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.
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 :)
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.
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!
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!
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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 😊😊
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.
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!
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.
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.
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
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 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 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.
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
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"
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 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.
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
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.
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!
The spruce sounded more natural. The carbon felt muted and thinner as if you were playing behind a cloth. Love your playing!
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?
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.
Just learned nearly by accident about this kind of Guitar...really love it ❤
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!
Very helpful video. I preferred the sound of the spruce one. I appreciate your thoughtful work. Subscribed!
They both sound excellent...
They do?
@@RRW276 I am sticking with my opinion
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.
The wood definitely sounded more like I would expect an acoustic guitar to sound. The carbon fibre seemed flatter, more muted by comparison.
Wow! I loved both! I love the spruce looking but love way more the sound from the carbon model. 😆
my concern is what are you going to do after the lithium battery dies
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
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
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.
Hey Darryl, I have an Emerald X-20 carbon fiber guitar. I love this guitar. You should do a review on one.
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
Does the spruce plug in and do you still own one or both of them
And it’s a 3/4 travel size, right?
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?
The lava me play have the same effects?
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.
The spruce sounds warmer and more natural but the fibre has it's advantages .
Should I get the 36 inch or 41 inch for the spruce? Is the extra $100 worth it?
Can the software be upgraded as new versions are released?
Is it 36´or 41’ ? Thanks in advance
That purple carbon guitar would look cool with some of those neon strings! nice review.
Just to be clear--none of these sound samples were purely acoustic, right? They all used the internal amp and effects?
Both sound good. Id still prefer a Martin or Takamine though. Good video as usual. DB 👍✌️🎸🎸
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.
Do you have to buy the charging station separately?
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.
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.
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
what was that chord progression though? 😩
What size are those? They have 2 different sizes I see
How does it compare to an Ovation guitar?
Can i put 0.13 strings safety?
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.
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
Hey! Can you tell which one sounds more natural and nicer, Lava me 4 spruce or Blue original Freeboost?
Any thoughts on size for the spruce? 36 vs 41?
Enjoyed the playing, spruce I thought was warmer, carbon was brighter but Enjoyed both, carbon is modern
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
They both sound a bit tinny to me.
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
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 $400 Canadian. I’d like to hear an unbiassed review because most reviews that I’ve been seeing the reviewer has had the guitar sent to them by the company. I’ve been following your reviews for a long while and I agree with almost everything you’ve said about the guitars you review. I am thinking of buying it for myself for camp and travelling.
Definitely prefer the sound of the spruce, but man would it be hard to deny the utility of carbon fiber when it still sounds that good
What size is the Spruce in demo? 36? 41?
Which size lava me 4 were you using?
What does the shape feel like to play?
Great Video!
How would you compare the Spruce against the Play?
So the good sounding spruce guitar gets the b level chips. Also, I wonder how my lutheran can work with carbon fibre
Carbon doesn't appear to 'project' the sound forward.
The Spruce definitely sounds better. The Carbon sounds inferrior to the Spruce. Your playing is awesome on both!!!
Chorus made the carbon fiber sound like a 12 string! Both models look and sound great but man, that carbon fiber model SINGS! This guitar looks awesome!
Acoustically, the spruce sounded better though the carbon was quite nice... with the reverb. I didn't like what the chorus was doing to the sound of either guitar, despite the fact that I usually have a bit of chorus on my acoustic guitar. It was strange... there was a metallic-y ring to it and the bottom end just went away with the chorus applied, almost as though there was phase cancellation rather than a chorus added to the dry sound. Very odd. Not very pleasant.
Still, the features these guitars offer are interesting and I could see why they would appeal to someone who wants all those learning tools as well as an effected sound without the need for pedals.
pretty sure these are on sale at best buy for 999$ cad ATM! along with most the other lava gear!
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.
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...
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
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.
Oh!!!! It comes with its own 🚽🪠 toilet!!!!😂😂
Yep, I gotta say the Spruce sounds way nicer too.. 👍
5:48 what is he playing
Great guitars, great👌 chnl & great playing 👍
Liked both, they sounded amazing. But different.
Spruce ❤❤❤❤ I think more ....brighter and clearer sound than carbon!!!
Spruce = Bright Carbon fiber = Mellow. I own an original Lava Me, its my go to guitar, I love it.
I like the spruce better...not as shrill or sharp. But both are amazing!
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
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!
Spruce one with the top software will make it absolutely the best!
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 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.
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
Spruce is more resonant - that’s the word I was looking for
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"
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.
Thank you for the detailed video! So how do you replace the battery?
Spruce foor me!!
Nice warmer sound.
I was really hoping there wouldn't be a big difference. Unfortunately, the carbon fiber sounded thin and empty compared to the spruce.
I don't know why... but I can't unsee the dock as a Guitar toilet 🙈
I didn’t think I would be able to even tell the difference but I prefer the spruce.
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!
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
Lookin' good!
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 for me. Sounded so real. CF whilst having its own sound, just wasn’t authentic enough.
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
The spruce takes the win for me 😍😍
Much more into the sound of the spruce sound.
Love the sound of the spruce, somehow it sounds more natural…
Spruce sounds better and warm to the ear. The CF is more bright and punchy. I prefer the wood.
Spruce sounds more harmonious and detailed