Well, just like the title of the post. I'm a recent and proud owner and just lust love my Larrivee, but compared to other top builders, even newer ones, Larrivee seems to be way under the radar. Any thoughts why?
Thanks,

There's a lot of *Lemmings* in the world.  :roll

Some people think big bucks = best guitar.
Some people think a company that's been around for a long time = best guitar.
Some people think because so & so plays it = best guitar.

I'm more than happy with my Larrivée guitars.
Apparently, I don't understand *other peoples* thinking.  :wink:

I've been going to a lot of jams lately and usually just bring my lowly, plain Jane L-01. It's usually the least expensive guitar in the circle, always holds its own and is often the best sounding. The answer, my friend, is blowing in the wind.  :arrow

My personal theory is that Jean would prefer to keep his philosophy of building affordable quality guitars, and therefore he doesn't spend a ton of money on the company advertising budget.  All I know is that I'm done drooling over the big brands.  :thumbsup

I've said this before somewhere but it's worth repeating.  Lack of marketing (like Taylor, Martin, et al) is probably a big part of it, but I think the French name is intimidating and in some cases off-putting to some Americans.  That might sound ridiculous but things like that are a very real "thing" in parts of the country.  I've known people that wouldn't buy Dijon mustard or even eat at Italian (pronounced "EYE-talian" where I come from) restaurants—not out
of prejudice, but simply out of unfamiliarity.  There is a kind of built-in intimidation in such matters, and rather than be embarrassed, some people just shy away.   

All said, it's a shame because Larrivee makes great guitars that a lot of people would enjoy a lot more than what they currently own and likely spent way too much money for.

Quote from: Silence Dogood on June 02, 2022, 03:11:55 PM
I've said this before somewhere but it's worth repeating.  Lack of marketing (like Taylor, Martin, et al) is probably a big part of it, but I think the French name is intimidating and in some cases off-putting to some Americans.  That might sound ridiculous but things like that are a very real "thing" in parts of the country.  I've known people that wouldn't buy Dijon mustard or even eat at Italian (pronounced "EYE-talian" where I come from) restaurants—not out
of prejudice, but simply out of unfamiliarity.  There is a kind of built-in intimidation in such matters, and rather than be embarrassed, some people just shy away.   

All said, it's a shame because Larrivee makes great guitars that a lot of people would enjoy a lot more than what they currently own and likely spent way too much money for.

That's funny. I said the same thing years ago. I actually suggested to Matthew Larrivee that they call the guitars that they market in the USA, I dunno, Matthews or something like that. Having a similar last name beginning in L and ending in e (although luckily with no grammatical accent marks), I know how this works.  :laughin:

There's a few factors. One being that they don't put a lot into advertising. Neither do they rely on gimmicks.
While they have some heritage, it's not on the level of something like Martin.
Given their approach, I'd say Larrivee does really well. Dollar for dollar, they smoke Taylor and Martin. They don't appeal as much to those who are influenced by advertising or by names, but they sell a lot of guitars and the quality and value speak for themselves.

I guess they are happy where they sit in the mix, so to speak. I love my larrivee, don't see myself ever getting rid of it. It's so amazing I just had to wonder why. I really like the perceived ideology and marketing. Kinda makes them more respectable- great sounding, beautiful guitars, seemingly less markup than other brands, family ran. A company I can really get behind. While I also own and love my Martin, they have cool pedigree for sure, but their marketing is irritating to me and lessens the brand, at least to me, but no denying the also make great guitars.   

DANG!!!!!
I thought it was because people are stupid and only play guitars played by ----------------


keep smilin and keep dancin  :wave



:humour:

Quote from: ducktrapper on June 02, 2022, 06:33:30 PM
That's funny. I said the same thing years ago. I actually suggested to Matthew Larrivee that they call the guitars that they market in the USA, I dunno, Matthews or something like that. Having a similar last name beginning in L and ending in e (although luckily with no grammatical accent marks), I know how this works.  :laughin:

FWIW, I'm glad they have kept the name and stayed true to the history of the company.  I personally like the name.

I'll throw in my 2¢. So far we've got several mentions of "marketing" as a restraint on the brand's popularity. And to that I can't help but notice a lot of the "top ten acoustic guitars" articles I've come across often have many of the names of the companies that advertise on the magazine or site. So "Top 10 best guitars under $2K" isn't likely to have Larrivee in there.

But another angle I'd offer is that the Larrivee family seems comfortable with the number of guitars their factory can put out. To put out say 30%-40% more volume to justify an aggressive ad budget means more investment in machines, spray booths, lumber, workers, benefits, etc, etc which is all fairly expensive and risky for a family owned business.

For Larrivee to go the way of Taylor/Gibson/Martin means a few more levels of management, marketing, sales reps, and doubling (or more) their factory capacity. This might mean outside investors and sharing control of their brand. Likely, they've decided it's simply not worth whatever extra popularity and money they'd end up with for all that non-guitar related time and trouble. And I can't fault them for that. . .

If they can do what they love, keep the family employed and doing well, make great guitars that thousands of people enjoy playing, then why complicate matters to become the next Taylor?  To me it's the difference between being a rock star and a studio musician that works regularly and is in demand.  I'd personally take the latter option any day of the week.

I saw some video once of Jean being interviewed, and he said he knows of famous musicians who play the big brand names on stage because of endorsements, etc.  But when they are at home or in the studio they use Larrivee's.  I love that image.  Sounds like the Larrivee company has found something in business that is sadly missing these days:  The concept of "enough".   

Quote from: StringPicker6 on June 03, 2022, 09:28:49 AM
I saw some video once of Jean being interviewed, and he said he knows of famous musicians who play the big brand names on stage because of endorsements, etc.  But when they are at home or in the studio they use Larrivee's.  I love that image.  Sounds like the Larrivee company has found something in business that is sadly missing these days:  The concept of "enough".  

This is true but the question then arises ... why the heck is that? Endorsements? They won't force you to play the guitar you endorse or Martin or Gibson named after you nor can they. Maybe For the same reason I bring a 1975 Martin D-35 to a gig? Instant credibility? But then again, why is that? I think the French name thing really is a factor for the similar reason Santa Cruz guitars aren't called Hoovers. That would suck. Marketing 101.
For the record, I'll leave the Martin on a stand and play my Larrivee.   :laughin:

Many of us have been playing Larrivees for more than 20 years.  Larrivees were really hard to find in those days.  And we were happy to have found the best sounding guitars that were "under the radar."   The move to Oxnard California really set the stage for Larrivee expansion. The only reason I want Larrivee to be more popular is so the company remains in business and so others unaware find out what amazing guitars they make.
I believe Larrivee has reached a production level they are comfortable with and  still provide the stringent QC they have.
Jean will tell you he doesn't want to build the most guitars he wants to build the best. :nana_guitar

Quote from: 247hoopsfan on June 03, 2022, 08:21:13 PM
Many of us have been playing Larrivees for more than 20 years.  Larrivees were really hard to find in those days.  And we were happy to have found the best sounding guitars that were "under the radar."   The move to Oxnard California really set the stage for Larrivee expansion. The only reason I want Larrivee to be more popular is so the company remains in business and so others unaware find out what amazing guitars they make.
I believe Larrivee has reached a production level they are comfortable with and  still provide the stringent QC they have.
Jean will tell you he doesn't want to build the most guitars he wants to build the best. :nana_guitar

I have always been a little bit ... out there and personally, I don't care if they are more popular. If the family making them is good with it so am I. If they're not, I have some ideas. Here's a song I've been playing lately.   :arrow

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JE-J1OmmFc

I have three Martins including 2 standard series with sunburst finishes and one custom 12 fret. I also have three Larrivees and what sets them apart is their uniqueness; a flamed maple parlor (1 of 100), a custom 12 string and a Forum VI (#12 out of 19).

Not one of these guitars is better than the others, just different. Yesterday, my 1976 Martin shaded top D35 purchased new when I turned 21 was at the top of the order, today it will be the Forum VI.

My Larrivees have sold at least 15 guitars to friends and acquaintances including another Forum VI that is identical to mine. I'll take word of mouth and first hand experience over advertising any day of the week.

I've had my Larrivee for 19 years now (it's my only acoustic guitar) and I've introduced a lot of people to the Larrivee brand with it over the years.  One experience comes to mind that I've not thought of in a while.  About 15 years ago a local Christian radio personality put together a 100-guitar orchestra for a special event.  I tried out and got selected (it wasn't very hard) to participate.  The thing was billed as "100 Guitars of Praise" and we set up in an old church and the guy used us as an orchestra to back up the show he was putting on.  It was really a lot of fun and something special to be a part of.  At the start of the show he had us all strum a G chord in unison and the sound was really something.  I think a lot of it got lost in the mix as the show went on, but the idea was unique and memorable, and it looked really cool to see a guitar orchestra. 

At any rate, one of the guys I was sitting next to that night was playing a Taylor.  When we were backstage getting ready to go on we naturally started talking about our guitars.  He didn't recognize the name on mine, and couldn't pronounce it (the French thing again), but when I handed it to him to play I could see a paradigm shift happening in him.  Till then he thought Taylor was the only way to go.  When he found out what I paid for my guitar vs what he paid for his, he had sort of a sick look on his face.  I never saw that guy again but I really think I made a Larrivee convert that night.  He was already talking about selling his Taylor and trying to find one of those.... "How did you pronounce that again?..." guitars.  

Quote from: jpmist on June 03, 2022, 08:29:43 AM
I'll throw in my 2¢. So far we've got several mentions of "marketing" as a restraint on the brand's popularity. And to that I can't help but notice a lot of the "top ten acoustic guitars" articles I've come across often have many of the names of the companies that advertise on the magazine or site. So "Top 10 best guitars under $2K" isn't likely to have Larrivee in there.

Don't get me started on guitar magazines...  big glossy, as much ad pages as "articles", and like you say...  those with the biggest ads get the best reviews.

Quote from: jpmist on June 03, 2022, 08:29:43 AMBut another angle I'd offer is that the Larrivee family seems comfortable with the number of guitars their factory can put out. To put out say 30%-40% more volume to justify an aggressive ad budget means more investment in machines, spray booths, lumber, workers, benefits, etc, etc which is all fairly expensive and risky for a family owned business.

For Larrivee to go the way of Taylor/Gibson/Martin means a few more levels of management, marketing, sales reps, and doubling (or more) their factory capacity. This might mean outside investors and sharing control of their brand. Likely, they've decided it's simply not worth whatever extra popularity and money they'd end up with for all that non-guitar related time and trouble. And I can't fault them for that. . .

All of this makes sense to me.  They control their output, no rushing to make quotas, no skimping on materials, computer control only where it makes sense, being fair to employees...  And, though it might make me sound like a Commie, how much money does a person (or family) need to accumulate to be happy?  I don't know the Larrivee's personally, but they seem to be a relatively happy bunch of folks. 

Ed 

I think a big part of the problem is they aren't as readily available as other brands, plain and simple.  Go into any guitar store in Texas (my state) and you'll likely find Martins, Taylors, Yamahas, etc.  There are 4 shops in the whole state that stock Larrivees according to their website.  I've been around guitars for over 50 years and saw and played my first Larrivee about 6 years ago.  Now I've had 3 since then if that tells  you anything. :thumb

Since some are telling us how long, I'm curious as to who has been playing Larrivees the longest. I know Kevin (headsup) has been playing them since before the flood and I obtained my first indirectly from him. So for me a used '75 in ... 1976.    

Quote from: jpmist on June 03, 2022, 08:29:43 AM

For Larrivee to go the way of Taylor/Gibson/Martin means a few more levels of management, marketing, sales reps, and doubling (or more) their factory capacity.

Taylor, Martin, and Gibson really shouldn't be lumped together in any way.  Gibson USA builds fewer acoustic guitars than Larrivee, or a few more, depending on the year.  They were building about 200 instruments a week when Ren was there, and that includes mandolins, which is actually around 25% of the business.

Gibson does sell quite lot of guitars, but the vast majority of them are made in China and say Epiphone on the headstock.

Martin is of course an over 200 year old enterprise, and Taylor is a marketing organization that just happens to sell guitars (not that I would mind owning a 362). 

Quote from: AZLiberty on June 09, 2022, 02:38:17 AM
Taylor is a marketing organization that just happens to sell guitars  

Now that's funny.  :laughin:

For some reason I have never tried out or played a Taylor. But I do know a local music store near me that is offering a second baby Taylor for only $99 if you buy a Taylor.  Sounds like some kind of grocery store coupon offer.  :humour:

I was one of those guys before, the one with a Martin hanging on my wall. I Live in Vancouver where they used to build Larrivee guitars and never really considered buying one. I walked into a local music store and picked up a used Larrivee to try out, within a week my Martin was sold and I had a 17 year old OM-03R which will be hanging on my wall for as long as I can play it.

Like most say as well when you walk into a music store there is a wall for each Gibson, Taylor and Martin. Larrivee maybe 3 or 4.

:smile:

Quote from: CadillacBob on June 13, 2022, 12:43:58 AMI was one of those guys before, the one with a Martin hanging on my wall. I Live in Vancouver where they used to build Larrivee guitars and never really considered buying one. I walked into a local music store and picked up a used Larrivee to try out, within a week my Martin was sold and I had a 17 year old OM-03R which will be hanging on my wall for as long as I can play it.

Like most say as well when you walk into a music store there is a wall for each Gibson, Taylor and Martin. Larrivee maybe 3 or 4.

 :smile:

Coincidentally I've just bought a 17 year old OM-03R. Never played or even seen a Larrivee before, they seem very rare in the UK, but was really impressed with a clip posted on line. I know you can't put any store by a recording but I was interested enough to track one down. The action was really high on both sides, 3mm, but after a visit to a local luthier it's now just below 2mm on the low E and 1.6mm on the high E, and plays like a dream for fingerstyle. Tonally I much prefer it to my Eastman E8OM-TC, not quite as rich in the bass but much better separation, less muddy (harsh description of the Eastman!). The Eastman is on its way out.

EDIT: to answer the OP's question, in the UK at least, in my experience there are very few stores that stock them so they just aren't visible.

It's all been convered, but to reiterate - marketing, coverage (availability), and history.

Before I considered playing my dad had pointed out that his friend Andy played a Martin. Andy was an old man in a blue grass band that my dad knew through the funeral business. He always talked about Andy's guitar, how Andy told him it was a dream come true to purchase it, etc. I was raised knowing 1 acoustic guitar brand that was mythical in its elevated quality compared to others.

I've never owned a Martin and I would be foolish to think or say I never will, I just haven't prioritized one over others in my stable. For my 10 year anniversary my wife was going to get me a D-28. She knew enough about guitars to knwo Martin was the s***, and it didn't take her long to find that the D-28 was the measuring stick by which all others were compared. A close friend pointed out to her that I was also a huge fan of his Music Man Axis, and one of them found a gorgeous Balboa Blue Burst quilted top on Reverb. She gave me a choice and w/out hesitation I said "I want the Axis". I already had my Larrivee and wanted to lean into my EVH spirit animal :) If she'd not said a word and bought me the Martin I would 100% love the hell out of it. Not only because my beautiful wife did it, but because I'd have a damn fine guitar that is justifiably on musician bucket lists worldwide. Every time I walk by my Axis, or strap it on and just run my hand up and down the neck, there's...movement.

I first learned of Larrivee from the Justin King "Phunkdified" video. Like many others I was shell shocked to see him play - I'd never heard a guitar played anything like what he was doing. I figured part of his secret sauce MUST be that Larr-whatcamacallit guitar :) The more I learned about them online the more I was convinced - that will be my first "bury me with it" acoustic. I could never ever be cremated - no way in hell I'm going to burn a guitar! Buy a bigger box and someday future civilazations will dig me up, see the guitar, and say "this guy....he was a certified bad--CENSORED-" ;)

Also I've always marched to the beat of my own drum for certain things. I like knowing that what I have is every bit as good as what you have, but mine is significantly more unique. I'm not a lemming. Not that having a Martin makes someone a lemming, but you know what I mean. My first "expensive" electric guitar was a Carvin. Aside from lusting over them since my first mail order catalog in the early 90's, I also knew that they weren't everyone else's Gibson, Fender, or Ibanez. When everyone else was buying white Ford F-150's with twin turbo charged V6 engines, I bought an technology dinosaur Tundra w/a good old V8. It was different - and I could supercharge it and I blow the F'ing doors off of every Ford, Chevy, and non-TRX Dodge on the road.

Yes - I don't have what every other commercial or ad shows. Yep I paid less for it. Nope, I'm not cheap - I'm damn smart with my money. Yep, my guitar and truck just blew your -CENSORED- off the stage and road :)

Quote from: Adam Ag 98 on June 18, 2022, 08:09:49 PM
It's all been convered, but to reiterate - marketing, coverage (availability), and history.

Pretty sure you have us beat on the enthusiasm scale.
Mike

I loved my Martins when I had them, and I live about an hour from the factory.  But Martin seems to me like Mercedes Benz: everyone sees it as the high end status symbol, but then everyone is driving Mercedes that can afford one. I'd rather own a Lotus or something you don't see every day. That's why I love my larrivee, it's like a secret and only the clever people know about it.  :cheers

Quote from: Adam Ag 98 on June 18, 2022, 08:09:49 PM
It's all been convered, but to reiterate - marketing, coverage (availability), and history.

Before I considered playing my dad had pointed out that his friend Andy played a Martin. Andy was an old man in a blue grass band that my dad knew through the funeral business. He always talked about Andy's guitar, how Andy told him it was a dream come true to purchase it, etc. I was raised knowing 1 acoustic guitar brand that was mythical in its elevated quality compared to others.

I've never owned a Martin and I would be foolish to think or say I never will, I just haven't prioritized one over others in my stable. For my 10 year anniversary my wife was going to get me a D-28. She knew enough about guitars to knwo Martin was the s***, and it didn't take her long to find that the D-28 was the measuring stick by which all others were compared. A close friend pointed out to her that I was also a huge fan of his Music Man Axis, and one of them found a gorgeous Balboa Blue Burst quilted top on Reverb. She gave me a choice and w/out hesitation I said "I want the Axis". I already had my Larrivee and wanted to lean into my EVH spirit animal :) If she'd not said a word and bought me the Martin I would 100% love the hell out of it. Not only because my beautiful wife did it, but because I'd have a damn fine guitar that is justifiably on musician bucket lists worldwide. Every time I walk by my Axis, or strap it on and just run my hand up and down the neck, there's...movement.

I first learned of Larrivee from the Justin King "Phunkdified" video. Like many others I was shell shocked to see him play - I'd never heard a guitar played anything like what he was doing. I figured part of his secret sauce MUST be that Larr-whatcamacallit guitar :) The more I learned about them online the more I was convinced - that will be my first "bury me with it" acoustic. I could never ever be cremated - no way in hell I'm going to burn a guitar! Buy a bigger box and someday future civilazations will dig me up, see the guitar, and say "this guy....he was a certified bad--CENSORED-" ;)

Also I've always marched to the beat of my own drum for certain things. I like knowing that what I have is every bit as good as what you have, but mine is significantly more unique. I'm not a lemming. Not that having a Martin makes someone a lemming, but you know what I mean. My first "expensive" electric guitar was a Carvin. Aside from lusting over them since my first mail order catalog in the early 90's, I also knew that they weren't everyone else's Gibson, Fender, or Ibanez. When everyone else was buying white Ford F-150's with twin turbo charged V6 engines, I bought an technology dinosaur Tundra w/a good old V8. It was different - and I could supercharge it and I blow the F'ing doors off of every Ford, Chevy, and non-TRX Dodge on the road.

Yes - I don't have what every other commercial or ad shows. Yep I paid less for it. Nope, I'm not cheap - I'm damn smart with my money. Yep, my guitar and truck just blew your -CENSORED- off the stage and road :)

Great post.  We share some similar interests: EVH, Toyota, Carvin, oh... and Larrivee.  I bought a new electric guitar not long ago and came close to getting one of the Axis Sterling guitars.  I like the Music Man version a lot better (obviously) but knew I would only dabble in riffs now and then and couldn't justify a big-ticket purchase.  I ended up getting a Jackson, which, at this point, is a very road-less-taken guitar, at least in America.  It seems like all anyone plays is Fender and Gibson, or at least Fender- and Gibson-style guitars.  Talk about a lack of imagination, especially considering how many cool guitars are being produced today. 

I used to love getting the old Carvin catalog back in the late 90s/early 2000s.  I never bought a Carvin but used to play in an acoustic duo with a guy who owned one of their acoustic amps.  We would both plug into it and it sounded great - plenty of volume, too.  I did deck out a cheap Strat once back then with a Carvin pre-wired pickguard. 

I'd put myself in the "smart with my money" camp alongside you.  I don't mind paying for quality (I actually enjoy paying for quality), but I won't throw money away needlessly to compensate for some company's marketing budget.  Some of the big guitar makers come to mind here.  It's strange, I took the Martin tour a couple years ago, and while it was fun, I didn't leave there wanting a Martin.  I respect the company and its history, and I genuinely admire the process and how they have refined it, but I still prefer Larrivee.  Oddly enough, though, I toured the Collings factory once and it made me REALLY want a Collings (I have a Collings mandolin now). 

PS: I love my Toyota Tacoma. 

 :winkin: There are three rule as regards selling lots of guitars:
Marketing + Marketing + Marketing
However what people really want is quality, at a fair price.
My view is that Martin and Taylor have made an huge error having guitars made outside the USA on their behalves.
To survive and prosper, Larrivee has to keep making their great guitars themselves, using quality wood, and selling them at a fair price. :nana_guitar

I have an L09 from 2005. Before that I had and still have a Grammer. They Grammer is nice and was my only acoustic for a long tiime.

The first Larrivee I played was in the early to mid 70s. I was beautiful light and the nicest playing guitar. When I was on the road for work for a number of years I'd stop in at guitar stores and play everything. Gibson, Martin were nice but too pricey. I bought the L09 from Dave's in LaCrosse. It's the most comfortable and the nicest sounding I have played. I do have a Gibson ADJ for when I need loud. It's nice too.

Now the best sounding acoustic I have played was a 1927 00028 Martin 12 fret. It wasn't the nicest player. It wasn't bad either. The $40,000 set it out of range. The sound out of the guitar was beautiful.

I am not giving up my L09. If it were stolen I would get another. It's as good or better than anything out there.

I've had my LV-03R for two weeks now, and I'm loving it more and more. What a comfortable guitar!  I love the sound of this brand new guitar already, I can't imagine what it will sound like when it's older!   :nana_guitar

I first bought  my Larrivee L-05 in 2008 because I couldn't afford a Martin. Didn't know anything about the name or what to expect but they were an affordable, all wood guitar. 12 years later and no regrets at all. That guitar sounds better and better year after year after year. It's one Ill never get rid of but, I happened by Larrivee completely out of chance. No marketing, no commercials, just pure internet research. They are still doing the same thing today so I think that is how Larrivee likes it. If you are lucky enough to happen across a Larrivee and like it or love it then good on ya. If not, well I think you may be missing out. I for one like the fact they aren't more popular. I'm proud to own a guitar that isn't what everyone else plays.

We who know, love and own Larrivee instruments are pretty loyal. If I were to want another guitar (which I don't...at this particular moment  :humour:), my search would begin with Larrivee guitars. Sure, there's lots of choices, and too many wonderful guitar companies and small builders to begin to list. But dollar for dollar, and note for note, Larrivee has pretty much always had what I needed and wanted. I have a beautiful 90's Martin 000-16 that found me one day when a neighbor, whom I didn't even know played guitar, was moving and downsizing. She made me an offer I couldn't refuse and it's a very special smaller body guitar. But it's always the 3rd guitar I'll reach for after my OM-40 and my beloved Forum VI. My response here doesn't necessarily address the question posed here, but I'm pretty comfortable with how the Larrivee family goes about their business, and particularly appreciative of what they offer and what they charge. I trust they have a well intentioned plan.

Quote from: carruth on June 23, 2022, 07:57:58 PM
:winkin: There are three rule as regards selling lots of guitars:
Marketing + Marketing + Marketing
However what people really want is quality, at a fair price.
My view is that Martin and Taylor have made an huge error having guitars made outside the USA on their behalves.
To survive and prosper, Larrivee has to keep making their great guitars themselves, using quality wood, and selling them at a fair price. :nana_guitar

Yep, that's right. They spend a lot of money on their marketing and people simply believe what they're reading/watching/told at the counter.

Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk

I went to the big (understatement) Amigo Guitar Show (AKA "Guitarlington") last weekend.  There were thousands of guitars on display, probably tens of thousands, and I remember seeing two Larrivees.  They still fly well under the radar of the average guitarist.   One was a new, plain-Jane D-03 (the model I play) that someone was trying to sell for $1900! 

*** Before hitting "post" on this reply, I did a quick search to see what the D-03 is selling for, and I see that $1900 is still high, but that THAT much higher than what these are going for nowadays.  That's hard for me to believe since I paid $600 for mine twenty years ago.  It's not to say that new D-03s aren't worth that much money: considering how great a guitar it is, and considering the joy and years it will bring an owner who will actually play it, even $2000 seems like a small price to pay, since enjoyment can't be measured in dollars.  I suppose I'm just having a hard time wrapping my head around inflation and changing times, etc.   At any rate, the workmanship on that particular new D-03 was stunning. 

Guitar sales skyrocketed during Covid, and guitar prices all went up.  I just realized after writing that that everybody probably already knows that.  Sorry.   :arrow

Quote from: StringPicker6 on October 22, 2022, 10:30:30 AM
Guitar sales skyrocketed during Covid, and guitar prices all went up.  I just realized after writing that that everybody probably already knows that.  Sorry.   :arrow

Well, I guess I didn't know it fully until the guitar show.  I haven't done much in the last couple years but work, haven't bought many things but what's been necessary, and I've surely noticed the price of gas and groceries.  But I didn't realize guitars had gone up so much.  I have to admit it made me sad to see Larrivees selling for so much: not because I don't want the Larrivee family to prosper (I do), but because a D-03 has always, in my mind, represented the best value in the world for a really great guitar - something someone could get started on and keep playing for all of life, and then pass on to posterity.  And I've always been amazed that they could make a great guitar for so much less money than their competitors.  Alas, tempora mutantur et nos mutamur in illis. 

I have a 24 year old D-03 that I purchased new for ~$500, if I recall.  I also have a 1 year old Martin 00-28, also purchased new (for a whole lot more).  Two very different instruments that reflect different styles and philosophies.  I value both for what they are and the different tone from each.  I decided that the Larrivee 00 was not what I wanted for my latest instrument and where I am in my musical life.  Each company is unique and makes quality instruments that will bring enjoyment for a lifetime.  We spend our dollars on what talks to us.  For some, marketing and what their favorite musician endorses is part of the equation.  Each company has their "stable" of musicians.  Doesnt make one better than the other IMO.  I do value that both are made here in North America and I am willing to pay for that "luxury."  My Larrivee has been fantastic over the years and have purchased other Larrivee's over the years.  Each guitar needs to be considered for its intended purpose and to dismiss a specific brand is demonstrating ignorance that limits one's artistic possibilities. 

Quote from: joeman on November 04, 2022, 07:54:36 PM
Each guitar needs to be considered for its intended purpose and to dismiss a specific brand is demonstrating ignorance that limits one's artistic possibilities. 

Whoa. Heavy stuff.
Mike

Quote from: joeman on November 04, 2022, 07:54:36 PM
I have a 24 year old D-03 that I purchased new for ~$500, if I recall.  I also have a 1 year old Martin 00-28, also purchased new (for a whole lot more).  Two very different instruments that reflect different styles and philosophies.  I value both for what they are and the different tone from each.  I decided that the Larrivee 00 was not what I wanted for my latest instrument and where I am in my musical life.  Each company is unique and makes quality instruments that will bring enjoyment for a lifetime.  We spend our dollars on what talks to us.  For some, marketing and what their favorite musician endorses is part of the equation.  Each company has their "stable" of musicians.  Doesnt make one better than the other IMO.  I do value that both are made here in North America and I am willing to pay for that "luxury."  My Larrivee has been fantastic over the years and have purchased other Larrivee's over the years.  Each guitar needs to be considered for its intended purpose and to dismiss a specific brand is demonstrating ignorance that limits one's artistic possibilities. 

Hello.  I noticed that was your first post, so welcome to this wonderful forum. 

Yes, I remember well the days of the $500 Larrivee D-03!  I got mine in 2003 for $599 (mine was slightly used - bought and returned within a couple weeks by someone who did that a lot from what I was told).  I remember back in the mid/late 90s going into Guitar Center and seeing those plain-jane Larrivees on the wall for $499.  They all sounded as good or better than anything else on the wall, which always blew my mind, because even then the other big brands were sometimes triple the price even then.  Those were the days when Larrivee came on my radar.  Around this same time I started seeing ads in the magazines for Larrivee.  I remember the guys from Barenaked Ladies in some of them.  Good times, and a whole different world it seems. 

I've never owned a Martin but I like them.  I took the tour in Naz, Penn. a few years ago, and after the tour they had several models on stands available to play.  There was some kind of OM body that was really great - sounded as good as anything I've ever played.  I also remember a certain D-18 in a local shop a few years ago that was one of the best guitars I've ever laid hands on.  My own guitar, my Larrivee, isn't the best guitar out there, nor is it the best guitar I've ever played, but it's my guitar and that means everything to me. 

Well, my point is being ignored but in my experience very few Americans can correctly pronounce the name of these guitars. And that does not apply to any of the other popular brands. Favre!

Quote from: ducktrapper on November 06, 2022, 05:26:47 PM
Well, my point is being ignored but in my experience very few Americans can correctly pronounce the name of these guitars. And that does not apply to any of the other popular brands. Favre!

I agree that most Americans cannot pronounce the name, so there is a built-in intimidation factor there.  And l think I've said this in this thread, some (maybe many?) Americans, at least in the part of the country I'm from, still have a type of suspicion of foreign things.  As an example, my own father would never eat at an Italian restaurant.