Just purchased the 0m03e and was just wondering. The sound from this guitar seems a little muffled. Is this normal for this guitar? I believe it has Cleartone strings on it. I compared this guitar to the Taylor 214e which was a lot brighter sounding with a little more bass. Could it be the size difference between the two guitars? Will this guitar eventually sound different the more it is played?  Any comments would be greatly appreciated.

Cleartones are the worst guitar strings ever made. Throw those in the garbage and put something else on, Martins, Daddario's, anything will be an improvement.

Check out this thread for a discussion on 'opening up' http://www.larriveeforum.com/smf/index.php?topic=22342.0

It's definitely the strings - at least in part. The OM-03 can actually be quite a loud (yet tonally balanced) guitar with a surprising amount of sustain.

It could also be the saddle too though. I had the same impression when I received my OM-03R and decided to follow the general wisdom and order a bone saddle to replace the TUSQ one. I'm glad I did because it cured that "stuffed full of socks" problem tone and added to the overall sustain and clarity of all 6 strings.

BTW - be sure to play it and don't hold back because in a few months the guitar will sound louder and fuller. BTW, many folks don't like to strum OM-03's too hard but with the right setup (high enough action and heavier strings) they can hold their own against a dread, only with stronger midrange punch.