CA Cargo vs. Larrivee Parlor vs 00-15

[jp1316]

I am looking for a couch guitar, not really a travel guitar. I am curious what you all think about the three I listed. I am looking to stay under $1k. Thanks.

[Michael T]

Wow, 3 different critters there. You should be well under your budget with the 00-15, likely to be a couple 3 bills over with the Larry P, and I don't know on the cargo. Jim Holler is showing a 00-15 and the Larry on his web site (great guy-skilled craftsman), you might shoot him a e-mail to get the street price on those 2. You could rest assured they'd be set up right if you talk with him a bit too.

http://www.trinityguitars.com/steelstr/frame.htm

[JasonA]

If I remember correctly, the 00-15 has a narrow nut, which rules it out for me. The Cargo is not too differently priced from a gloss Larrivee parlor. I've owned a bunch of the Larrivees and they're nice, but I think the Cargo sounds better and definitely has the edge in durability.

[Larry Pattis]

3 vastly different scale lengths on these guitars.

Something to consider....

[Jim]

Of those three, I would take the Larrivee Parlour because it is the only solid wood one. The 00-15 has laminated sapele sides and back, and the Cargo might be a good option if I needed a guitar to take camping or boating (it would make a good paddle in a pinch) or for playing in the rain or using at a picnic on the beach where it will get sand and surf all over it. The Cargo is all synthetic which makes it an ideal choice for a very rugged need, but not as good as the wood Larrivee or laminate and wood Martin for tone.

[TokyoNeko]

Originally Posted by Jim

Of those three, I would take the Larrivee Parlour because it is the only solid wood one. The 00-15 has laminated sapele sides and back...

Not true. The 00-15, like all other Martin 15 guitars, is of solid wood (of Mahogany or Sapele, most new ones being of Sapele).

[sayheyjeff]

I like all three of those guitars. Personal preference is for the Larrivee as you might recognize from my signature. I find the Larrivee Parlor neck and scale to be just right for me and I particularly like the sound of my spruce and maple combo. I play my parlor every day. In addition, I found a used schertler pickup and had it installed and the guitar sounds great plugged in too. If you get the opportunity to try these 3 guitars, it is worth it to see what you prefer. The Larrivees can sound a lot different depending on the woods used of course.

jeff

[TokyoNeko]

Originally Posted by jp1316

I am looking for a couch guitar, not really a travel guitar. I am curious what you all think about the three I listed. I am looking to stay under $1k. Thanks.

Here're my $.02 on it.

CA Cargo: I haven't tried one, but it gets rave reviews for being such a small guitar with a loud tone. But it IS a travel guitar, and its scale length is considerably shorter than the others, and you'll have to ask yourself whether you can get used to that.

Larrivee P-05: It will probably cost over a grand for a new one, so buying a used one might be the only option considering your budget. But by all other accounts it's a fine choice.

Martin 00-15: This is the largest of the three, but still very comfortable to play at home on your couch. The only possible caveat is the narrow nut width (1 11/16").

So all three have some potential pros/cons for you to consider, depending on your preferences. Good luck on the decision.

[Steve Berger]

I've extensively A/B'd my GO Type II parlor against all three of the guitars you are considering, and IMO, my GO parlor is a much better sounding instrument and is better built.

You owe it to yourself to contact Sam Radding @ Go Guitars (San Diego, CA area) he can build you a great parlor for around $1K.

[TokyoNeko]

Originally Posted by GoodGuy

I've extensively A/B'd my GO Type II parlor against all three of the guitars you are considering, and IMO, my GO parlor is a much better sounding instrument and is better built.

You owe it to yourself to contact Sam Radding @ Go Guitars (San Diego, CA area) he can build you a great parlor for around $1K.

Speaking of which, I can't wait for my "Legacy" from him, which is going to be similar to the Martin 00-15 in size. I'm hoping that thing is going to be a nice little cannon with overtones galore from the Honduran Rosewood.

<To the OP> But if you're going to call him, wait until he's done with my guitar. If you can't wait a few months, then those choices you mentioned will be more than okay.

[Steve Christens]

I owned one of the original Larrivee Parlor prototypes, and now own a CA GX. I've played the Cargo, and would much prefer it over the Parlor for a couch guitar. It is shorter in scale length, but that makes it perfect for just sitting around and playing. My $0.02 worth.

But you do at least owe it to yourself to play a Cargo before you decide. Anyone who thinks Cargos are only good as canoe paddles probably hasn't played one.


Steve Christensen

[Lawn Jockey]

An awfully sweet maple Larrivee Parlor just showed up on eBay.......here.

NFI.

[TokyoNeko]

Originally Posted by Lawn Jockey

An awfully sweet maple Larrivee Parlor just showed up on eBay.......here.

That's indeed a sweet little instrument... if only that unsighty clear pickguars weren't present.

And it's being sold right around my neighborhood... must resist GAS... must resist GAS...

[wgnorman]

Big thumbs up for CA Cargo - I own one an it is nice to have a guitar to leave anywhere around the house - pick it up and play anytime - leave in my hot truck - play on porch when it is snowing - totally guilt free guitar that also sounds and plays great! For me, the only thing I would have changed was not paying for electrics - it sounds fine plugged in, but the way I use it I am never near an amp - and if I am near one of my amps, I would play one of my other guitars.

[kramster]

+1 Cargo... though I have not tried the others and just 2 or 3 parlors yrs ago..(not sure of make)