NEW GUITAR

Subject: NEW GUITAR
From: GUEST,Jenny
Date: 25 Aug 00 - 12:43 AM

I just wanted to let the mudcatters know, who responded to my thread about selling my Gibson, the epilogue to my story. Your responses were so kind and I appreciated them very much. Here's the rest of the story:

The next evening, after I posted the thread, there was a PM from a mudcatter saying they agreed with everyone that I should keep my Old Friend. They went on to say that in memory of assistance they had received several years ago, they wanted to lend me the money to buy a new guitar, thereby, keeping my Gibson. This individual has asked that I not reveal their identity and I will honor that request, but I did want people to know that this is the heart of what makes up the mudcat community. I really cannot express in words how I felt that day and continue to feel to this day.

Well, I started again looking at and playing guitars. I visited every store in Charlottesville, VA, and West Chester, PA, and played every guitar I could get my hands on. I played Martins, Seagulls, Alvarez, Ovations, Guilds, Gibsons, Collings. I played big guitars, medium guitars, little guitars. I played fat guitars and skinny guitars. I played guitars with pick-ups.

In the last year, I have picked every guitar player's brain that would give me 10 or 15 minutes of their time. I put questions on the mudcat, on the Flatpick L list, and a few other guitar forums. I learned about different types of woods; laminated vs. solid; neck widths vs. neck profile; what different makes, types, and gauges of strings would do. I spent hours on the phone to Elderly, talking with their salespeople and asking a million questions.

At one point, I had to stop and organize all that I had learned, to make a final decision.

I discovered some very important aspects of my personal needs, regarding a guitar. The most important, however, was discovering that I actually can play a guitar that is larger than my B-25 and has a 1 11/16" neck width at the nut, rather than a 1 1/2" neck width. (This is how I learned about neck profiles.)

I played a lot of Martins, from vintage to new, D-1's to custom D-42's, solid mahogany to mahogany and spruce. I had finally settled on a Martin D-16GT (gloss top). Then I got this PM, from a friend, who asked me to please find a Larrivee dealer and play one, before I bought the Martin. His reasoning was that, if I hated the Larrivee, at least I would never "wonder." I love you, catspaw!!!

I found a Larrivee dealer in Pensacola, which is 180 west of Tallahassee. I called and we made a date to meet the next Saturday. I asked my dad to go along. I figured, since he bought my first guitar (Gibson LG-1), he should be along for this one.

We left very early Saturday morning and arrived at the store (Blues Angel) just as they were opening. The store owner, Jim, put me in a back room with a Larrivee D-05, Larrivee D-0something/Rosewood, and a Martin D-28.]

I compared them chord for chord, note for note, string for string. I compared the resonance of each instrument. I held them and cradled them for comfort and playability. I checked neck widths for comfort and speed. Here's the result of my comparison, with the thought that we all hear and feel different things, in this type of situation:

I didn't like the Martin D-28, at all, and couldn't keep it in tune.

The Larrivee Rosewood dreadnought has a beautiful, dark, brooding, booming sound, and I can fully understand why bluegrass flatpickers like rosewood. But I don't think it's good for singing, for me, anyway. I had a hard time finding the "place" to sing with it. I hope that last statement makes sense to someone else besides me!

The Larrivee D-05 has the most beautiful guitar voice I've ever heard. It is clear and bright and warm and boomie. The resonance is unbelievable. It was comfortable cradled in my arms and the neck width is perfect. I would play and then just sit back and listen to the overtones.

It's also just plain beautiful to look at. It's solid wood; South American mahogany sides and back; Sitka spruce top; flame maple body binding; ebony fretboard and headstock; thin thread of sterling silver around the headstock; "Larrivee" written in mother-of-pearl on the headstock; abalone around the soundhole. Gloss all over.

Catspaw was right; I brought it home with me.

I feel as if I've slipped into the well of decadence ... two wonderful guitars! I enjoy coming home and just playing for hours. I'm not neglecting Gibson, but, you know, I've to get Larrivee broken in before The Getaway in October.

Oh, and, Bert ... now you don't have to worry about coming back as Gibson and being nestled under spaw's or mick's armpit.

So, again, thank you all for your kindness and showing me what I was about to give up and that I did have alternatives.

I love you all ...

jenny

Subject: RE: NEW GUITAR
From: catspaw49
Date: 25 Aug 00 - 12:53 AM

I'm so happy as I've already told you that you found a new friend. I have a shameless love for Larrivee as you know and I couldn't be happier that you found one you liked. May you have many wonderful years together. You deserve each other.

Spaw

Subject: RE: NEW GUITAR
From: DougR
Date: 25 Aug 00 - 12:54 AM

Congratulations, Jenny. You've found a new friend. DougR

Subject: RE: NEW GUITAR
From: Clifton53
Date: 25 Aug 00 - 02:07 AM

Hey Moon, I think you made a great choice, and I'm proud of you for going the distance and slugging it out with "guitar shopping", as it is never easy.

Just one question, what happened to the LG1? That's the guitar I'd like to meet.

And by the way, as a Gibson guy, it's no picnic under my armpit either.

Clifton

Subject: RE: NEW GUITAR
From: Big Mick
Date: 25 Aug 00 - 03:14 AM

And to our wonderful friend who loaned you the cash, I love ya. Your heart is big enough for the lot of us.......................Now, I have had my eye on this set of Quinn/Koehler Uillean Pipes but I just don't have the $7,000.00 just now and I wondered.........................................

Mick

Subject: RE: NEW GUITAR
From: bflat
Date: 25 Aug 00 - 04:40 AM

Jenny,

Good Luck with the Larrivee. I've got a L-05 with nearly the same discription and I love it. Just a great sound.

bflat

Subject: RE: NEW GUITAR
From: Willie-O
Date: 25 Aug 00 - 06:40 AM

That's great news altogether Jenny. In every way.

A tip of the hat to the anonymous benefactor!

It's great to have two good guitars, ennit.

Best,
Willie-O

Subject: RE: NEW GUITAR
From: Troll
Date: 25 Aug 00 - 07:34 AM

I'm a die-hard Gibson fan but the Larrivees that I have played have impressed my a lot,much more that the new Martins or Taylors.

troll

Subject: RE: NEW GUITAR
From: jeffp
Date: 25 Aug 00 - 08:29 AM

Congratulations Jenny!!

And to the anonymous benefactor, you are a shining example of why this place is so special.

I'm so glad I found the Mudcat, so I can share in the wonderful things that go on here.

jeffp

Subject: RE: NEW GUITAR
From: Whistle Stop
Date: 25 Aug 00 - 09:01 AM

Jenny, I'm glad you shared all that with us. It's nice to hear this worked out so well for you. I also own a Larrivee -- an OM-10 model -- and I love it. May you have a long and happy life together.

Subject: RE: NEW GUITAR
From: kendall
Date: 25 Aug 00 - 09:05 AM

I'm still a Taylor/Santa Cruz fan, but I must admit, that Larravee I played in Buckdancers Choice in Portland Maine was very impressive. Also, they are not overpriced like the aforementioned boxes.

Subject: RE: NEW GUITAR
From: catspaw49
Date: 25 Aug 00 - 09:08 AM

When Jenny told me of her anonymous benefactor, the first thing I wanted to do was post it here and say "Damn, ain't this joint somethin'?" But I didn't and I won't. But the 'Cat is special because of the people who make it up.

Here's big hug from Spaw for being a very special person. Getting help and passing it on is what this life should be about.

Spaw

Subject: RE: NEW GUITAR
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 25 Aug 00 - 09:15 AM

Jenny I am pleased to hear that you have managed to find a way of keeping the Gibson - thanks anonymous friend!

I also happy that you have found a guitar that you are obviously delighted with and I hope that this one gives you many years of loyal service.

Jon

Subject: RE: NEW GUITAR
From: Midchuck
Date: 25 Aug 00 - 09:20 AM

You don't know the half of it. Jenny is one of the elite: a mudcatpickle (like me and bigchuck). Have you any idea of the abuse she's letting herself in for by buying anything but a Martin or vintage Martin clone (Collings, Santa Cruz) or a Gallagher (which are all right since Doc uses one)?

I bought a Taylor some weeks ago and have been unable to show my face on the flatpick list without groveling in apology ever since. Jenny was already in enough trouble since she owned a Gibson.

This is one brave lady.

Peter.

Subject: RE: NEW GUITAR
From: catspaw49
Date: 25 Aug 00 - 09:22 AM

Well Midchuck, at least when she's around 'Catters, she can blame the Larrivee on "that idiot Catspaw."

Spaw

Subject: RE: NEW GUITAR
From: SINSULL
Date: 25 Aug 00 - 10:08 AM

Jenny,
Thanks for letting us in on the fun. I am really pleased that you found a way to keep your old friend in your life. And to Anonymous: Your generosity is already having a ripple effect. Bless you.

Subject: RE: NEW GUITAR
From: Jeri
Date: 25 Aug 00 - 10:18 AM

Jenny - FANTASTIC!!!!! I can't wait to hear you and the guitar at the Getaway. You sound like you've become quite an expert on guitars! Thanks for telling us about your experience.

To the anonymous benefactor - thank you! Thanks for helping a friend, thanks for reminding us that we simple humans can shine like diamonds.

Subject: RE: NEW GUITAR
From: Easy Rider
Date: 25 Aug 00 - 11:20 AM

That's really good news, Jenny. I told you that, when you found the "right" guitar, it would speak to you, and you would know it.

I'm a little surprised that you got a dreadnought. Did the dealer have any of the smaller bodied Laravees for you to try?

Subject: RE: NEW GUITAR
From: Easy Rider
Date: 25 Aug 00 - 11:22 AM

That's really good news, Jenny. I told you that, when you found the "right" guitar, it would speak to you, and you would know it.

I'm a little surprised that you got a dreadnought. Did the dealer have any of the smaller bodied Laravees for you to try?

Subject: RE: NEW GUITAR
From: Jed at Work
Date: 25 Aug 00 - 01:01 PM

Great choice Jenny! And like Spaw, I am an unashamed Larrivee fan. I encourage all my guitar purchaing friends, acquaintences and even perfect strangers to consider a Larrivee, whatever guitar they are looking to buy.

Great story, too, Jenny. Thanks for telling the tale!

Subject: RE: NEW GUITAR
From: Little Hawk
Date: 25 Aug 00 - 01:02 PM

Good move, Jenny. I have played Larrivee guitars that were so astounding it was almost scary. And it's great that you still have the Gibson.

I usually am dissatisfied with Martin D-28's too, although I'm not quite sure why. I like them, but then I don't like them.

Anyway, I hope you have a wonderful time playing both of those fine guitars.

Subject: RE: NEW GUITAR
From: dwditty
Date: 25 Aug 00 - 07:36 PM

Well, Jenny, I'm in hog heaven, too. I spent the day at Mandolin Bros. in Staten Island, NY picking out a new 12 string. Tried a bunch - Guild, Goodall, Breedlove, an amazing koa Santa Cruz (too expensive), and also got to play a bunch of really high priced vintage guitars ($50,000+) just for the hell of it. I got my Gallagher tuned up while I was there. I settled on an incredible Taylor 655 12 string. Maple sides and back that you have to be careful not to fall into. Spruce top. Nice abalone appointments. All this because I heard Kendall playing a 12 string on hearme the other night and decided I had to get one. Now I have to go learn all those Byrds songs. Life is hard!!

Anyway, a hearty congrats on your new friend. I told you in the previous thread that I regret giving up every guitar I ever owned (except one J-200 that I just hated). Hats off and a raised glass to your benefactor. Enjoy!!!

dw

Subject: RE: NEW GUITAR
From: catspaw49
Date: 25 Aug 00 - 07:50 PM

CONGRATS TO YOU TOO DW!!!!!

A fine choice........Taylor is really building tremendous stuff aren't they? Very hot on the performing circuit. I look forward to hearing some of your great blues work on the 12 my friend!

Spaw

Subject: RE: NEW GUITAR
From: dwditty
Date: 25 Aug 00 - 07:59 PM

Thanks, Spaw. While I was there, I talked to them about setting up an account through Mudcat. Not much response, but I'll PM Max with some ideas I have. Also, had a nice chat with Adrian Legg while I was there. Not really my style of player, but, man, he can do some incredible things with a guitar.

dw

Subject: RE: NEW GUITAR
From: Troll
Date: 25 Aug 00 - 08:14 PM

Midchuck: Gibsons and Martins are very different guitars. Martins -in my experience- have a more balanced tone all the way up the scale, while Gibsons generally have a better bass response. So when I want a "balanced" sound, I use the D-18 and the LG-0 for a bassier accompaniment.My Favorite guitar is an old Recording King which was built by Regal.Great bass! But thats just my take.

As a friend of mine says," A Martins just a Gibson whose voice ain't changed."

Again, Jenny, congrats.

troll