They both have EQ control; and if you’re planning on playing purely unplugged there are better guitars at both price points. I personally prefer the brightness of carbon fiber. The carbon also has a better audio processing chip. This is a guitar you purchase to have fully customizable sound.
I absolutely adore the full sounds of the spruce. Sounds exactly like an acoustic should but buffed by the tech. The CF sounds like something space age which is what I hope from a guitar like this.
I preferred the tones of the spruce, but was surprised by the deep, throaty tones from the carbon fibre version. The sustain ringing out of both models on that final chord was amazing.
Which one sounds the best? It's not a question of which one sounds the best. To me they both have their own unique sound. The spruce sounds fuller seemingly having more depth, whilst the carbon fiber sounds almost "resonator-like" but brighter, which to me is not a bad thing. As always... great review Darrell!
Hi Darrell, to my ear, the spruce Lava sounded more vintage-like, whereas, the carbon fibre (purple) one sounded softer as if a high end filter had been applied. Both sounded great though. I enjoyed this review immensely. Cheers ✌️🎸
I’m in the process of purchasing one and this review was excellent! I like the way both sound, but the Spruce sounds more fuller. I wish the Spruce came in more colours though.
The Spruce sounds nice and warm. The Carbon-Fibre sounds hollow side by side. I imagine the CF will last longer and stay playable over a wide climate range but I think the Spruce just sounds nicer.
Spruce. Now, if they would only move the sound hole over to the CL of the strings and make it round and…never mind, not my style, but I’m sure some love it.
@@bldallassound hole placement doesn’t matter as long as the bracing compliments it, as it does in these models. It’s not the first and won’t be the last guitar with a non traditional sound hole placement. The sound hole isn’t traditionally beneath the strings for any actual tonal reason.
Good video, Darrell! As to preferences, I thought the spruce had a fuller sound where the carbon fiber model had clear mids and highs, but not so much bass. It reminded me of the sound I get from my own Washburn AE-20 - a mini jumbo with all maple body, spruce top.
I love the idea of having a guitar being able to move from my AC in the house to the porch on a warm day without warping but the sound of the spruce is just too much better! Now I need 2!
Time for a tone test! Which guitar did you think sounded the best? Crisp and clear carbon fiber or traditional wood? Let me know! Guitar info/link - shence.lavamusic.com/t/32 Enjoy :)
To me, the wood version sounds better. More articulate, fuller, louder. That said, the carbon fiber version is appealing because of the durability. If I needed something durable, I would look at the carbon fiber. But if I were forced to pick one, I'd pick the wood model
Thx for the brief update. Had a model 3. The Software interface was a confusing, buggy mess & Bluetooth buggy. Perhaps the updated software solved those issues. Finally it’s a carbon fiber COMPOSITE not true carbon fiber like a Rainsong, the difference being the weight, with the lava being heavier.
Personally i don't like carbon fibre. I like wood. Personally i like beautiful guitars. Personally i hate the shape of that thing that doesn't even look like a guitar. But that's just my personally opinion.
Chorus made the carbon fiber sound like a 12 string! Both models look and sound great but man, that carbon fiber model SINGS! This guitar looks awesome!
Very interesting. I bought a LavaMe 2 a few years back and didn't like it. Nothing was adjustable, the intonation was slightly off, and there was zero tech support. With no way to adjust individual strings/saddles, it seemed a dead end, so I sold it to a guy who wanted a travel guitar, and wasn't that picky about intonation. Lava has obviously made some significant changes in recent years. The carbon fiber still seems the more durable of the two, but I like the tone better from the new wood example.
I've been trying to buy a Lava 4 for three days but I'm unsure about the size as this isn't the kind of thing you can find in a physical store so you can test it before buying, I haven't found a video showing differences in size. sizes, just everyone playing sitting down and talking about the same things. So here's a tip: do this because I have the impression that I'm not the only one who has this doubt. Thanks bro
Can't say I care much for the spruce top. The carbon top has much, much better bass and treble separation and string clarity, something I very much look for when I need to walk the bass under a chord melody arrangement.
Spruce all the way. Im just curious about the stability of that guitar compared to the carbon fiber one. Originally, I was thinking about getting the carbon fiber guitar for more stability and less maintenance. I always find myself tweaking intonation at a traditional guitar so Im really thinking hard about getting the carbon fiber one
I think the spruce lava sounded warmer and brighter. The carbon lava sounded hollow and didn’t have the depth that the spruce guitar did. I would really enjoy hearing is your take on the Enya nova go SP1. It is a travel size guitar carbon fibre under $400 Canadian. I’d like to hear an unbiassed review because most reviews that I’ve been seeing the reviewer has had the guitar sent to them by the company. I’ve been following your reviews for a long while and I agree with almost everything you’ve said about the guitars you review. I am thinking of buying it for myself for camp and travelling.
I really like the tunes you played on each guitar. Are they real songs or just something you threw together? It sounds like they are in a non-standard tuning.
Let's be honest Darrell could play a section of barbed wire wrapped around a rotted fencepost and it would still sound amazing. But for me the Spruce sounded better
I hate to even say it, but the wood sounded nicer. There was a slight echo in the carbon fiber, less clear in the low warm register. I know it sounds stupid and cliche, but the carbon sounded "plastic" and the spruce sounded "woody"
Acoustically, the spruce sounded better though the carbon was quite nice... with the reverb. I didn't like what the chorus was doing to the sound of either guitar, despite the fact that I usually have a bit of chorus on my acoustic guitar. It was strange... there was a metallic-y ring to it and the bottom end just went away with the chorus applied, almost as though there was phase cancellation rather than a chorus added to the dry sound. Very odd. Not very pleasant. Still, the features these guitars offer are interesting and I could see why they would appeal to someone who wants all those learning tools as well as an effected sound without the need for pedals.
I prefer the spruce. It has a much more warm inviting tone! The carbon sounds good but a little mechanical and cold. Not enough soul in carbon sound. For my ear anyway. But both are great sounding.
Each sound good in their own way. The carbon fiber guitar sounds brighter and more mid-scooped than the spruce which has a little more balanced frequency range. I'm sure the two could compliment each other very well if played together.
The spruce sounds more like an acoustic guitar, the carbon fiber sounds like something new, so it depends on if you want to sound more traditional or more unique
I played a $3500 rain song And the sound phucken blew me away. Unlike wood the sound seems to be like it’s plugged in already. It some ways sounds better than an hd28. I couldn’t believe it
im 63 years old I always want learn to play guitar do you think is possible for me learn to play guitar with lava guitar? if it is I need to start save money to buy me one thank you for your help and time 😊😊
The spruce brings that wood warm feeling and sound. Personally sounds way better to me. Both are beautiful.
I agree ... The treble and bass are far more balanced on the Spruce..
They both have EQ control; and if you’re planning on playing purely unplugged there are better guitars at both price points. I personally prefer the brightness of carbon fiber. The carbon also has a better audio processing chip. This is a guitar you purchase to have fully customizable sound.
I'm favoring the carbon fiber. The spruce lacked low end
I absolutely adore the full sounds of the spruce. Sounds exactly like an acoustic should but buffed by the tech. The CF sounds like something space age which is what I hope from a guitar like this.
I preferred the tones of the spruce, but was surprised by the deep, throaty tones from the carbon fibre version. The sustain ringing out of both models on that final chord was amazing.
Which one sounds the best?
It's not a question of which one sounds the best. To me they both have their own unique sound.
The spruce sounds fuller seemingly having more depth, whilst the carbon fiber sounds almost "resonator-like" but brighter, which to me is not a bad thing.
As always... great review Darrell!
Hi Darrell, to my ear, the spruce Lava sounded more vintage-like, whereas, the carbon fibre (purple) one sounded softer as if a high end filter had been applied. Both sounded great though. I enjoyed this review immensely. Cheers ✌️🎸
The wooden guitar sounds hugely better. Also, I love the wood on the back of that guitar. I wish it was up front too.
The wood on the back of the spruce is just basic HPL
@@jacobcarrizales427 hpl?
The spruce sounded more natural. The carbon felt muted and thinner as if you were playing behind a cloth. Love your playing!
I’m in the process of purchasing one and this review was excellent! I like the way both sound, but the Spruce sounds more fuller. I wish the Spruce came in more colours though.
The Spruce sounds nice and warm. The Carbon-Fibre sounds hollow side by side. I imagine the CF will last longer and stay playable over a wide climate range but I think the Spruce just sounds nicer.
Spruce. Now, if they would only move the sound hole over to the CL of the strings and make it round and…never mind, not my style, but I’m sure some love it.
@@bldallassound hole placement doesn’t matter as long as the bracing compliments it, as it does in these models. It’s not the first and won’t be the last guitar with a non traditional sound hole placement. The sound hole isn’t traditionally beneath the strings for any actual tonal reason.
@@jacobcarrizales427 you obviously missed the intended sarcasm in my remark.
Good video, Darrell! As to preferences, I thought the spruce had a fuller sound where the carbon fiber model had clear mids and highs, but not so much bass. It reminded me of the sound I get from my own Washburn AE-20 - a mini jumbo with all maple body, spruce top.
I love the idea of having a guitar being able to move from my AC in the house to the porch on a warm day without warping but the sound of the spruce is just too much better! Now I need 2!
Just learned nearly by accident about this kind of Guitar...really love it ❤
The wood definitely sounded more like I would expect an acoustic guitar to sound. The carbon fibre seemed flatter, more muted by comparison.
Spruce wins hands down The tone is so much brighter and clearer. In comparison, the carbon fiber sounds muted and muddy.
And kind of tin-ey
8:10 I much preferred the spruce to the carbon fiber. The CF seemed to swallow the tone while the spruce let it all ring out.
Wow! I loved both! I love the spruce looking but love way more the sound from the carbon model. 😆
They both sound excellent...
They do?
@@RRW276 I am sticking with my opinion
Time for a tone test! Which guitar did you think sounded the best? Crisp and clear carbon fiber or traditional wood?
Let me know!
Guitar info/link - shence.lavamusic.com/t/32
Enjoy :)
Wood wins
Just to be clear--none of these sound samples were purely acoustic, right? They all used the internal amp and effects?
The Carbon fibre one is too bassy and sounds "muffled". The wood was more balanced.
hii im not getting the live drums pedal
To me, the wood version sounds better. More articulate, fuller, louder. That said, the carbon fiber version is appealing because of the durability. If I needed something durable, I would look at the carbon fiber. But if I were forced to pick one, I'd pick the wood model
Thx for the brief update. Had a model 3. The Software interface was a confusing, buggy mess & Bluetooth buggy. Perhaps the updated software solved those issues. Finally it’s a carbon fiber COMPOSITE not true carbon fiber like a Rainsong, the difference being the weight, with the lava being heavier.
Very helpful video. I preferred the sound of the spruce one. I appreciate your thoughtful work. Subscribed!
Hey Darryl, I have an Emerald X-20 carbon fiber guitar. I love this guitar. You should do a review on one.
I think the wood guitar is more balanced and not so boomy on the bottom end. Has more clarity. If I bought one (which I might), it'd be the Spruce.
Personally i don't like carbon fibre. I like wood.
Personally i like beautiful guitars.
Personally i hate the shape of that thing that doesn't even look like a guitar.
But that's just my personally opinion.
The spruce sounds warmer and more natural but the fibre has it's advantages .
Chorus made the carbon fiber sound like a 12 string! Both models look and sound great but man, that carbon fiber model SINGS! This guitar looks awesome!
my concern is what are you going to do after the lithium battery dies
Very interesting. I bought a LavaMe 2 a few years back and didn't like it. Nothing was adjustable, the intonation was slightly off, and there was zero tech support. With no way to adjust individual strings/saddles, it seemed a dead end, so I sold it to a guy who wanted a travel guitar, and wasn't that picky about intonation. Lava has obviously made some significant changes in recent years. The carbon fiber still seems the more durable of the two, but I like the tone better from the new wood example.
Definitely prefer the sound of the spruce, but man would it be hard to deny the utility of carbon fiber when it still sounds that good
That purple carbon guitar would look cool with some of those neon strings! nice review.
Both sound good. Id still prefer a Martin or Takamine though. Good video as usual. DB 👍✌️🎸🎸
I've been trying to buy a Lava 4 for three days but I'm unsure about the size as this isn't the kind of thing you can find in a physical store so you can test it before buying, I haven't found a video showing differences in size. sizes, just everyone playing sitting down and talking about the same things. So here's a tip: do this because I have the impression that I'm not the only one who has this doubt. Thanks bro
Can't say I care much for the spruce top. The carbon top has much, much better bass and treble separation and string clarity, something I very much look for when I need to walk the bass under a chord melody arrangement.
Enjoyed the playing, spruce I thought was warmer, carbon was brighter but Enjoyed both, carbon is modern
The Spruce definitely sounds better. The Carbon sounds inferrior to the Spruce. Your playing is awesome on both!!!
Spruce all the way. Im just curious about the stability of that guitar compared to the carbon fiber one. Originally, I was thinking about getting the carbon fiber guitar for more stability and less maintenance. I always find myself tweaking intonation at a traditional guitar so Im really thinking hard about getting the carbon fiber one
I think the spruce lava sounded warmer and brighter. The carbon lava sounded hollow and didn’t have the depth that the spruce guitar did.
I would really enjoy hearing is your take on the Enya nova go SP1. It is a travel size guitar carbon fibre under $400 Canadian. I’d like to hear an unbiassed review because most reviews that I’ve been seeing the reviewer has had the guitar sent to them by the company. I’ve been following your reviews for a long while and I agree with almost everything you’ve said about the guitars you review. I am thinking of buying it for myself for camp and travelling.
Yep, I gotta say the Spruce sounds way nicer too.. 👍
Well it would depend the carbon fiber seems to voice each string more but the spruce seems more responsive in chord voicing better blended if you like
Spruce = Bright Carbon fiber = Mellow. I own an original Lava Me, its my go to guitar, I love it.
Liked both, they sounded amazing. But different.
I really like the tunes you played on each guitar. Are they real songs or just something you threw together? It sounds like they are in a non-standard tuning.
I like the spruce better...not as shrill or sharp. But both are amazing!
Let's be honest Darrell could play a section of barbed wire wrapped around a rotted fencepost and it would still sound amazing.
But for me the Spruce sounded better
Great Video!
How would you compare the Spruce against the Play?
I hate to even say it, but the wood sounded nicer. There was a slight echo in the carbon fiber, less clear in the low warm register. I know it sounds stupid and cliche, but the carbon sounded "plastic" and the spruce sounded "woody"
They both sound a bit tinny to me.
It's a close race, I'd be happy with either one, they both have good qualities. If pressed, I guess I'd pick the carbon fibre.
I like the sound of the spruce, but I really like the carbon fibre. Are the Lava Drops still available? I would love to have one of those.
Acoustically, the spruce sounded better though the carbon was quite nice... with the reverb. I didn't like what the chorus was doing to the sound of either guitar, despite the fact that I usually have a bit of chorus on my acoustic guitar. It was strange... there was a metallic-y ring to it and the bottom end just went away with the chorus applied, almost as though there was phase cancellation rather than a chorus added to the dry sound. Very odd. Not very pleasant.
Still, the features these guitars offer are interesting and I could see why they would appeal to someone who wants all those learning tools as well as an effected sound without the need for pedals.
Spruce one with the top software will make it absolutely the best!
I prefer the spruce. It has a much more warm inviting tone! The carbon sounds good but a little mechanical and cold. Not enough soul in carbon sound. For my ear anyway. But both are great sounding.
Spruce is more resonant - that’s the word I was looking for
The spruce sounds way better on my studio headphones. I guess you trade some tone for the ability to use the carbon one as a cricket bat...
Each sound good in their own way. The carbon fiber guitar sounds brighter and more mid-scooped than the spruce which has a little more balanced frequency range. I'm sure the two could compliment each other very well if played together.
agreed, Darrell should totally add in a track with both guitars playing at the same time. One pan full left and the other pan full right.
The spruce sounds more like an acoustic guitar, the carbon fiber sounds like something new, so it depends on if you want to sound more traditional or more unique
Spruce foor me!!
Nice warmer sound.
Hey! Can you tell which one sounds more natural and nicer, Lava me 4 spruce or Blue original Freeboost?
pretty sure these are on sale at best buy for 999$ cad ATM! along with most the other lava gear!
I played a $3500 rain song
And the sound phucken blew me away.
Unlike wood the sound seems to be like it’s plugged in already. It some ways sounds better than an hd28. I couldn’t believe it
Oh!!!! It comes with its own 🚽🪠 toilet!!!!😂😂
Just to be clear--none of these sound samples were purely acoustic, right? They all used the internal amp and effects?
Im used to playing a Steinberger L2 all graphite bass so im good with the carbon fibre model. What is the tone difference btw the 36 and 38 sizes?
Spruce ❤❤❤❤ I think more ....brighter and clearer sound than carbon!!!
Should I get the 36 inch or 41 inch for the spruce? Is the extra $100 worth it?
Great guitars, great👌 chnl & great playing 👍
I love your channel! regarding the guitar it sounds really good but it doesn't look nice at all ! they need to work more on the design!
I didn’t think I would be able to even tell the difference but I prefer the spruce.
Is it 36´or 41’ ? Thanks in advance
Love the sound of the spruce, somehow it sounds more natural…
Do you have to buy the charging station separately?
I was really hoping there wouldn't be a big difference. Unfortunately, the carbon fiber sounded thin and empty compared to the spruce.
The spruce is much warmer and resonant. If I could still play and had to make a choice, I would go with the spruce. The carbon almost sounds metallic.
Spruce definitely a lot warmer.
How does it compare to an Ovation guitar?
Any thoughts on size for the spruce? 36 vs 41?
The spruce takes the win for me 😍😍
Wud hv been batter with a Musicman type headstock with tuners slanted to avoid string bend angle at nut Both sound great especially in yr hands 😊
Better
Are the standard strings ok ? As I used to import acoustics from China and the first thing I had to do was change them
Is the action acceptable
Cheers
Spruce for me. Sounded so real. CF whilst having its own sound, just wasn’t authentic enough.
Spruce sounds better and warm to the ear. The CF is more bright and punchy. I prefer the wood.
I like both that carbon fiber rocks
I don't know why... but I can't unsee the dock as a Guitar toilet 🙈
im 63 years old I always want learn to play guitar do you think is possible for me learn to play guitar with lava guitar? if it is I need to start save money to buy me one thank you for your help and time 😊😊
If you begin with one of these you will have a good companion from beginning but you should look for a good teacher too
Which size lava me 4 were you using?
They need to put Tonebridge on that thing man. Or someone needs to find a way to hack it so you can download it to the guitar!
They both sound tubby but then again in today’s loud environment they have a place.
Comparing:The spruce top is a bit more natural tone
Can the software be upgraded as new versions are released?
The lava me play have the same effects?
Lookin' good!
To me the wood sounded better on the finger style, the carbon slightly better on strumming.
I wanted to like the carbon fiber BUT I DON"T! The Spruce sounded MUCH better!
Spruce!!! Hands down
Spruce sounded more full and natural in my opinion. The carbon fiber sounded cold, mids were through the floor.
Spruce sounds more harmonious and detailed
Can i put 0.13 strings safety?
Much more into the sound of the spruce sound.
What does the shape feel like to play?
I like a spruce sound❤
What size is the Spruce in demo? 36? 41?