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Post by guitarove on Jul 5, 2013 12:06:25 GMT
Hi there, was just wondering if anyone had tried one of the Faith Higloss models and Larrivee 02 series too? I have tried one Faith guitar but it was one of the lower end ones (Naked series) and the man who worked in the shop said that it was a mere shadow of the Higloss. It wasn't the quality I'm after really and the action was pretty high in the shop. I have tried both the L-02 and OM-02 of the Larrivees and have been impressed particularly with the OM and its playability - it has a wider nut which I find much more comfortable to hold down chords with and to fingerpick. It also sounded much thicker for fingerstyle and I preferred it for strumming too. It had a sitka spruce top and sapele back and sides. I would just like to know peoples opinions on how they compare to Faith guitars sound-wise which I've heard are really good for the money. The pickup on them is also a major bonus, but the acoustic sound matters more to me. I would like to try one but I want to know if it's worth it to check one out as it will cost quite a bit of money to get to Portsmouth. If anyone could tell me any other contenders for this price range it would be great, as said in a previous post I'm hopefully not going to spend any more than £800 and if I could get more for less then that would be amazing. P.S I'm not settled that these are the ONLY two brands I'm looking at, but at this moment in time they are two that I'm definitely considering. I understand everyone has a different opinion but I'd just like to get an idea of what I might find comparing these two. Thanks ;D
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Post by grayn on Jul 5, 2013 12:33:33 GMT
If you want the wider nut, then the Larivee has to be your choice. In general, Larivee have a higher rep, than Faith, I'd say. Like with the Larivee, Faith have a number of models/shapes, as well as the different finishes/woods. I reckon a HiGloss, Rosewood, Neptune is hard to beat, at the price, with a balnced, sweet tone. Lariveee have a little more muscle to their tone.
Both are good, you have to try 'em.
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Post by ararat66 on Jul 5, 2013 12:50:09 GMT
Best thing if at all possible is to try both at the same sitting so you can get a direct comparison, also sit opposite someone and get them to play them to you. Nice dilemma !!!! I like both from what I can remember, faith seem to have some really nice higher end guitars right now, I tried one at Musicroom a few weeks ago and with a bit of tweaking and setup (lighter gauge or new strings) it would be a very nice instrument.
Leon
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Wild Violet
Artist / Performer
Posts: 3,556
My main instrument is: Symonds OM-14
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Post by Wild Violet on Jul 5, 2013 20:18:51 GMT
I have played both and prefer the Larrivee. I love Larrivees though, and think the 02 series guitars are amazing.
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Post by Banadog on Jul 5, 2013 20:58:44 GMT
One to consider is the Stonebridge gs 20. Which bobcarter reviewed recently on this forum
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Post by ararat66 on Jul 5, 2013 21:08:40 GMT
Actually I've just seen you're in Pompey - that's where I tried the Faith, and it was the hi gloss concert I think. They will price match if you haggle (musicroom can be a little pricey) ... basically I was there getting a uke for my daughter and picked up the faith to distract myself to give Freya a bit of space - the staff understood perfectly and sat me down and put the guitar in my hand to keep me out of trouble ... kind of a Leon crèche. Go and try it out. I have to say I do like L'arrivees ... get a good one and they can be very sweet, they also seem to be very understated and woody. Stonebridge also make lovely guitars.
I would also say that if you try a guitar out and it chimes with you, buy that one, not the same model online ... they vary so much and you get these occasional 'singers' that really stand out so snap 'em up.
Leon
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Post by guitarove on Jul 8, 2013 13:20:34 GMT
What are your guys thoughts on the Eastman E20OM? I've stumbled upon a site who are selling it for £699 new, with hard case. Adirondack spruce top, rosewood back and sides. Seems really good for the money. I've not tried one though and I don't know where I actually could try one, especially in Dorset.
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Post by grayn on Jul 8, 2013 17:13:56 GMT
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Post by guitarove on Jul 8, 2013 21:21:23 GMT
Wow cool, I really am interested in them especially at the bargain price that I've seen it for. I've seen it for £1000 on another site!! If you've played a Larrivee OM, how would you compare the neck shape? I really liked the neck on the OM-02, it wasn't too thick and had a nice finish to it. I heard a demo of it and it had a really nice sound, I think I like that kind of sound better than the sound mahogany gives. I'm really tempted to buy it even though I haven't tried it simply because of the price. I probably shouldn't though.
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Post by grayn on Jul 9, 2013 12:17:05 GMT
Is th low priced Eastman from UK Musical Instruments, in Chadderton? If so, that's where I got mine. I went to the shop (not far from me) and thought the owner a decent guy.
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Post by guitarove on Jul 10, 2013 23:05:38 GMT
That is indeed the place where it's being sold for that price. I'm really tempted. How does the neck compare to Larrivee OMs? If you've played any of course. I'm not overly fussy when it comes to necks but I remember I really did not like the neck on a Seagull guitar I tried out a few weeks ago, it felt nearly square. The E20OM looks like it has a decent not too thick neck to me.
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Post by grayn on Jul 11, 2013 12:24:54 GMT
Sorry, late getting back on this thread. The neck on the Eastman is just right IMO. Fine for finger or plectrum style. Also IMO, this guitar at that price, will be very hard to beat.
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Post by guitarove on Jul 11, 2013 23:03:47 GMT
I did phone up UK Music ltd and they said I wouldn't get a full refund if I returned it after not liking it, as they'd have to sell it used. The woman also said that the manager would phone me later that day - he didn't. I don't get why they'd need to sell it used. Display guitars in shops tend to go for the full price, don't they? And I'm sure they're used by more than one person. The only way I could get a full refund is if I received it in under a week and decided that I didn't like it then, cause of the sales of goods act. This is a little risky unless I can get it delivered quickly for fairly cheap. Still tempted, great price, and I don't think I'll find a more suitable guitar. Shame I can't try one out, but I'm not overly fussy - I like 1 3/4 nuts and find the OM size to be very comfortable. I just need someone to compare the neck to a guitar I've played.
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Post by grayn on Jul 12, 2013 12:41:04 GMT
I'm definitely one for try before you buy. It's always a slight gamble, otherwise. Anyway I love going to shops, Still get a real buzz from trying out as many as I can.
Hope you get what you want.
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Post by earwighoney on Jul 12, 2013 15:43:26 GMT
I wouldn't buy the Eastman E20OM without trying it. Great guitar but it's neck profile is very thin, I loved the guitar's sound but wouldn't buy it for the neck profile.
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