Since I did so well before - Larrivee RS-4

Big Ron · #1 02-02-2010, 10:25 AM

I have a '52 Reissue Telecaster that has taken second place behind the new import Jazz Box that I recently bought.

Trying to move from a clanging twanger to some more acoustically pleasant sounds and music, so in a kind of a lark, I put a Craigslist ad up to sell or trade the Tele if someone had something that I happened to like. You never can tell !

A nice young man called me and offered to trade me a Larrivee RS-4. I had never heard of them and I declined the offer, but then I started reading and looking on the net, and am having second thoughts. It might still be available, but I am concerned that there would be a lot of people (like me) who were not interested in getting something that they didn't know about if I ever wanted to resell or trade it in or off.

I doubt if there is a big line of people shoving and pushing to get into Guitar Center to look at the Larrivee guitar.

Anyway, as the experience level, and musical experience level of our forum members is way above average, I would appreciate knowing what your thoughts are about the Larrivee RS-4, both as a guitar, and as an investment value.

Nice Photos of it here:

Larrivee RS-4 Electric Guitar, TWELFTH FRET

Thanks

Ron

randyc · #2 02-02-2010, 12:31 PM

If made in Canada, probably a good trade. Made offshore, not a good trade.

derek · #3 02-02-2010, 12:50 PM

Man, I really like Larrivee guitars. There have been several acoustics I have played that I was tempted to purchase. Well made, priced competitively, Canadian.

I knew they got into the electric biz shortly after Taylor, but have never played one to know how they are. However, based on what I have seen from their quaility with acoustics, I would guess they are well made.

Archie · #4 02-02-2010, 02:48 PM

They made electric guitars in the mid 1980s. I had two Larrivee electric basses. They were well made, high quality instruments. I also had a chance to try out a Larrivee Strat type guitar which was also very nice. If I remember correctly, Keith Scott, Bryan Adams's guitarist, used one.

These new ones look completely different, but if they're like the Larrivee acoustics, they should be very good (I currently own an L-03).

derek · #5 02-02-2010, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Archie

They made electric guitars in the mid 1980s. I had two Larrivee electric basses. They were well made, high quality instruments. I also had a chance to try out a Larrivee Strat type guitar which was also very nice. If I remember correctly, Keith Scott, Bryan Adams's guitarist, used one.

These new ones look completely different, but if they're like the Larrivee acoustics, they should be very good (I currently own an L-03).

Really? I had no idea. Never seen anything other than their recent offerings.

Archie · #6 02-02-2010, 05:32 PM

I just found this site, which has more information and a few pictures from Larrivee's catalogs:

Larrivee hardbody electric guitar & bass reference site

JOYCEfromNS · #7 05-19-2010, 11:00 PM

Hello all I am a newbie and stumbled upon this Forum and happened to come upon this thread of the Larrivee RS4. I got introduced to the Larrivee electrics back in the 80's - good guitars. Now the new Larrivee RS 4 which I assume Ron was offered is simply an outstanding guitar in all ways. It's simply top shelf as good and better than Custom Shop from the mainstream brands. It's wood, hardware and craftsmanship is outstanding. They currently are the best deal for an Electric. Tho their resale value compared to the mainstream right now is weaker. Google Larrivee RS 4 and listen to some clips the tone is superb and the playability is so easy!!! Sorry to gush they really are a guitar for someone who objectively listens and plays and not for one who can't get past the name on the headstock. I should also note that I do not sell Larrivee nor am I affiliated in any way. Just know a great electric when I play it and the RS 4 is just that. You shoulda took the trade - it woulda been a lifetime keeper, try one if you are able.

JOYCEfromNS · #8 05-19-2010, 11:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by randyc

If made in Canada, probably a good trade. Made offshore, not a good trade.

They are made in the USA - Oxnard California

BigDaddyLoveHandles · #9 05-20-2010, 01:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JOYCEfromNS

They are made in the USA - Oxnard California

Yup. Larrivees are made in the US and Canada -- I don't know the split.

JOYCEfromNS · #10 05-20-2010, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigDaddyLoveHandles

Yup. Larrivees are made in the US and Canada -- I don't know the split.

True the split is - only the entry level ( 03 series ) acoustics are mabe in Canada since about 1998, before this year all guitars were made in Canada. Thus all electrics, mandolins and gloss acoustics are now made in Oxnard Calf.

For someone in the market for a high quality solid wood low priced acoustic, do yourself a favor and check out Larrivee before you pull out your wallet.

sdr · #11 05-20-2010, 01:38 PM

My Larrivee OMV-05E is some of the best money I've ever spent. I'd bet that their electrics are just as nice. If the deal is still available, and the guitar is in good shape, take it.

BigDaddyLoveHandles · #12 05-20-2010, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JOYCEfromNS

For someone in the market for a high quality solid wood low priced acoustic, do yourself a favor and check out Larrivee before you pull out your wallet.

I was recently checking out their web site, looking for an acoustic guitar with a wider neck, for finger-picking. Found the LSV-11 which has a 1 13/16" nut (nice!), but its MSRP is $4023! Pull out my wallet? I'd need to pull out a handgun!

JOYCEfromNS · #13 06-21-2010, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigDaddyLoveHandles

I was recently checking out their web site, looking for an acoustic guitar with a wider neck, for finger-picking. Found the LSV-11 which has a 1 13/16" nut (nice!), but its MSRP is $4023! Pull out my wallet? I'd need to pull out a handgun!

lol you have great taste Big Daddy can't imagine many fingerstyle guitars on the planet better than the LSV-11

Josh from Guitars of Pikesville ( of which I have no association) provides a short vid on one:

YouTube - Larrivee LSV-11

For a player on a budget with some discerning guitar taste I would suggest one to at least try a Larrivee 03 series before reaching for the wallet - no handgun required. Just a suggestion as I have no connection to Larrivee BUT do own a couple along with some other marquee brands. Nothing equates the Larrivee in the bang for the buck department - well maybe Big Daddies Handgun

Archie · #14 06-21-2010, 02:37 PM

I have a Larrivee L-03 and a P-03. I walked into the shop determined to buy a Martin and walked out with the Larrivee.

Big Ron · #15 06-21-2010, 03:36 PM

Four months under the bridge since then.

I did contact the Larrivee owner about the trade and he had already sold his guitar. So no trade. A nice guy in Holland bought the Telecaster and I've been doing a little shopping since then.

Epiphone Broadway with upgraded pickups (natural)
Epiphone EJ200-CN Acoustic Electric (natural)
In addition to the Bobsie Twins above there is a new to me but previously owned Parker Mojo Mahogany and a 02 MIM Strat with Joe Barden pickups and locking tuners in the practice room right now.

Big Ron

helios · #16 06-21-2010, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ron Vermillion

I have a '52 Reissue Telecaster that has taken second place behind the new import Jazz Box that I recently bought.

Trying to move from a clanging twanger to some more acoustically pleasant sounds and music, so in a kind of a lark, I put a Craigslist ad up to sell or trade the Tele if someone had something that I happened to like. You never can tell !

A nice young man called me and offered to trade me a Larrivee RS-4. I had never heard of them and I declined the offer, but then I started reading and looking on the net, and am having second thoughts. It might still be available, but I am concerned that there would be a lot of people (like me) who were not interested in getting something that they didn't know about if I ever wanted to resell or trade it in or off.

I doubt if there is a big line of people shoving and pushing to get into Guitar Center to look at the Larrivee guitar.

Anyway, as the experience level, and musical experience level of our forum members is way above average, I would appreciate knowing what your thoughts are about the Larrivee RS-4, both as a guitar, and as an investment value.

Nice Photos of it here:

Larrivee RS-4 Electric Guitar, TWELFTH FRET

Thanks

Ron

Nice looking guitar-I've never played one, but it looks like it has the vibes of an Anderson Atom:

johnnieboy2 · #17 07-06-2010, 09:10 PM

Here's mine. Dead mint and a gorgeous player too. I took it along on a trip to do another trade with a pro player who did his own setups and mods. He asked to see it and he could not believe the workmanship on the RS-4. I've had it in the case for about 2 years and the setup was perfect in every way. He guessed it was a $3,500 guitar and did not know Larrivee made an electric.

More pics here: 2008 Larrivee RS4 pictures by johnnieboy2 - Photobucket

JOYCEfromNS · #18 07-06-2010, 10:11 PM

A Beauty!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hardware, workmanship and wood is second to none. If one is considering an electric these Larrivee RS4's are really stunning at any price point. IMHO they are equal or better than most custom shop out there. If you get an opportunity to test one grab it tho amazingly they can be tricky to find depending on your local Larrivee Dealer as they have not caught on YET

JohnW400 · #19 07-06-2010, 10:18 PM

Joyce,

Tell us the truth. You sound like the marketing department. Are you invovlved , in any way shape or form, with this manufacturer?

You certainly sound like it.

johnnieboy2 · #20 07-06-2010, 10:26 PM

She's definitely telling the truth. I'd trust her before anyone in Larrivee's marketing department.

JohnW400 · #21 07-07-2010, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnnieboy2

She's definitely telling the truth. I'd trust her before anyone in Larrivee's marketing department.

Why? Do you know her?

johnnieboy2 · #22 07-07-2010, 10:56 AM

No, because she either owns one or has played one. I'd trust an 'independent' player over a marketing person with a 'dog in the fight' any day. Man, this is getting off topic badly! Any moderators around here?

mr. beaumont · #23 07-07-2010, 11:07 AM

So how much do those Larivee's cost?

I've only played their acoustics, but they've all sounded great and seemed very well built.

But trade a telecaster for one? From my cold, dead hands...

JohnW400 · #24 07-07-2010, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnnieboy2

No, because she either owns one or has played one. I'd trust an 'independent' player over a marketing person with a 'dog in the fight' any day. Man, this is getting off topic badly! Any moderators around here?

Yes.

Derek and DirkJ.

Feel free to report my post.

It's just that all of her posts are hawking that company. We've seen it here before. If all she is is a die hard fan than that's ok. If she's shilling for the company than it's not.

Most members here do not like salepeople looking for free advertising in the forum. If I'm wrong I'll apologize. Fair enough?

BigDaddyLoveHandles · #25 07-07-2010, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr. beaumont

So how much do those Larivee's cost?

12th fret has some quality boudoir shots of this guitar: Larrivee RS-4 Electric Guitar, TWELFTH FRET

(There's an animated shot where you can see how much contouring the back has, for example.)

MSRP: $3198.00 USD
12th fret: $2399.00 (Canadian) including hardshell case

Bluewyatt · #26 08-04-2010, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigDaddyLoveHandles

I was recently checking out their web site, looking for an acoustic guitar with a wider neck, for finger-picking. Found the LSV-11 which has a 1 13/16" nut (nice!), but its MSRP is $4023! Pull out my wallet? I'd need to pull out a handgun!

I have a Northwood Custom R80-OO12 with a 1 7/8" nut width if you're still looking. John McQuarrie's guitars are incredible and handmade in Canada. As you may know, he worked many years for Larrivee before starting Northwood.

Bluewyatt · #27 08-04-2010, 02:20 PM

[quote=johnnieboy2;88649]Here's mine. Dead mint and a gorgeous player too. I took it along on a trip to do another trade with a pro player who did his own setups and mods. He asked to see it and he could not believe the workmanship on the RS-4. I've had it in the case for about 2 years and the setup was perfect in every way. He guessed it was a $3,500 guitar and did not know Larrivee made an electric.

I have the same guitar as you and I love it. I'm mainly an acoustic player but I couldn't resist the RS-4. My session player friends here in Nashville are extremely impressed with it.

BigDaddyLoveHandles · #28 08-04-2010, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bluewyatt

I have a Northwood Custom R80-OO12 with a 1 7/8" nut width if you're still looking. John McQuarrie's guitars are incredible and handmade in Canada. As you may know, he worked many years for Larrivee before starting Northwood.

Interesting. Unfortunately, my daughter has started going in for weekly psychological counselling, so that's another $500/month.

JOYCEfromNS · #29 08-15-2011, 12:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnW400

Joyce,

Tell us the truth. You sound like the marketing department. Are you invovlved , in any way shape or form, with this manufacturer?

You certainly sound like it.

Sorry Friends not so, thought I stated that clearly. Just gushing about a guitar that I luv. Interesting tho that one would jump to that conclusion I am guessing for no other reason than my low post count and most people's unfamiliarity of Larrivee Electrics. Someone doing the same about a Tele may not meet the same suspicions

Was only lookin to share the luv as am very familiar with them. Still stand by my comments of the RS 4. If you haven't really objectively looked at one I am only suggesting you do.

Sorry for the late reply as not on computer that often

johnnieboy2 · #30 08-15-2011, 09:16 AM

Wonderful guitar and if I owned a '52 RI Tele I'd gladly trade for a RS-4 today, and that would make 2 Larrivee electrics for me.