Larrivée P-09 FM

As already mentioned, it is a small parlor size similar to the forms of Martin 1-18. Mine, the sides are also curly maple, the table is of spruce (which I do not know the provenance, but probably a sitka seen the light wood) its veining is supernatural, fine transverse lines describing evidence of a flow important of resin and wood quality. The folds are vertical when looking at the edge of the rosette. The neck is mahogany (it's not settle well with the Mapple and it is beautiful) and a touch of ebony reported. It is ultra comfortable, and rarely allows himself to play as I had the opportunity. Note that the strings are wide apart at the bridge (to facilitate the finger at games) like the old parlor martin. The mechanical conventional oil bath, the head is restrained (logo Larivée is not great but good) the bridge is also ebony and bone nut (note that the pieces of wood blocks are decorated with strings of abalone , as the rose, for Euro 1300 is science fiction.

UTILIZATION

It is a real gem of ergonomics, the handle is a delight, he played himself. Surprisingly all the fingers that pick. Well it's a parlor is small small ... it's lightweight in the hand like

SOUNDS

Personally I also have a Martin D40 and D35, my Larivee is (and I mean it) to millions of kilometers of the legendary big guitars, far ... far ahead and trying hundreds of folks in my life , have recorded a significant number, here we are facing a single instrument. The highs are great, super open with a kind of resonance slender which makes them different, they are accurate and incisive. Mediums are also present, articulated and do not stifle beautiful beautiful bass (naturally enough given the size of discrete, though ..). This guitar is very balanced and expressive rare, it is played high, gently, with fingers like to pick, play lead on to the Richard Thompson, the rhythms are angular, it has everything qui'on expected of a guitar, I love it!

OVERALL OPINION

Nothing more to add, read the comments above

Guitar small, non-cash 12 boxes, manufactured in the USA.
This is a replica high-end guitars sitting room (parlor), popular in the early 20th century USA, but also in Europe.
Fully solid wood:
Spruce
background / flamed maple sides (sumptuous): I originally ordered from a single importing French rosewood P09, P09 and I received an FM maple, I still kept, as all my other guitars are rosewood and a little change will be welcome. but that the responsibility of the importer of the products it distributes!
Key / bridge / pegs Ebony
Abalone rosette outline
Mahogany.
Mechanical oil bath ebony button.
Aesthetically this instrument is absolutely gorgeous, breathtaking!

UTILIZATION

The guitar came with me one action rather high due to medium strings (probably because the pitch is 610mm) and a bridge saddle too high.: An adjustment is necessary because although mounted elixir custom light strings, the play barre chords is quickly tiring.
2 spaces non-cash, while access to acute ... we go to the next question!
This guitar is played with a strap to hold it against his heart (yes!), Light weight and good weight distribution means that the grip is very nice.
Update: After several settings illetde s bridge, guitar estdevenue more comfortable to play, but the game in the 1st position is more physical than on my Martin D28 and maDupont GA 30, presumably due to celaest silletde head to readjust.
Personally, I find lemanche is not wide enough for my taste and the pitch are shorter than my fingers lose marks gained on my guitar normal tuning fork.
Nonetheless, a celareste réelplaisirdejouer on this instrument.
For audio, see below.

SOUNDS

In fact, when I unpacked the instrument and I started to play, I had a first and furious desire to return: the association new ropes and guitar totally unsuited green, produced a sound scrapping worthy of a skyscraper at 150 €!
And then I remembered that we must allow time to time, and after a change of strings and a few hours of play, the sound begins to stamp pleasantly, treble is a little pearl, mediums produce a mellow sound due probably maple. the bass are back with a more metal sound, but it is they who will put as much time to come.
Therefore I wait a few months but I think this tool has real potential to produce clean sounds fine and delicate guitars Larrivee, which are sometimes reminiscent of those old Gibsons.
His preference is mostly fingerstyle, especially in open tuning, playing with a pick will more anecdotal (better martin D28 good for this).
update notice after 4 months of use: I tried to play 1 hour each day, and gradually, after finding the strings which are going well, the sound begins to s' open, with low rounder, but nonetheless remain in retrazit (normal, given the size of the machine, and the body maple), the medium s rich and sweet, treble exquisitely beaded.
This gives a well stamped with a spectral balance rather oriented médiums.L onesti Ala are both original, warm and quirky (nothing to do with a D).
Etcontrairement that I thought the best sound reproduction is to pick, especially in Open Tuning, where his sound "vintage" works wonders.

OVERALL OPINION

In conclusion, for a fee of € 1300, it has a parlor guitar with the quality of construction and materials used exceptional instrument marginal and quirky charm, undoubtedly attracts the eye.

For cons, the enhancement of its risk to take time for the instrument to its secrets is an alchemy of patience and you ténacité.Rendez so in a few months for me to tell you what it is.
After using for 3 decades of large and jumbo dreadnoughs, I am hopelessly attracted to small sizes, which, despite their smaller size, are capable of big sound, my Dupont GA30 eg in his fabulous, inspired Martins 000 years 20
update after 4 months: it's a guitar I use now and above all the songs pourl'accompagnement x fingers or plectrum, instrumental music is right mêmepas his cup of tea ( lack of bass presence, and its handle, although pleasant does not really play shades)
In its register cetinstrument décaléet tying is really great, and excellent value for money, maisil do not compare my other folks: Martin D28, pick dontle game produces a unique and superior to the small Larrivée Parlor.quant GA 30 at the Dupont, either fingers or pick, it sounds "cathedral", in a way that is reminiscent of Santa Cruz or Collings high-end, and even buried Martin.
So the Larrivee is what it is: an adorable little scratches on her very endearing, but typed, and whose body maple metdu time to improve.
Auccun in case I do not regret this purchase.