Larrivee Parlors are like potato chips....

[gitnoob]

I've had 5 Larrivee parlors.    Liked them all, but really liked the last one the best -- a nice 0-50.    Sold it recently because I really didn't need it.    I have a nice hand-built parlor, I have a few vintage parlors, and I plan to build my own as well.

I thought I was done with Larrivee parlors.

I was wrong.    Meet parlor #6.









I have learned my lesson.    Always have at least one Larrivee parlor.    No not resist.    They are well built.   They play effortlessly.    They are cute.   Indulge.  

[JOYCEfromNS]

 

[Mikeymac]

Always have at least one Larrivee parlor.    No not resist.    They are well built.   They play effortlessly.    They are cute.   Indulge.  

I'll tell my wife and see what she says... 

[Koamon]

From a guy who knows Koa... That's one very nice Koa specimen!

[Strings4Him]

Ain't that the truth about Larrivee parlors!  I recently was smitten by a custom Larrivee P-03 (Cedar/Quilted Mahogany) built as a custom for Wildwood Music.  Too bad you let the O-50 go.  Even still, your #6 is quite the looker!!  Congrats.

[ChagarMusic]

Nice abalone on - is that an Italian Spruce top? 
We have an all-koa parlour that we've kept for years that we'll never sell.   

[bobw]

            She's a beaut!!!!!!!!!!!

[Walkerman]

From a guy who knows Koa... That's one very nice Koa specimen!

Have you noticed that there is less and less "flamey" koa available?  Seems like what's coming out now has vertical grain, but not the "flame" koa is known for.  Not that it looks bad...just the opposite...it's just that loa means flamed to me.

[gitnoob]

Thanks, guys.    Yeah, it was the flamed Koa that caught my eye.    It's almost a shame this one didn't get a gloss finish -- that would have really highlighted the flame.

I'm pretty sure the top is Sitka, but it's typical of Larrivee -- nice tight even grain, and no run-out.   Lots of silking.

And this one is definitely a keeper.    I've been playing it all night.    You know a guitar's The One when it somehow helps you remember a bunch of tunes you forgot and they play effortlessly.   :)

If you ever see me try to sell this one, stop me.

[YOUNG AT HEART]

Lovely guitar in the photo 
Could I just ask anyone who has owned a P05 and a P09 at the same time, if there is a really substantial difference in tone between the mahogany and rosewood on such small instruments......I have a P05 but I am lusting after the alternative sound  that rosewood might just offer on  certain pieces of music.
I did try a Collings and Martin rosewood yesterday in the OM body size and full scale, (and they were fine sounding), but I didn't feel as comfortable sitting down and finger picking with them as I did when I got back home and took up my parlour.
Naturally , I don't fancy spending £1200 more on a P09 unless it's really going to be substantially different.

Thanks in advance for any thoughts............time to go now till later, pub time in UK !          

[Denis]

I've owned two and have been without one for several years now.  One day I'll have another but for now, I'll have to be happy with my FIV. 

[gitnoob]

Could I just ask anyone who has owned a P05 and a P09 at the same time, if there is a really substantial difference in tone between the mahogany and rosewood on such small instruments......I have a P05 but I am lusting after the alternative sound  that rosewood might just offer on  certain pieces of music.

I've never owned a rosewood Larrivee parlor, but I've had a few mahogany, one mahogany top, a walnut, and now a Koa.

IMHO, the size and build of the parlor dominates the tone much more than the back.

I've seen Larrivee parlors vary in their depth, their bracing, and their top thickness, and their tone varied quite a bit.     So you either need to try before you buy, or do what I do: buy, sell, and buy again.   :)

[Koamon]

Larrivee Parlors are an acquired taste...but once you start, you can never go back 

[ewalling]

Ain't that the truth about Larrivee parlors!  I recently was smitten by a custom Larrivee P-03 (Cedar/Quilted Mahogany) built as a custom for Wildwood Music.  Too bad you let the O-50 go.  Even still, your #6 is quite the looker!!  Congrats.

I think cedar on many small-bodied guitars works really well because of its responsiveness. It's great on my Takamine TF87PT.

[brandon]

Now that is how koa should look! Outstanding guitar.

[gitnoob]

Larrivee had some great Koa at one time.    For some reason, they apparently sold some of it to Kala, who used it make a few special edition ukes.



That's my Kala on the left (and a maple uke I built on the right).

[brandon]

From what I understand, larrivee tends to source woods to different luthiers from time to time. The koa on your parlor is stunning though. I love the way it gets lighter in the middle. That's how I envision the koa guitar wi would own if I had the funds for such a purchase.

Again, 

[carruth]

My Larrivee guitar is nothing like a potatoe chip, save it is a very tasty little thing that makes me smile every time I pick her up.

[nolifebutbmx]

once you pop the fun dont stop....


great guitar! nice seeing it on the larrivee fb page

[gitnoob]

Heh.   That's a good looking parlor on their FB page.   :)