It’s About Time

Yamaha LJ-16 (left); Larrivee D-03R (right)

Managed a couple of minutes to take a picture of the Yamaha LJ-16 and Larrivee D-03R next to each other. Not much of a photographer myself, I like the shape of the LJ-16. It’s really Japanese artwork if I might add.

Both are solid rosewood back and sides though tops are different. The LJ-16’s top is Engleman spruce whereas D-03R uses Canadian Sitka Spruce, I believe.  Finishing wise, the LJ-16 is gloss whereas D-03R is satin finished.

Got this information about the Larrivee D-03R from their website:  “All Solid wood Construction, Single Piece Mahogany Neck, Canadian Sitka Spruce Sound Board & Bracing, African Ebony Fretboard & Bridge, Canadian Maple Body Binding, Rosewood Back & Sides, Symmetrical Parabolic X-Bracing, Hand fit Dovetail Neck Joint, Rounded Larrivee Headstock, White Inlaid Larrivee Logo, Multi-Strip Inlaid Rosette, Ping Tuners w/ 18:1 Ratio, Ivoroid Fretboard Binding, Exclusive Beveled Tortis pickguard, Microdot Fretboard Markers.”

Got my D-03R back from Malcolm after leaving it there for the night. WHile there we had a good time chatting and sharing.  He added a shim beneth the bone saddle of the guitar ‘cos I was saying there is a buzzing sound when I strum hard.  Guess what, the guitar sounded great this evening when I played during the Prayer Meeting.

The D-03R really sounds great compared to My Yamaha LL-16 and LJ-16. Now I’m wondering if adding shims to both of the L series might improve tonal quality even because of the buzz?

Meanwhile, Brendon emailed some pics he took of the D-03R after I asked him for it.  Nice pics.

Will contact Malcolm tomorrow. . . .

Collected my Larrivee D-03R yesterday at Brendon’s place.  and speaking of Brendon, he isn’t what I imagined:  I had in mind a slightly older fellow rather than a fresh univ grad. At any rate, I’m impressed with the fact that he is entrepreneurial enough to make some money through selling used guitars.  Doubtless he is operating from home but still pretty good arrangement no doubt. I enjoyed speaking with him; fine chap.

Maybe it was trying to get used to the sound and setup.  That’s likely because I’m just a slow adaptor.  It wasn’t as exciting as the process of getting the item itself.  I have no doubt over a little period I’ll grow to like it even more.  Anyway.  I’m still bothered by the tortoise styled pick guard.

I brought the guitar to Malcolm’s place for setup.  He was impressed by the guitar and liked the grain.  Owed him $100 for the setup plus strap button.  Will pay him when I pick it up tomorrow.  I should start taking pictures.

I didn’t know that Ranking Sports had stopped being a dealer for Larrivee guitars. No wonder I see only a few pieces of that brand displayed.  I had thought it strange that they are not more aggressively selling it.  Come to think of it, they aren’t aggressively selling anything! 

I didn’t manage to get the lady boss to lower the selling price of the D-03, so decided to go for the Yamaha LL-16. on the way home from Bras Basah Complex, I had thought of going for the Takamine EF360GF but Janet from Davis Guitar said it was a “fat-neck” so that pretty much sealed the decision in favor of LL-16. 

A couple of weeks later, I was surfing Larrivee’s website when I went to check on local dealership and realized that Luthier Guitar Centre has taken over it.  Called them later and realized that it had been over a year!  Flabbergasted I wished I had know earlier about it. Anyway, made a trip down to Bt Timah Plaza to try out the D-03R but turned out the owner mistaken D-09 for D-03R which he didn’t have.  Disappointed but glad to try out that piece though costing $3900.  Tried a couple of others.  Almost bought it but for hesitation. 

Anyway, several days later, a James emailed that he has a D-03 for sale (but then he said he was half-hearted about it).  Anyway we emailed a few times about different stuff.  Nice guy I think. 

Brendon from BG Guitars emailed that he is able to get a D-03R for $1850 if I’m interested. He was willing to split payments into 2 parts.  I agreed on it.

Why did I still go for the D-03R despite having a LL-16? Cos that was the model I was after.  I’m willing to let the LL-16 go in good time.

Yesterday, Brendon emailed that it’s in and ready for collection.  Will see how it is really like come Monday. Hope I have no regrets about it.   You’ll never know. Right now, I’m not imaginging anything but kind of suspending my expectation.  I’m more interested in the tone. 

After purchasing the Yamaha LL-16, somebody emailed that he might want to sell his Larrivee D-03 (mahogany). However, what dissuaded me is that he is still half-hearted about it (sudah lah). 

Later Brendon emailed that he is able to bring in a D-03R if I’m interested. Used but in great condition.  After doing the math, I decided to go for it. 

Got note from him today that it’s in and ready for collection.  Being busy I can’t see him until Monday.  Will post it later.