Hello Forum folks,
Would love to hear your thoughts surrounding Larrivée and the fact that Larrivée family members participate in the actual construction of your guitars. Do you take pride in knowing this? What does it mean to you knowing we are one of the only larger high end companies that is family owned, operated and built by?
If you care to leave a comment and perhaps a photo, we would love to post some random testimonials on our Facebook page.
Thank you for your thoughts...
john jr.
Yes! though I bought my first before I knew much about the involvement. Thank you!
It's a nice factor tho not a deal breaker for me. Deal Breakers for me are the quality of Craftmanship and the Craftmanship is from a country I can pronouce. However I suspect the presence of the quality is there mainly because of the Larrivee family involvement.
John
I actually do take a certain amount of pride in the fact that Larrivee family members have participated to some degree in the construction of all 4 of my Larrivee guitars. It's not the reason I bought them but it is a source of pride none-the-less. One of the reasons my Forum III LS-03MT is so special is that I got to pick it up at the Vancouver facility and actually meet the people who built it; yourself included.
Here's my current line-up; Forum III is 2nd from left
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q147/tuffythepug/Larriveefamily.jpg)
And here is the Forum III just about finished and ready to play
(http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q147/tuffythepug/FIIInew.jpg)
I am happy to own a guitar built in North America and I think it's wonderful that Larrivee is still a family owned business. You should be proud of this but I don't really think it's anything that I should take pride in.
(http://home.comcast.net/~lmacmil/OM03front.jpg)
Absolutely :+1:
John Jr. numbering the JCL signed labels for the Forum III. In a few hours I was playing mine at the factory, to my wife.
I tried in vain to get John to sign the label as well. He did however sign the hang tag. As well as many forum members. That was a most pleasant time indeed. :thumbsup
Yes, it does matter to me, but only because your design, materials and build are excellent. It warms my heart that a family run business can survive and thrive, "adapting" to the marketplace by not compromising the the original mission of producing fine & unique sounding, affordable, durable instruments. And it gives me satisfaction to be supporting your brand, although I "only" have a parlor and an OM.
When I think of Larrivee, I think "honest".
How can I tell who signed my label?
I think it is Jean. Am I right?(//)
Quote from: psr-740 on June 04, 2012, 08:02:45 PM
How can I tell who signed my label?
I think it is JCL. Am I right
Right you are. With only a few getting out the door signed by John Jr for a Special Dealer Order a year or two back ALL signings are by JCL and I am guessing that ain't gonna change anytime soon.
Quote from: JOYCEfromNS on June 04, 2012, 09:12:43 PM
Right you are. With only a few getting out the door signed by John Jr for a Special Dealer Order a year or two back ALL signings are by JCL and I am guessing that ain't gonna change anytime soon.
Thanks :-)
I'm proud to own my Larrivee guitars because they are all top quality, top sounding guitars. I really like the fact that the whole family is involved throughout the process, from design to building the final product. My last 2 purchases are both Larrivee electrics. I like the fact that Matthew has made it his mission to design and build the pick-ups used in these guitars. Since first purchasing my L-03 a few years ago the more I've gotten to learn about the company by following this Forum and Larrivee Facebook page. Both are a source of information that I appreciate very much.
To Jean, Wendy, John Jr., and Matthew (plus all Larrivee employees north and south) thanks for building such wonderful guitars.
Randy M
Its more then the fact that its a Family owned business its the pride that you know that the the people who build the guitar have.I've handle thousands of guitars and after over 45 years I can tell if the person or persons who built a guitar really gave a darn.With some companies and some builders I can tell that there just putting together a piece of product to sell sorta put tab A into slot B,done next.So ya Family matters but pride in one's work even in a mass produced product it does come thru when,at least too me.
Quote from: J M Larrivée on June 04, 2012, 03:41:51 PM
Hello Forum folks,
Would love to hear your thoughts surrounding Larrivée and the fact that Larrivée family members participate in the actual construction of your guitars. Do you take pride in knowing this? What does it mean to you knowing we are one of the only larger high end companies that is family owned, operated and built by?
If you care to leave a comment and perhaps a photo, we would love to post some random testimonials on our Facebook page.
Thank you for your thoughts...
john jr.
[/quote
i certainly do take pride knowing that my guitar had direct involvement from the "founding fathers" during it's construction.
i also take pride in generating a demand for a handcrafted instrument from here in North America.
and then there is the pride coming from 40+ years of playing a wide range of quality guitars resulting in my ability to recognize the dedication and commitment from design, selection of materials, the craftmanship, and the outstanding value which sets Larrivee intruments apart from so many of the offerings from other makers.
The topic certainly got me a thinkin.
Building more than a 100,000 guitars thru the years with unrelenting quality of craftmanship. From this it's obvious the Larrivee Family take pride in the build process. Each member seem fully aware whether it's 03 or a 72 series the Family Name is on each guitar out the door. Gotta be some Pride there Friends.
My brother is an arrogant self-righteous man. One day I asked him if he did a good job at his place of work. With chin up and a bit of self satisfaction he admitted to me he has done a good job for years. Then I asked, "shouldn't you do a good job at what you do?" He looked at me kinda funny and didn't know what to say.
Mr. JCL and family and those employed by him have produced the best guitars that they can, and have gained the respect of many thousands of players and builders alike. I hope the Larrivee family will continue to enjoy the respect they have earned for many more years to come, and I am delighted to own two fine instruments carrying their name. THANK YOU!
I'm glad to know that someone who carries the name that is on the guitar actually takes part in the building of it. Kind of a personal interest in it.
I think it is an important part of what makes a Larrivee a Larrivee. Having family members involved in the construction of each guitar that comes out of the factory is no small feat today and it helps to make Larrivee unique. I have both a 1988 D-10 Deluxe and a 2006 OM-60 and would not part with either of them.
I bought my CS05 from forum member photomat because it was a good deal on a great little guitar. I joined the forum thereafter and have come to appreciate the fact that Larrivee's are a quality instrument by a family owned company that hasn't lost sight of its heritage and also its customer base. I have even more appreciation for them after building my own guitar. The family component adds value to the brand in my opinion.
(http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i204/smansbucket/Guitars/General%20Guitar%20pictures/larri.jpg)
Hi John. My 1975 signed L is my prized possession. Matthew, in particular, has been very good to me and I love all nine Larrivée instruments that I own. They are all special to me in their own way. I am quite content that your family business is a hands-on operation. As Neil Young says, "Long may you run."
John, it's nice to know that your dad is still so hands on when it comes to the instruments. Same goes for the rest of the Larrivee family it would seem. Keep up the good work, we'll keep playing your instruments!
Hi John,
I get enormous pleasure from playing the guitar that your family built for me. I've seen quite a few pictures of your shop, your processes and the people (including you) that participate in the manufacturing of each guitar. What is really evident is that there is lots of craftsmanship that goes into the making of each guitar. Your shop is really more like a workshop vs some of the larger guitar factories which pump out thousands of machine made guitars each month. The pictures I've seen show lots of people working the wood with their hands and taking pride in producing a really superior product. The involvement of your family in the production of each guitar just shows that there is a legacy of craftsmanship that started with Jean, continues with you and will hopefully be passed down to future Larrivee family members.
As a Canadian, I was also thrilled to be buying an amazing product from an amazing Canadian company. Its a pleasure to support Canadian companies who produce products that are respected around the world.
Thanks for doing what you do!
JordanK.
Speaking of proud Canadians, I believe it's about time that Mr. Larrivée was nominated and received an Order of Canada. After all, he's gone from building guitars in his basement to become one of the premier luthiers and largest builders of guitars in North America. Anyone know the best way to nominate a deserving candidate for this prestigious award? I'd do it but who the heck am I?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Order_of_Canada
Here's Matthew and JCL with the sides of "The Bride"
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y122/travette/DSC00149.jpg)
Here's Matthew and Wendy with the top
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y122/travette/DSC00153-1.jpg)
Here's Wendy assembling the box (she did the bracing also)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y122/travette/DSC_3302.jpg)
Here's JCL doing a bit of sanding
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y122/travette/DSC_3358.jpg)
Here's Wendy doing the preliminary work on the inlay
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y122/travette/DSC00191.jpg)
Although he's not in the picture, here's Matthew doing the CNC set-up
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y122/travette/DSC00193.jpg)
Inlay pieces ready to be cut
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y122/travette/DSC00370.jpg)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y122/travette/DSC00356-1.jpg)
Inlay being, well, inlaid
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y122/travette/DSC00381.jpg)
Wendy doing etching of inlay
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y122/travette/DSC01726-1.jpg)
My Bride
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y122/travette/DSC_0005.jpg)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y122/travette/DSC_0134.jpg)
Am I proud of this guitar? As a peacock.
And knowing that the Larrivee family had hands on the whole time makes it just such a special guitar. Lucky for me, too, is the fact that it was me taking the pictures, so I got to witness the birth of my guitar.
But I am very sure that each and every guitar that comes out of the Larrivee shop has been worked on by any number of Larrivees. I can't wait until the next generation (ie Matthew's kids) show up with luthiers tools in hand....
Interesting subject John...
For me it's not really "pride".. as someone mentioned that's really for your family John, and you folks have earned every bit of it...
My only Larrivee guitar is an OM19 from Cail Spl run, chances are that it had a fair bit of hands on from all of you, don't know tho, just a better than average chance...
That the thought even enters my head means i am aware of it, and that might add some value to me.. not sure... i bought it after playing it once at Calder and that's rare for me, the only time actually... i usually let something wait a day or two to think about it, then don't buy it ;-)
But here's what your family name adds to me... i have lived in N Van for years now, and have seen loads of musicians "between gigs" get jobs working with you, i have seen years of steady rock solid support for the food bank with little hype about what you guys do, and know of the great support you have freely given the luither community here.
Respect can never be demanded, only earned and it's the hardest coin to earn, one of the easiest to spend... you guys seem have a fair bit in the karmic bank machine to draw upon.
So yea, the name on the headstock does mean allot to me, knowing that your Mom & Dad, you and Matthew all probably touched my guitar is a good thing i guess, i had not really assigned much value to that, or maybe assigned value subconsciously, i will echo others in saying it's a great guitar no matter who did the work.
d
PS... a great photo essay Walkerman!
Thanks for the picture show Walkerman, and thanks John for asking. I've enjoyed hearing the responses from all the forumites. And I'm glad to own guitars built with pride by the folks who wear the name. :thumb
I bought my Larrivee sight unseen, before I ever even played a Larrivee guitar, I did reaserch on your guitars, asked fellow players who played them, read reviews etc., I knew I wanted my first high end acoustic to be something other than what I was playing in the stores close to me, I just wasn't that impressed with the guitars in my budget, you see I was selling a guitar that I had for over twenty years to finance my purchase, so I was not going to settle for just any guitar, it had to be something special, and after some searching I found something truly special, a guitar that was made with Italian spruce (not something you see everyday) beautifal rosewood, herringbone purfling, maple inlaid logo and headstock border and hand signed by yourself, and knowing that your family is involved with the build process really makes for something truly special, so it does make me proud to own such a nice guitar, I sold something I had for a long time to buy something I plan to enjoy playing for a long time to come...
As stated by a few before me, I don't take pride in it but I am sure glad that you do! It is important to me that the Larrivee family is actively involved in all aspects of the creative process. From sourcing the trees to doing the elaborate and stunning inlays from Wendy, each Larrivee is a work of art. It is that involvement and passion for your craft that endeared me to Larrivee guitars and inspired me to find out more about the guitars and the man whose name is on them. After playing many different guitars from many different makers I came to the conclusion that Larrivee guitars were the ones for me. My research showed me that the company and the people were the kind that one feels good about working with. The quality of the workmanship along with the incredible sound of your guitars sealed the deal. Keep doing what you're doing. :thumb
I also love ukuleles, and it makes a difference to me that in a family owned factory like KoAloha, a member of the family works on each and every uke they produce. It says something about their commitment to and pride in the product.
Does a Larrivee family member work on every guitar produced? If so, I think it would make a difference to me. If a family member worked on only some guitars, it would mean a lot less to me. I'd also be interested to know what parts of the manufactruing process the family often paticipates in.
I think the all or nothing commitment and participation of family members in a family owned factory makes a difference in a lot of overt and subtle ways, that can only result in goodness, especially as the company goes more into the hands of the younger generation.
I'm proud of my Larrivees' and proud the Larrivee family makes them . Very few people in New Zealand have heard of Larrivee guitars. Whenever I play, there are always a few people afterwards checking out the guitar, and trying to figure out why the guitar sounds so good.
I LOVE that Larrivée guitars have such a strong family involvement. I think it is awesome that Jean is out there sourcing wood from the corners of the earth. I love that John is becoming a tree whisperer too here in Canada. Jean is a true master craftsman, and teacher! I think it is so special that the family has continued to support, foster, and then carry on what they started so long ago. I am a very proud owner of an 1999 L-02, and I just added a Satin OM-05 in March. I feel and hear the love that goes into these instruments, and I spread the word whenever I can.
Thank you for the amazing instruments and may Larrivée continue to build heirloom quality guitars for many, many generations to come!
Here is my Satin OM-05!
Quote from: ducktrapper on June 05, 2012, 09:04:43 AM
Speaking of proud Canadians, I believe it's about time that Mr. Larrivée was nominated and received an Order of Canada. After all, he's gone from building guitars in his basement to become one of the premier luthiers and largest builders of guitars in North America. Anyone know the best way to nominate a deserving candidate for this prestigious award? I'd do it but who the heck am I?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Order_of_Canada
:+1:
Quote from: Madhermit on June 05, 2012, 11:42:19 PM
:+1:
Let's start a campaign. First thing is to discover if Mr. L would care to be nominated. I'd think Bruce Cockburn, Gordon Lightfoot and Wayne Gretzky would be good company but who knows.
I think it's his contribution to the art, craft and business of guitar making in Canada that makes him an obvious candidate for the Order of Canada. Throw a brick in any direction and you're liable to hit a luthier who has apprenticed or worked with Jean Larrivee. His contribution goes way beyond his own company.
Quote from: LaminateBoy on June 06, 2012, 11:02:57 AM
I think it's his contribution to the art, craft and business of guitar making in Canada that makes him an obvious candidate for the Order of Canada. Throw a brick in any direction and you're liable to hit a luthier who has apprenticed or worked with Jean Larrivee. His contribution goes way beyond his own company.
Absolutley! So how do we go about doing it, assuming Mr. L is for it?
Quote from: ducktrapper on June 06, 2012, 11:10:58 AM
Absolutley! So how do we go about doing it, assuming Mr. L is for it?
From the reference you provided, the nomination can be made by any Cdn resident to the Selection Commitee:
Any of the three levels of the Order of Canada are open to all living Canadian citizens,[59] except all federal and provincial politicians and judges while they hold office. The Order recognizes the achievement of outstanding merit or distinguished service by Canadians who made a major difference to Canada through lifelong contributions in every field of endeavour, as well as the efforts made by non-Canadians who have made the world better by their actions. Membership is thus accorded to those who exemplify the order's Latin motto, taken from Hebrews 11:16 of the Bible, desiderantes meliorem patriam, meaning "they desire a better country."[60] Each of the six to eight hundred nominations submitted each year,[61] by any person or organization, is received by the order's Advisory Council, which, along with the governor general, makes the final choice of new inductees, typically by consensus rather than a vote;[61] a process that, when conceived, was the first of its kind in the world.[61] Appointees are then accepted into the organization at an investiture ceremony typically conducted by the governor general at Rideau Hall, though the Queen or another viceroy may perform the task and the ceremony may take place in other locations.
and here's the form for you;
http://archive.gg.ca/honours/nat-ord/oc/oc-info_e.asp
QuoteNominations should be accompanied by biographical notes detailing the career and achievements of the nominee. It is helpful to include the names of persons who would support the nomination and who could provide information about why the individual deserves the honour.
I would approach the MP's for Jean & Wendy's home & Business in Canada, i guess Ms May for their home, and and Ms Fry for the business, also Bruce Cockburn, and any other OoC recipients that have a connection.
d
Quote from: JOYCEfromNS on June 06, 2012, 11:22:32 AM
From the reference you provided, the nomination can be made by any Cdn resident to the Selection Commitee:
Any of the three levels of the Order of Canada are open to all living Canadian citizens,[59] except all federal and provincial politicians and judges while they hold office. The Order recognizes the achievement of outstanding merit or distinguished service by Canadians who made a major difference to Canada through lifelong contributions in every field of endeavour, as well as the efforts made by non-Canadians who have made the world better by their actions. Membership is thus accorded to those who exemplify the order's Latin motto, taken from Hebrews 11:16 of the Bible, desiderantes meliorem patriam, meaning "they desire a better country."[60] Each of the six to eight hundred nominations submitted each year,[61] by any person or organization, is received by the order's Advisory Council, which, along with the governor general, makes the final choice of new inductees, typically by consensus rather than a vote;[61] a process that, when conceived, was the first of its kind in the world.[61] Appointees are then accepted into the organization at an investiture ceremony typically conducted by the governor general at Rideau Hall, though the Queen or another viceroy may perform the task and the ceremony may take place in other locations.
Yeah I read that but I'm thinking, if Mr. L is willing, someone with a little more, um, clout should do the honours of nominating him. Does Mr. Harper play a Larrivée? Anyone know Cockburn?
Duck tant nothin better then too be put up by the citizens it says a whole lot more.
Can I sign up or whatever to help.
Quote from: ducktrapper on June 06, 2012, 11:26:26 AM
Yeah I read that but I'm thinking, if Mr. L is willing, someone with a little more, um, clout should do the honours of nominating him. Does Mr. Harper play a Larrivée? Anyone know Cockburn?
Don't think clout is necessary but it can also come from an organization. Maybe a new thread be opened and the nomination could come from us ( Larrivee Forum) :?
Donno if HARPER plays a Larrivee but as I'm sure you know he plays a piano ( and aint a peeano from "the other thread")
Quote from: JOYCEfromNS on June 06, 2012, 12:02:15 PM
Don't think clout is necessary but it can also come from an organization. Maybe a new thread be opened and the nomination could come from us ( Larrivee Forum) :?
That I like. At least, by the Canuckistanis on the forum, in keeping with the O of C rules. First we need to find out if it's okay with the man himself. How we do that? John? Matthew?
Hi Everyone,
WOW, thank you for all the many kind words you have given. It truly means a lot to our family to see, read and hear stories of musicians loving and caring for our instruments. A day doesn't go by that we don't appreciate the support you have all given us. We are a modest family and very in touch with reality. We do our best to bring you our highest quality instruments at affordable pricing while balancing costs, supplies, labour and living expenses. A very challenging act in this day and age. But we are commited as a family, with Jean as our leader, to continue the path Jean has worked so hard to carve.
At your service...
john jr.
Quote from: J M Larrivée on June 06, 2012, 12:58:22 PM
Hi Everyone,
WOW, thank you for all the many kind words you have given. It truly means a lot to our family to see, read and hear stories of musicians loving and caring for our instruments. A day doesn't go by that we don't appreciate the support you have all given us. We are a modest family and very in touch with reality. We do our best to bring you our highest quality instruments at affordable pricing while balancing costs, supplies, labour and living expenses. A very challenging act in this day and age. But we are commited as a family, with Jean as our leader, to continue the path Jean has worked so hard to carve.
At your service...
john jr.
John, would you ask your father for his blessing for us to pursue the nomination for the Order of Canada? I can't think of too many Canadians more deserving.
Quote from: ducktrapper on June 06, 2012, 01:02:35 PM
John, would you ask your father for his blessing for us to pursue the nomination for the Order of Canada? I can't think of too many Canadians more deserving.
:+1:
He says... [with his humble "who me" grin] "...sure, doesn't Celine Dion have one of those".
john jr.
Quote from: J M Larrivée on June 06, 2012, 01:26:36 PM
He says... [with his humble "who me" grin] "...sure, doesn't Celine Dion have one of those".
john jr.
I dunno. What kind of guitar does
she play? Thanks John and Jean. Well ... let's get on it boys and girls!
Quote from: ducktrapper on June 06, 2012, 01:45:06 PM
I dunno. What kind of guitar does she play? Thanks John and Jean. Well ... let's get on it boys and girls!
Will he have to get a haircut?
It's a great idea Duck. Should be a shoe-in.
Doesn't her guitar player use larrivee electrics? :thumbsup
I think your on to something, he would be deserving of such a high honer :thumbsup
Good timing with the Order of Canada thing, it being Jean's birthday and all!
I have seen first hand how "hands on" Jean, Matt and Wendy are when I visited the Oxnard workshop. I picked up my JCL there from JCL which I found fitting. This was back in 2009 during the worst of the downturn. I didn't see a lot of other workers, but the three Larrivees were all working on guitars. It makes me feel good knowing how committed the family is to putting out the best product they can at fair prices.
(http://i614.photobucket.com/albums/tt221/247hoopsfan/Larrivee015.jpg)
Quote from: 247hoopsfan on June 06, 2012, 06:23:01 PM
I have seen first hand how "hands on" Jean, Matt and Wendy are when I visited the Oxnard workshop. I picked up my JCL there from JCL which I found fitting. This was back in 2009 during the worst of the downturn. I didn't see a lot of other workers, but the three Larrivees were all working on guitars. It makes me feel good knowing how committed the family is to putting out the best product they can at fair prices.
(http://i614.photobucket.com/albums/tt221/247hoopsfan/Larrivee015.jpg)
Great picture!!
I don't currently own a Larrivee. But I will again. Yes. I think what the Larrivee family has done is something special & something we see too little of in these days of sending the manufacturing away from home.
They've built a family business making an absolutely beautiful product that still depends on a great deal of careful craftsmanship and art. They've weathered a lot of fads and economic uncertainty. Kudos to Jean and his family. You have a lot too be proud of and anyone who owns one of your guitars has something very special in their hands.
I'm not feeling proud necessarily, but it was a factor in deciding on Larrivee Guitars for me. Larrivee are the ones who should be proud to still boast they run a family operation. I'm satisfied certainly. And confident, but you guys should be proud.
The first time I saw the pic of Jean and Michael (I think) standing out in the timber yard on the logs in the water it peaked my interest. I had never known of a guitar company to be that hands on in the process. Then the more I researched, I found that that pic is only the beginning on the process. From start to finish it seems that someone in the family has a hand in bringing the guitar to life. I now own a D-60 and an OMV-50 and couldn't be happier with each of them. Looking forward to acquiring more of these wonderful instruments (with my wife's good graces of course).
I love the fact that Larrivees are still built by Larrivees. Though the company has an international presence, it still has a mom and pop vibe, which is meaningful to me. I'm sold on the Larrivee brand and hope to see it continue.
I'm wondering though, has any thought ever been given to starting a Larrivee publication, like Martin and Taylor put out? I'm sure it's expensive and time consuming but I'd love to see something like this from Larrivee.
Of course I do. Having one signed by Jean also adds some pride.