Hello guys. I have this question because I have never seen a larrivee guitar beeing played by my guitar heros except Jackues Stotzem, who know plays Martins. Let me name a few: Ed Gerhard, Laurence Juber, Pierre Bensusan, Peppino d' Agostino, Alex de Grassi, Doyle Dykes, M. Hedges (ok he's gone but what a player), Andy mc Kee and many more, all use other guitar brands.
Let me guess. Maybe the flat and wide neck profile isn't favored by them? It makes barred chord difficult to grab? Or is it something else? Is it a coinsidense?
I have played more than ten larries and they sound really good. I also love my guitar with its limitations though.
Like to know what you think. Maybe your guitar heroes play larries. Greetings from Greece

I'm just guessing but maybe Larrivee sells plenty of guitars without feeling the need to spend money on endorsements.  A credit to Larrivee really.  I'm never really attracted to artist or signature models (the latest Martin L Juber model looks mighty fine tho') as I just feel I'd be telling everybody I wanna be a wannabe!  I sure hope I haven't offended anybody as I say many artist models are very fine guitars, but I just like the anonymity of Larrivee - part of its charm.

I know of 2 players that i admire that play Larrivees.
Brad Paisley ,who is a very good player and songwriter.
Raul Midon, who is blind and plays and writes great songs as well.

Maybe me in about 3 or 4 years .Just kidding , but i will get better.
David

I guess thats something you would have to ask them.
But players with a more traditional sound are likely to play a 'traditional sounding' guitar. so that cuts out Larrivee.

Also famsous fingerstye players are going to play whatever they want, cost is probably a small factor. I imagine they would choose something made exactly how they want it from a boutique company or individual luthier. and Larrivee doesn't have a custom shop or the largest variety(unlike Martin who has a gagillion models with different bracing,necks,etc.)
Most modern fingerstylist are probably going with something that has a 'lighter build' <meaning the top and bracing design (nothing to do with overall weight) from some fancy pants builder.

Pop artist are more likely to have a deal with one of the bigger names (especially Gibson).

So the chances are that a guitar hero will choose a factory guitar thats not a Martin,Gibson or Taylor isn't so great. But there are some players (who are known for their chops) who have choosen Larrivee; Justin King is one, that guy that won the fingerstyle championship thing, also I've heard Norman Blake had a SD-50(maybe 60) for awhile. I don't know what any of the players you mentioned play (except I know Juber has that Martin)

No big deal.None of my hero's play Guilds or Gibson BUT I do.

matt bellamy from "muse" plays a larry at acoustic sessions, peter ratzenbeck (austria) possesses one too, i think. some of the studio-musicians i know give their best on a larrivée.
and - important! - AY own a larrivée!   :tongue:
really love the sound of my DV-05E.

:guitar

Ok I forgot to mention to mention one of my closest friends in Thessaloniki, Giannis Gougourelas. He is a great bluegrass player and he uses a larrivee dreadnought, I don't remember the model but it has a bigger sounhole, along with martins and santacruz. Check him out athttp://www.greekbluegrass.com/ (http://www.greekbluegrass.com/)
I think you are right  about the custom shop. Larrivee doesn't make signature models.

They don't know what they are missing!!!!..let's put it that way!

I don't know if they are my 'guitar heroes', but three artists that I really admire are Ed Robertson (Bare Naked Ladies), John Hiatt and Michelle Wright. They all play Larrivée guitars.

One of my all-time favourite singer / songwriter / guitarists is Bruce Cockburn.  He used to play Larrivée acoustics before moving to guitars made by Linda Manzer (who was an apprentice of Jean Larrivée).

Yup, I was also gonna mention Cockburn, along with David Wilcox, a great songwriter and player with super chops; went from Guild to Larrivee to a 'custom' guitar, an Olson.  Ironically, now he doesn't like to travel with his Olson's when he has to fly, so he uses modified RainSongs!

Paisley has also switched to McPherson's, I believe. 

Oh, don't forget Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul and Mary, who played a Larrivee for years... 

Quote from: Mikeymac on February 12, 2007, 04:47:49 PM
Yup, I was also gonna mention Cockburn, along with David Wilcox, a great songwriter and player with super chops;

Mikeymac, I didn't know that David Wilcox played a Larrivée.  I really like his style and his songs.  Thanks for bringing him up.

I also read that Peter Yarrow's Larrivée had been stolen some time back and recently it had been found and returned to him, very much to his pleasure.  Not only did he love the guitar's sound, but it held a lot of sentimental memories.

Acoustic Guitar magazine (December 2006 issue) featured a 1975 Jean Larrivée Cutaway as it's 'Great Acoustics' guitar just inside the back cover.  This guitar was made by Jean to Bruce Cockburn's exacting specifications. The article states that, "One of Larrivée's first steel-string customers was Bruce Cockburn, for whom he ultimately made three instruments, including his first cutaway model, ...".  I believe that it was the first cutaway for both Cockburn and Larrivée.

Quote from: hal537 on February 11, 2007, 01:52:58 PM
". . .  maybe Larrivee sells plenty of guitars without feeling the need to spend money on endorsements. . . .  I just like the anonymity of Larrivee - part of its charm."

:thumb
My feelings exactly. The cost of endorsements would certainly raises the price of the guitars. One of the deciding factors in my choosing a Larrivee was the cost/quality ratio: I could not find a better quality guitar in my price range than the Larrivee SD-50, in fact, no other guitar-maker came close to value of Larrivee. If Larrivee had endorsement deals with well-known players, they simply could not keep the cost down. I didn't buy my Larrivee because somebody I like played it, I bought it strictly due to the good reputation for sound, quality, and value that Larrivee represents.

And yeah, I like the "anonymity" factor, too, but this is quickly becoming a thing of the past. A lot of the chain dealers are stocking Larrivees these days.

canoe65,

Wilcox is pictured with a Larrivee on his 1991 'Home Again' CD (inside; you can't tell from the cover photo).  Great CD, BTW, but I love all his stuff.  

We had him do a concert at our church, which was great, because I got to spend some time with him before and after the concert.  He played me a few new songs he was working on (afterwards, when he got done eating and was just relaxing), and wanted my opinion on them (as they had some 'theological content,' and I'm a minister).  It was a real treat for me to sit down with one of my favorite artists, one on one, and hear some of his thought process as he works out new stuff.

Perhaps you've gathered the wrong group of heroes? Seriously Larrivée is making guitars for the unknown guitar heroes who need a break when buying a first rate guitar. Kudos to Jean et al. Paisley now plays a McPherson. Well, he has more money to throw around now. He's not going to impress anyone but us with a cheap ol' D10. ;)

Not a guitar hero, but Kyle Riabko plays a Larrivee too.

Some of those heros listed above, may be on another builder's payroll

I know Doyle Dykes tours for Taylor, giving clinic/concerts.   
Didnt dampen my enjoyment of his extrordinary skills when I saw him recently.

ds

Tommy Emmanuel has mentioned on a couple interviews and appearances that he likes Larrivees. He probably owns at least one, but he's known mostly for playing his Matons which he endorses with a sense of "patriotism".

well, let me make a few comments. I am deep into to fingerstyle, so all the guitarist mentioned my me all fingerstylists. I also love Di Meola who plays his ovation signature. Muriel Anderson plays larrivees too. But thinking more about it most of them have signature models, Gerhard and Degrassi Breedloves, Stotzem and Juber Martins etc. So they might not play larrivees for commercial reasons. I agree with most of the comments. The fact that they don't play larrivees does not reduce the pleasure i feel listening to them. I would just like it if it happened. 

We have sold Larrivee guitars to many Stars that you would know instantly.  I will not name names except one............Norman Blake, in fact, has purchased from Betterbilt Fretted Products with his own money an SD50 T.S.B. and a Custom made SD60 Sunburst with Brazilian Back and Sides and a few Norman type custom features.

Gayl

A good friend of mine is a constantly traveling performer in the country music arena and he owns a Larrivee (and about 20 other guitars) and he really likes them but he said that he has to take a guitar with him on the road that has a little more durability to it than Larrivees might, typically. He plays a well-worn Goodall that he's had worked on a time or two, as sturdy as it is. I think in a lot of cases that's why you see so many Takamines on stage so often -- they're hardly the very best-sounding guitar on the planet (a perfectly fine brand I'm sure) but they do sound good, play and amplify well and hold up pretty well to the hardships of road travel. There are of course lots of exceptions to this theory but that's one position.

Quote from: lewivee on February 16, 2007, 08:06:13 PM
A good friend of mine is a constantly traveling performer in the country music arena and he owns a Larrivee (and about 20 other guitars) and he really likes them but he said that he has to take a guitar with him on the road that has a little more durability to it than Larrivees might, typically. ...He plays a well-worn Goodall that he's had worked on a time or two, as sturdy as it is ...

Hmmmm.  Curious.  Goodall certainly makes a fine guitar (tho', to my taste, I find all but their smallest models 'muddy'), but from a durability perspective, I'd have thought the nod would have gone to Larrivée.

- Richard

Gayl,

That's very cool info about Norman Blake - if anyone knows good tone he does.  Very revealing that he would PAY to own a couple of NEW Larrivees, when most of the stuff he plays is older than most of us on this forum.

:thumbsup

Duke Robillard owns a Larrivee.  He was nominated for a Grammy award for best blues album this year.  But he lost to Ike Turner.

I had previously posted a youtube video of Leslie West playing a Larrivee live in concert.

I personally hate the endorsement concept.  Martin used to hate it too, but now has models for just about everyone, whether they can play a guitar or not.  I toured with Larrivees about 10 years ago, but I ain't famous.  I found them to be completely reliable and professional in every aspect.  I waiting for the UPS dud to bring me one next week.  Oh boy!

Quote from: lewivee on February 16, 2007, 08:06:13 PM
I think in a lot of cases that's why you see so many Takamines on stage so often -- they're hardly the very best-sounding guitar on the planet (a perfectly fine brand I'm sure) but they do sound good, play and amplify well and hold up pretty well to the hardships of road travel.

I remember reading that one reason you see so many Taks onstage with big names in country and rock is that they've got a very bright sound that might not be great by itself but is exactly what you need to cut through the murk in an arena.

 

QuoteMartin used to hate it too, but now has models for just about everyone, whether they can play a guitar or not.

I was going to jokingly say "At least they aren't getting movie stars to endorse them," thinking about the new Gibson Kiefer Sutherland that's getting so much grief on the electric guitar forums -- but then I remembered that one of the nicer Martins you can get is the Andy Griffith dread.

Quote from: Tycho on February 19, 2007, 02:07:12 PM

I was going to jokingly say "At least they aren't getting movie stars to endorse them," thinking about the new Gibson Kiefer Sutherland that's getting so much grief on the electric guitar forums -- but then I remembered that one of the nicer Martins you can get is the Andy Griffith dread.

Well, I mentioned the Johnny Cash Signature Model - and he's had TWO Martin signatures now, the Limited Edition D-42, and the still available D-35.  Johnny Cash is an incredible performer, songwriter, and all around LEGEND, but he's certainly not a great guitar player, and he's been known to jokingly admit that himself (he once said to Willie Nelson, after Willie borrowed his guitar for a song, "That's the first time that guitar's ever been played!"). 

Larrivee doesn't get 2000 artistist and make 3000 signature models.

But road durability wise?  Get a Yamaha.

I don't think durabillity is the reason. I have played many times fingerstyle with my acoustic band with my larrivee in smaller or bigger clubs, with just a mike no pickups or transducers. I never had a problem on stage, not to mention changing the tuning between two pieces all the time,  which I don't think would work in a Takamine or yamaha. And the regular comments were "how do you get that sound?". Ofcource the soundmen hated me for not using a pickup. Humidity I think is the main problem, but it changes the sound not the durabillity of my guitar.

I wouldn't cry if I dropped a Yamaha.  Well... I would, they are great guitars, but I certainly wouldn't cry as much as a dropped Larrivee.

Quote from: Calvin on February 20, 2007, 11:53:52 AM
I wouldn't cry if I dropped a Yamaha.  Well... I would, they are great guitars, but I certainly wouldn't cry as much as a dropped Larrivee.

If an accident is going to happen it can happen everywhere. I once hit hard a lakewood M32 that i use to have on the door handle trying to answer the phone. My larrivee doesn't have the slightest scrach during lives cause I was very carefull. But I don't think guitarist in such a high level would mind about it. They have the money too, I don't :crying:

Quote from: Betterbilt Fretted Products on February 14, 2007, 09:35:06 AM
We have sold Larrivee guitars to many Stars that you would know instantly.

Thanks for the kind words Gayl, nobody ever called me a "star" before, you obviously haven't heard me play! :humour:

One thing that's no joke is how much I LOVE the SD-50 you sold me back in October. Definately a keeper. :thumb

What? you mean I'm NOT one of your guitar heroes?  :?
I have played Larrivees exclusively for about 7 years, and find them to be extremely durable. I fly and drive all over the country with no tuning issues, and every green room jam sessions finds my guitars getting passed around for a spin. I am careful with my guitars, don't leave them lying around or leave them leaning on things or out on stands, but as far as being durable...they are!
Why on earth play anything but the best? I'd rather not play than have to play a Yamaha, :nana_guitar

Quote from: Cowgirlie on February 21, 2007, 09:50:14 PM
I'd rather not play than have to play a Yamaha

:bgrin:  you snob you!   :laughin:

Quote from: Cowgirlie on February 21, 2007, 09:50:14 PM
What? you mean I'm NOT one of your guitar heroes?

You could be If I ever hear you play. I live in Greece you know.

Novalis, I was just trying to protect you from all of your Larrivee fans.  That is why I did not mention your name or your unique style of play.

Gayl

Quote from: Novalis on February 21, 2007, 09:39:41 PM
One thing that's no joke is how much I LOVE the SD-50 you sold me back in October. Definately a keeper. :thumb

And the SD50 Mh TSB you sold me and sent to England is no joke either - but I'm no guitar hero - sung, unsung or otherwise.   :crying:

Nice to hear from you guys.  Stay in touch.

I loved that SD50 MT Total Sunburst and I know you are enjoying it too.

Gayl

Quote from: Betterbilt Fretted Products on February 23, 2007, 10:28:42 AM
Nice to hear from you guys.  Stay in touch.

I loved that SD50 MT Total Sunburst and I know you are enjoying it too.

Gayl

Are you saying Larrivee made an SD50 with a mahogany TOP - AND the TSB?!?!?   :arrow 

Wow.  That sounds very cool.  If anyone has pics, please show them! (Sorry, don't mean to hijack this post.)

It is amazing looking and sounding.  I did post photos but the forum mod's removed them saying that my photos are self promotion of a dealer, me.

I don't even use my web site address in my signature.

Gayl
Betterbilt Fretted Products

I believe that Garnet Rogers plays a Larrivee or at least he used to. 

Old Folky

Great thread....

I think alot of it simply boils down to tradition. Some folks just "have to" play a Martin. Or whatever other brand for that matter.  Some are honestly convinced that their brand of choice is the best one out there.  It doesn't bother me, because I understand that a musical instrument is an emotional object.  I find also that there are so many people who simply still don't know about Larrivees.  And, as most know, folks are normally afraid of things that they don't fully understand.

And then there are the endorsement deals... 

If I were a touring musician and someone was paying me to play their brand of guitar, as long as it didn't hinder my playing and as long as I could still get the sound I wanted, I'd do it.  It's just business in my view.  Some of us can sit here and throw stones at these guys for playing Takamines or whatever brand that we may find inferior, but in the end, the guy on stage got paid to play while we did not.  And if I were a touring musician and I were not getting paid to play someone's brand of guitar, I'd play my Larrivee, or whatever else made me sound better.

Intereresting Takamine story:  I got a CD by an artist named Troy Cassar Daly who was touring with Tommy Emmanuel last year.  He was playing this absolutely phenominal sounding (and looking) 000-style Takamine. THe sound was simply unreal.....extrememly crisp and clean.  I bought his record and inside he wrote that he plays Takamine because "they simply make the best plug-in-and-play guitar around".  He honestly believes that, where most here would call them inferior.

Go figure.

.02

Guitar company's "endorsement deals" do not usually involve an artist getting payment for playing a particular brand. They are typically special pricing for some, a "comped" guitar here and there for others, and ads ... The ads are great validation, and free exposure into some great markets for players and touring entertainers.

I'd play Larrivee guitars anyway....they are great plug in and play guitars, and the price difference between Takamine's top of the line and Larrivee's 5 and 9 series is nada...why not play the best? :niceguitar:

I was thrilled to go to Wintergrass in Tacoma on the weekend. Chris Thile was first on stage ,then the Jerry Douglas band with Guthrie Trapp.You have to scroll way down this message  to see the link[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqlVckotWJw[/youtube]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqlVckotWJw
Here is a tiny clip shot with my Canon still camera.
Bluegrass, it's not just for Martin's anymore. That is a Larrivee OM isn't it?


:nana_guitar