New acoustic - Larrivee

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andrushkiwt

andrushkiwt

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For 39 years, I've only had the 70's Sigma acoustic my dad bought before I was born. I'll admit I was terrible at maintaining it - by terrible I mean I didn't. Ever. Welp finally the tuning mechanism on the D string broke. I tried to drill a nearby hole but was out of room due to some previous attempt (can't remember who) to fix it. I couldn't move it medially too far because then you wouldn't be able to turn the tuning knob, and laterally it was already filled with holes that were too wide and stripped. In addition, the saddle is severely chipped. There are also major intonation issues. A nearby luthier will fix the tuning mechanism and saddle for under $100, but I figured it's time for a new acoustic already. I'll fix and keep the old Sigma for nostalgic reasons, but wanted to get something new for recording.

I played several acoustics in $500-1000 range, including some Martins and Seagulls. The only instrument that blew me away with its sound and action was this Larrivee. I absolutely loved the tone and variety of sounds I could get with it, particularly the lower strings and the open low E and A. Can't wait to record with it. It has electronics, if I want to go that route. I'll mess with it and see how I like it, but the plain acoustic sound alone is amazing.

Just wanted to show it off ! :) Anyone play/have one of these? Thoughts on them?
 

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We have a Larivée at the studio. Very nice guitar.
 
Nice guitar. I'm surprised there is an intonation issue.
 
You did it the right way IMO-play a bunch and find one you really like.
 
You got me thinking thoughts. My ovation is horrible for recording. I want to mic one.

It looks concert. Is a dreadnought better than the concert size? How much bottom does it lose? I like a big bottom.

How are they compared to those garbage $99 Epiphone dreadnoughts they sell at Black Friday? Something not Made in China always preferred.
 
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LazerBeakShiek said:
You got me thinking thoughts. My ovation is horrible for recording. I want to mic one.

It looks concert. Is a dreadnought better than the concert size? How much bottom does it lose? I like a big bottom.

How are they compared to those garbage $99 Epiphone dreadnoughts they sell at Black Friday? Something not Made in China always preferred.
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Ovations are the worst. No offense. I actually like their 12 strings but the rest ain't even firewood as they won't burn. Man, Dreadnoughts is a deep subject. No two are remotely similar. Even in a brand. I have Martin Dreds and they do not sound the same. I have a Breedlove that isn't even remotely near the Martins. Not good or bad. Just NOT the same.
 
Track Rat said:
Ovations are the worst. No offense. I actually like their 12 strings but the rest ain't even firewood as they won't burn. Man, Dreadnoughts is a deep subject. No two are remotely similar. Even in a brand. I have Martin Dreds and they do not sound the same. I have a Breedlove that isn't even remotely near the Martins. Not good or bad. Just NOT the same.
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Ovations are garbage....In the 90's they were cool, but still sucked. They don't sound like anything. Like, even a cheap dread is full with a big bottom. I cannot tell if his Larrive is a Concert or dread. It must sound better than a plastic domed back. It's not comfortable to sit with either. The rounded backing has no edge to hold position against the body.

Yeah, Im thinking thoughts. Wait till holiday sales.
 
That Larivée looks sweet. I checked out some demo videos. Nice. I guess access to a truss rod is behind the brace at the soundhole..? Probably need a special key to get at it, eh..?

Track Rat said:
Ovations are the worst. No offense. I actually like their 12 strings but the rest ain't even firewood as they won't burn.
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Ovation... I here ya. I had a 6-string I bought in 1975 and not a soul would pay money for it when I was liquidating in 2009, so I donated it to a local music school. Worst playing guitar I ever laid hands on.

.. and now we return you to our regularly scheduled program..
 
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I freely admit that most in audio/music lore is voodoo. Acoustic instruments on the other hand is somewhere between Particle Physics and Essential Oil therapy. I suppose it comes down to what "sound" you're looking for. On the other hand, fuck it and record the guitar you have in the room you have, and if it comes out great say "I meant to do that".
 
Track Rat said:
I freely admit that most in audio/music lore is voodoo. Acoustic instruments on the other hand is somewhere between Particle Physics and Essential Oil therapy. I suppose it comes down to what "sound" you're looking for. On the other hand, fuck it and record the guitar you have in the room you have, and if it comes out great say "I meant to do that".
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ROFLMAO !! :laughings:
 
Ovation guitars hurt my ears.

I have several different acoustics and they all sound different and record differently. I just recently hit my local GC and did my usual troll through the guitars. Played high dollar Martins, Gibsons etc , and when I played a base model Yamaha I was immediately thinking it would be perfect for recording chimey chord stuff. So I checked every other acoustic in the place and eventually left with the yamaha.

I have a Taylor that only records well when capo'd. I also have an alvarez and an ibanez that both record well but sound very different which I use to my advantage by recording both to get big acoustic sound
 
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