Larrivee CS-09 "Dustin Furlow Limited"(Video added)
 

Hi folks,

This gem arrived from my friends at Larrivee about a week ago and after spending some time with it I am really impressed with what they’ve achieved in the Custom Shop, yet again. I have worked with them as an artist for about 4 years now and after owning 8 (yes, 8) standard models to figure out what I like, I custom ordered an Italian/Madagascan L-09 back in 2017. I gigged and recorded with that guitar for 3 years then back in Spring had to sell it along with a few others to have financial cushion for the pandemic-drought ahead with no gigs. (Smart move, although unfortunate) It stung to sell it, but I also had ordered it at a time when body depth, nut width and bridge spacing measurements were of little concern to me. I was really grateful for the opportunity to spec another, this time with 1.78” nut width, 2.31” bridge spacing, 15” lower bout width and 4 1/8” body depth.

For the Larrivee enthusiasts/collectors, this is the new “Dustin Furlow Limited” model or “CS-09 ZR” made with Master-grade Sitka and Ziricote. 14 frets. 25.5” scale. It wasn’t easy convincing Larrivee to do the custom specs for the neck/bridge but was totally worth the wait as it’s been an absolute dream gigging with it since it’s arrival. I’m fortunate to have been able to play so many great guitars at Cedar Rock to know what my hands (not to mention back and shoulders) are fond of for extended playing time. Neck shape with Larrivee is very consistent so I basically knew exactly what I was gonna be working with. Nowadays, specs come first for me when acquiring a new guitar, just ahead of tone.

The tone:
I have gravitated towards high-grade Euro spruce for the tops on my guitars the past few years so I was really interested in how the Master Sitka with Ziricote would sound. The folks at Larrivee were really confident with how it would work with their top voicing, and I can see why. I’m enjoying the horsepower and the purity of the mids from the Sitka. There’s alot of fundamental, as you might expect, but the Ziricote brings a nice shimmer and bell-like sound to the trebles at times that fools me into thinking I am working with Euro-spruce again. Definitely reflective and rosewood-sounding, as many say about Ziricote. The top is made with their best-grade Sitka and in comparison to previous sitka-topped Larrivees I have owned it is much more “open” sounding. Possibly shaved thinner, as it is likely a stiffer set than any I have played on standard models. In any case, it’s baffling to think how this will sound after a few hundred gigs! I can’t wait. Here are some photos, before it gets the typical Sitka tan and I throw on the Gotoh 510s! I will upload a proper studio demo in a day or two.

Thanks for reading guys, and welcome to the stable, Hershey!


The face:
https://i.imgur.com/d3TQ2Kr.jpg
Chocolately Ziricote:
https://i.imgur.com/XKzLVNZ.jpg
Inside Label (insert proud guitar-dad moment)
https://i.imgur.com/OETCkeA.jpg
“JCL” logo with silver borders
https://i.imgur.com/Fir3pll.jpg
Side face-shot:
https://i.imgur.com/isaoHQ6.jpg
Rosette that reminds me of the water in Aruba:
https://i.imgur.com/QaPcia6.jpg
Love how the flamed maple offsets the Ziricote
https://i.imgur.com/glvgcvR.jpg
Florentine detail, super clean lines:
https://i.imgur.com/D6fw7B4.jpg
The whole shebang:
https://i.imgur.com/Y4GiVm5.jpg

Congratulations, Dustin! It's a gorgeous guitar--I love the contrast of the Flamed Maple binding against the rich chocolate of the Ziricote--but also a testament to your success as an artist :)

Very nice!

That cutaway gives you a lot of access too, was that part of your design brief?

Congrats, what an honor to have a signature guitar from a builder like Larivee. That’s a gorgeous instrument.

Love it: the woods, the specs, the company...all of it! Congrats Dustin!

It will be interesting to read more about this subject. One would think that sitka has close to nothing in common with high-grade Euro spruces.
Congratulations on your own sig guitar!

Absolutely beautiful, Dustin. I just commented on another thread this am about my love of ziricote. It borders on rather unnatural, LOL.

Look forward to your studio sample!

BTW, do you know what the MSRP on this model will be?

Congrats on a signature model, that is pretty amazing, I am still waiting on mine, but have been having trouble sourcing the 6 ply plywood for the top that would be worthy enough for my playing style!

Way to go
 

Congratulations Dustin! It is indeed a testament to your playing and work ethic to have such a fine company make you a model of your own.

It is a beauty, and the neck specs are about what I have settled on too.

Play it for MANY years in fine health and high spirits!!!

Paul

Congrats, Dustin--that's a beautiful guitar.

Looking forward to your demo!

Enjoy!

Dustin....what an honor to see this signature guitar with your name on the label. To say this is well deserved is an understatement, but still, it has to be somewhat mind blowing to enter this kind of endorsement and see it all come together. This is a testament to your artistry and place in the acoustic guitar/ songwriting community. I'm so glad Larrivee made this possible for you....and you for them in a very fine partnership.
Will continue to follow your outstanding career!
Best,
Fred

I couldn't have said this any better and wholeheartedly agree. Congratulations Dustin, and I wish you great success in your future musical endeavors.

Beautiful guitar from a great company. Really enjoyed the backstory and explanation of your thought process.

Thanks so much everyone for the kind words about the new guitar. I just finished this demo with 4 sound clips and a few photos sprinkled throughout. (no talking this time, ;) )

Hope you enjoy!

Not sure on the MSRP, btw, and yes, the cutaway is awesome on this one. Larrivee does the Florentine really well, I think :)

Enjoyed a ton, Dustin! I think Larrivee is often under-appreciated. Great to see somebody like you showing really how good they are.