one.... I don't believe there's anything on the market (that I'm aware of) at this price point to compete with these Forum III's.

The folks at Larrivee absolutely did themselves proud in the production of these very sweet little guitars. I feel like all of us who got to be part of this project really have something very special in these guitars. I have a suspicion you won't find many of these showing up for resale :winkin: Thanks again to all those who contributed to the final design and spec's of these little beauties.  :cheers

Now the question is, 'can my all hog match the excitement generated by Megan's IS/RW Forum III'? The wait continues.....

I'll try and post some photo's tomorrow..

  ~ Ray ~
Mcknight Slope Dred ~ '59 bearclaw Sitka / Wavy African Mahogany
Martin 000-18 Norman Blake
Martin 0-16NY
Martin 0-18K
Martin 0-17

Quote from: Jagadis on April 04, 2009, 08:32:53 PM
Holly,

No...you are not imagining things.  I really lucked out and ended up with this very unique hog top.  Here is a closer picture which shows you it in greater detail.  I'm sooo lucky.

Jordan.

Jordan,

That really is a spectacular top :smile: Man, I hope mine is even from the same planet..

~ Ray ~
Mcknight Slope Dred ~ '59 bearclaw Sitka / Wavy African Mahogany
Martin 000-18 Norman Blake
Martin 0-16NY
Martin 0-18K
Martin 0-17

Safricanplayer.............So how does Megan like it? Also, how long did you let it acclimate before opening, considering you are in a similar climate as I am.
Taylor 310CE, Eastman E10D, Blueridge BR-160, Eastman T486

Megan, has spent a bit of time with it, but truthfully is too new to playing to be able to really evaluate it. She does love the size, look and weight of the guitar. Pops sort of 'confiscated' the guitar for most of the afternoon :winkin:  The weather was great today, so I had the box opened and guitar out, a half an hour after it was delivered. The box was not at all cold when it arrived from Fedex, so I was comfortable opening it up relatively quickly.

~ Ray ~
Mcknight Slope Dred ~ '59 bearclaw Sitka / Wavy African Mahogany
Martin 000-18 Norman Blake
Martin 0-16NY
Martin 0-18K
Martin 0-17

Quote from: Safricanplayer on April 05, 2009, 12:18:48 AM
The Fedex truck showed up around noon and delivered the much anticipated Forum III IS/RW. First impressions out the box ....WOW :nanadance
A beautiful even grained I/S top in creamy white. As someone, who loves and appreciates beautiful wood, I was really hoping for some 'character' in the rosewood, and I was not disappointed. It's not quite Ricky's, but very nice nonetheless!! The simple elegance of this instrument is truly special, and the workmanship is flawless. The herringbone around the soundhole looks great and the label with JL's signature, and 46/78 labeling finish off a really special little guitar. I could not help but love the lightweight feel of the instrument.

How does it sound?  Well, right out of the shoot, it absolutely exceeded my expectations. It's a lively, resonant and very well balanced guitar.  I find it surprisingly responsive for it's size, and overall it's just a real little gem. I've seen a couple of posts referring to a strong low end, and while describing tonal characteristics is a very subjective excercise, I don't think I'd describe this guitar as having a strong low end. The low end is definately not lacking, and there is an articulate quality to the low end, as opposed to more of a thump which I've experienced with a number of guitars. My Larrivee dred has a strong low end, this guitar exhibits very nice balance, particularly in the midrange.

I had a suspicion that the IS tops would really work out well on these guitars, and I'm pleased to report that IHMO these Forum III are going to be sought after instruments. I've played a number of OM-03RW's and none sounded as good as this one.... I don't believe there's anything on the market (that I'm aware of) at this price point to compete with these Forum III's.

The folks at Larrivee absolutely did themselves proud in the production of these very sweet little guitars. I feel like all of us who got to be part of this project really have something very special in these guitars. I have a suspicion you won't find many of these showing up for resale :winkin: Thanks again to all those who contributed to the final design and spec's of these little beauties.  :cheers

Now the question is, 'can my all hog match the excitement generated by Megan's IS/RW Forum III'? The wait continues.....

I'll try and post some photo's tomorrow..

  ~ Ray ~

Glad you like it.

Regarding the low-end: I played my LV-03RE right beside the Forum III LS-03R and I'm sure that the LS is not as balanced a sound as the standard sitka/rosewood L body. The trebles and bass are accentuated as normal for Rosewood, but there is something else in the low end, volume considerations aside. Both guitars have TUSQ saddles.

I've had an all-sapele top L body before and liked it, but not well enough to keep it. The guitar was very balanced but the compression made it lack any character. Are mahogany topped guitars fundamentally different in tone from sapele topped?

At any rate, when I talk about tone I want to be clear that I'm not talking about volume. And for the record, I've never heard ANY standard Larrivee that wasn't very balanced. For me, the low-end in my Forum III is far more pronounced than standard Larrivees. As you say, it is still articulate. I imagine there a few differences between the all-hog versions and the LS-03Rs.
Lots of acoustics and One Happy Dog


"The noble savage never existed; Eden occupied was a slaughterhouse; Paradise found is paradise lost." - E. O. Wilson

Tad, I'm so happy you got one of yours.
'09 Larrivee LS-03R #66 "Bella"
'07 Larrivee PV-09E "Holly"

The mixture of the LS body size and the 12 fret neck make for a guitar that is so comfortable and loaded with tone.  I love the depth and balance.  The hog/spruce combination has been my favourite for a while now and the Italian spruce is really special.  Very clear and articulate but still warm and deep, perfect for fingerstyle...whoa...this little guitar rocks!!!

Quote from: Denis on April 05, 2009, 08:18:27 AM
The mixture of the LS body size and the 12 fret neck make for a guitar that is so comfortable and loaded with tone.  I love the depth and balance.  The hog/spruce combination has been my favourite for a while now and the Italian spruce is really special.  Very clear and articulate but still warm and deep, perfect for fingerstyle...whoa...this little guitar rocks!!!

Denis, I am SO happy you are pleased. I am also very happy that I'm no longer one of a couple that have a Forum III. And yes, this little guitar rocks!
'09 Larrivee LS-03R #66 "Bella"
'07 Larrivee PV-09E "Holly"

Quote from: Vancouver Southpaw on April 02, 2009, 07:22:17 PM
Okay, apparently, I don't know how to post more than one picture at a time....or is it maximum 200KB for all four pictures....that would explain it.
Mike   i felt so bad when your guitar was not ready at the 3/16 visit. So glad you have it now!
Jim Holler
Jim Holler, Luthier
" What we do in this life will resound throughout eternity"

www.TrinityGuitars.com

Well,   I have seen, set up and played a lot of Forum III guitars by now. Don't ask how many I am not sure. We all have to thank John Jr and his crew for doing such a great job on these guitars. Yes mine is here. Not set up yet however yours have been keeping me busy. I played it out last wensday with my folk / bluegrass partner and it did very well with the banjo! I do like this little guitar. More to follow just wanted to reconnect and tell you all I am working hard and loving it.
Jim Holler
Jim Holler, Luthier
" What we do in this life will resound throughout eternity"

www.TrinityGuitars.com

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