Larrivee Neck Shape question

[Thrillhouse]

I asked this at the Larrivee forum but haven't gotten any replies so I thought I'd try here too...

I have never played a Larrivee before but am looking real hard at getting a used 00-03R. Neck shape is kind of a big deal to me. Unfortunately the only Larrivee dealer close to me is nearly an hour away and the closest guitar they have to an 00 is the OM. I'm thinking about making the drive in a couple days to check it out but just wanted to know how close I could expect the shape on the 00 to be compared to an OM. They also have L and D models if that helps. Thanks!

[AZLiberty]

A 00 neck should be identical to an OM neck, unless it was one of the custom short scale necks.

If it's a short scale the neck shape will be pretty close, though the fingering will be slightly more cramped.

[Thrillhouse]

Thanks!!!!

[PorkPieGuy]

Make sure you play one before you buy it. I love everything about the Larrivees, but when I play one, but the neck (to me) feels like I'm holding a baseball bat upside down (big end in my hands). I ALWAYS fight with a neck on a Larrivee, but they sound great if they have new strings and are set up well.

[HudsDad]

It took me a while to get used to the neck profile on my Larrivées, but for the opposite reason. They feel very thin in my hands compared to my other guitars.

In fact, I almost gave up on my first Larrivée shortly after I acquired it because the neck felt so slim from front to back. Luckily, I gave it a couple of months and now find them quite comfortable.

[jgillard]

I have a 00-03r. The neck profile is comfy. Feels good to me!

[Thrillhouse]

I called up the place to make sure they had a couple in stock before I drove up tomorrow and they said they have 0. Still going to try out some other guitars but I hate to buy a guitar over the internet that I've never even played something by that maker.

[MWB5007]

The most "different" aspect of a Larrivee neck to me is the 17 fretboard radius, the geometry of which (compared to the 16 Martin or 15 Taylor) makes for a flatter surface.

[bagpipe]

I have a Larrivee OM-05 and, to me, the neck is on the small (thin) side of the guitar neck spectrum. I prefer thicker necks, but I've gotten used to this one now. PorkPieGuy above must have a totally different neck on his Larrivee than mine - mine is anything but baseball bat thick.

[AtlJohn]

Originally Posted by MWB5007

The most "different" aspect of a Larrivee neck to me is the 17 fretboard radius, the geometry of which (compared to the 16 Martin or 15 Taylor) makes for a flatter surface.

I apologize for my ignorance, but....what are you talking about?

Thanks,
-js

[Dotneck]

Originally Posted by AtlJohn

I apologize for my ignorance, but....what are you talking about?

The fretboard radius refers to the slight curve of the fretboard. Like a road is designed...just a bit higher in the center than on the curb to let the water run off to the curb...most fretboards are higher in the center (under the g and D strings) than they are at the edge under the two E strings. This subtle curvature aids fretting and chording.

This curvature is measured in inches and a 25" radius is rounder than a 17" radius.

The point is that Larrivee has a much flatter fretboard than some other brands of guitars and some folks find that off putting. Once you're used to it, though, its fine. You just need to get used to it. Or, I would bet some folks never even notice the difference....

Hope this helps.....

[AZLiberty]

Originally Posted by AtlJohn

I apologize for my ignorance, but....what are you talking about?

Thanks,
-js

The top of a fretboard is curved from the bass to trebble side. On a martin this curve is the same as a circle with a 16" radius. Larrivees are slightly flatter at 17". They also taper slightly to 20" at the 12th fret. (normally this is a feature only found on custom instruments)

Blindfolded, I could not tell the difference between a Larrivee and Martin neck. (I own both)

[HudsDad]

Originally Posted by AtlJohn

I apologize for my ignorance, but....what are you talking about?

Thanks,
-js

Here's an illustration that helps show how fretboard radii work:



Most Larrivée necks have a compound radius that starts around 16" at the nut and flattens out to ~22" at the body.

[HudsDad]

Originally Posted by Dotneck

This curvature is measured in inches and a 25" radius is rounder than a 17" radius.

Think you got that one backwards. The larger the radius, the "flatter" the fretboard.

[ocmcook]

i have a larrivee parlor and the neck reminds me of my taylor gc-5. i didn't notice a big difference.