Hey everyone,
I was really excited to see this forum online because I have many questions about Larrivees.  I know some of you probably have posted the same answers many times to many newbies, but I really need some good advice on choosing a guitar.  So if you will excuse me...
I have a budget of about $1500 and am looking for a well-rounded guitar for 60% strumming and 40% flat-picking.  I have played a few larrivees at stores, but they didn't have too many models.  So far, I think I like the Rosewood guitars better, and the L and D shape seem to fit my needs more.
#1 Which is better, L-shape or D-shape for my style of playing?
#2 Is there really that much difference between the L-03 and L-05, or L-03R and L-09? Or between L-09 and L-10
#3 Should I buy new or used?
#4 Do you know a reputable online store?

Thanks so much for helping  ^_^,

Richard

Well after much deliberation i chose the Lv-05 because for one the mahogany back seemed a little more balanced for what i was playing and the V cutaway lets me get up on the high frets with ease. 

I think either a Lv-05 or 09 would be your best choices.  Just need to decide between the rosewood or mahogany. 

Richard, welcome to the forum.  You are right, this is an excellent place for good info on Larrys.  There are a lot of people on this forum that are more knowledgeable than me but I will give you my 2 cents anyway.  I currently own an LV-09 and just recently a D-10.  The sound of both is very similar although I think  the D has slightly more volume but only noticeable if you are really trying to hear the difference.  Tone wise, they are almost identical.  I suppose this is because they are near the same size (both lower bouts are 16") and they are the same woods.  My D-10 is rapidly becoming my favorite mainly because of the neck is smaller. The D-10 is 1 11/16" at the nut and the LV is 1 3/4" at the nut.  I have small hands so the 1/16" makes a big difference to me.  My LV is less than 1 year old and may be available soon.  As for your style of playing, I think either the L or D body styles would work well.  I am mainly a flat picker and both guitars work well in that regard.  The differences between the 03, 05, 09, 10 in my opinion is mainly woods, finish and appointments.  The tone and playability of them are all excellent.  I haven't met a Larry I didn't like.  With that said, you are certainly aware there are tonal differences between the different woods, most common being mahogany and rosewood.  Tone of course is a very subjective opinion.  Buying new, you get Larrivees limited lifetime warranty.  Buying used you can save a lot of money, but you don't get the lifetime warranty.  Your call on that one.  On line stores that are discussed regularly on this forum are Notable guitars and Guitar adoptions.  I have not personally dealt with them so I cannot speak from direct experience.  Hope this is of some help and again welcome.

Welcome to the forum!

You can't go wrong with a rosewood D.  I would look for a good used one because you can save a lot of money and warranty issues should be rare if the guitar is in good shape when you get it.  The Marketplace here is a great source.  I bought my D-09 off E-Bay.  If you really want to get a new one, then the D-03R is your best bet at well-below your price range.  If you look and bargain hard, you MIGHT be able to get a D-09 for this approximate price.

As far as which models, I think it largely depends on whether you like a gloss (D-09, D-10) or a satin (D-03R) finish.  The gloss will be more durable and expensive.  The satin is the opposite.  Some say the satin finish sounds better because the top is not as "stiff"...I think there is very little difference.  The only other differences will be nut and saddle composition, but if you have Tusq (synthetic, composite) and want bone or ivory (or the other way around), these are easy and inexpensive modifications.

Structurally different models to consider would be the D-60 and the SD-60.  These are touted as having a more "traditional" sound...whatever that means.  If you're a bluegrass lead or rhythm player, these might be more to your liking.

Notable Guitars and Guitar Adoptions have already been mentioned.  I'll also mention Trinity Guitars as having a great reputation among the members of this forum.

Happy hunting...

Quote from: chen_richard on July 05, 2006, 02:05:26 PM
...#1 Which is better, L-shape or D-shape for my style of playing?
#2 Is there really that much difference between the L-03 and L-05, or L-03R and L-09? Or between L-09 and L-10
#3 Should I buy new or used?
#4 Do you know a reputable online store?

Richard -

Welcome.  My $.02:

#1 - I prefer the L -- both aesthetically & comfort-wise.  I also prefer the L's 1 3/4" nut width to 1 11/16".
Unless you really *need* as much bass as you can get, want the narrower neck, or have a strong aesthetic preference,
I'd suggest the L.  But both designs play & sound good.  (I heard a D-03E last week at a local open mike
that sounded superb.  But so does my L-09 with it's added Baggs iMix).

#2 - I'd suggest that there's no appreciable sonic difference between an L-03R and L-09 or L-03 and L-05. 
If anything, the (thinner) matte finish may sound better.  But I have killer caustic sweat, so I opted
for an L-09 because of its gloss finish.  It cost $1050 used three months back.  You can see it on my web site
(http://www.oldwithoutmoney.com).

#3 - I bought my L-09 used from a forum member, and my 00-19 off eBay, but I don't put much stock in warranties.
I just make sure I get a warm fuzzy from the seller (general forum endorsement or sufficient acceptable eBay feedback).
New 05/09's are pricey; 03's rather less so (I don't know of any new guitar that sounds/plays as good as an L-03 for
the price).

#4 - Twelfth Fret in Toronto (www.12fret.com).

And to echo pearsley ... I've not played a (1 3/4" nut) Larrivee I didn't like (well ... excepting the Parlor/Parlour models -- sorry folks).

- Richard