I just ordered a OOO40 MT. Does anyone else have one of these variants ? I struggled back and forth about soundboard woods but love the look of what Larrivee does with mahogany.
Never tried that combo, but I think you will love it. Larrivee 000-40 guitars are so comfortable and sound amazing. I think the hog top will give it an added warmth. Prepare to fall in love.
I also have been considering an all-hog instrument for some time. I still haven't resolved which bracing system to use, scalloped or non-scalloped. I've pretty much decided on the L model so maybe the decision has been made for me as the don't offer the L in the traditional line. Is there a reason you chose the scalloped bracing system? And also, the 12-fret configuration changes the attack on the instrument. Do you feel 12-fret bridge placement works better with a mahogany top?
Sounds like a winner. Let us know how you get on. I really love how Larrivee brings out the sparkly midrange overtones in mahogany rather than making it an old-timey or boxy sound as some do.
Plus, that look is just so calming and beautiful.
I had a 000 sunburst all mahogany several years ago.
But it pre-dated the -40 series.
000-50.
I should never have let that one get away.
Wonderful guitar.
I chose the Legacy series and the OOO 12 fret model for several reasons. One wanted something with a little power and mid range since I gave my prized J45 to my grandson, and I've been eyeing these for several years and was torn between a Martin OOO17 or this. Plus I just plain love the way it looks ! And yes I believe the bridge placement enhances the performance of the guitar. Years ago I had a LO3 all mahogany model and if memory serves me correctly, it was one of the best playing and sounding guitars I ever owned ! Should have hung onto that one !
Congratulations on a nice guitar.
You'll soon discover that Larrivee's selection and use of mahogany is really special. I have two all mahogany Larrivees that were both special orders including a 12 string LV-03 and a short scale 00-24. These guitars each added a new dimension to my playing along with a 12 fret 000 with a 24.9" scale, spruce top, mahogany back and sides from Martin's custom shop.
When you get your new guitar, try a set of light gauge Martin Retros on one of your string changes. I really like them on my mahogany 00. FWIW, I played a new Martin 000-17 for the first time a couple of weeks ago. While it was a nice guitar, I preferred my 00-24 which has over 18 months of playing time. The headstock inlay, pyramid bridge and tuners were added benefits.
Good luck.
I would post a picture since it looks so cool but the file is too large. I was kind of hoping for a short scale but without being able to play one I took the chance at standard 25.5.
As a matter of fact, I just bought a 000-40 today. Definitely didn't set out to do so, but I think it's one of the best Larrivee's I've ever played...and I don't say that lightly. It's "moon" spruce over EIR, and it's quite a guitar. I'll post a review with pics in the next few days. I have a lotta thoughts on it, from the lighter weight of the guitar (compared to previous 000-40s I've played) to the competition I put it up against prior to buying it.
But, in general, I'm a big fan of the 000-40, no matter the woods. I've enjoyed every variant I've yet played, though the "moon" spruce tops seem to work really well on this model. I've not played an all-mahogany 000-40, but it's pretty clear they build wonderful guitars with mahogany. I'm not sure you could go wrong with any wood on a 000-12 fret guitar, though I am highly biased towards 12-fret guitars of this size. I'll be eager to hear your thoughts on it!
Double post!
Quote from: superdave517 on May 02, 2026, 02:51:11 PMI would post a picture since it looks so cool but the file is too large. I was kind of hoping for a short scale but without being able to play one I took the chance at standard 25.5.
While it's definitely a preference, I think you chose correctly. IMO, that scale length is one key ingredient of the Larrivee sound.
I'm actually pretty stoked ! I'm hoping being all mahogany it will be super light.
Hope you can get some smaller file pics and post up
Congrats! I got a used 2015 000-40MT online from GC. I lucked out. It was as described in excellent condition and came with upgraded black button Waverly tuners, an oversized soundhole and Larrivee's deluxe arched case. It only required a minor setup. I adjusted the truss rod and brought down the saddle when I restrung it with D'Addario XS 12s. Since it was natural, it was a lot more inexpensive than the sunburst model. Being a 12 fret it has great volume and projection specially with the larger soundhole. It sounds great unplugged, very rich and balanced. I buffed out the satin finish to a semi gloss and the mahogany grain really becomes 3D. I changed out the rosewood bridepins with TUSQ ones and for me I like the brighter response. It came with an active Baggs Ibeam and I wired a Baggs passive M-1 soundhole pickup to the ring side in the endpin jack preamp and stereo out to my Fishman pocket blender when I plug in and when I tune in the EQ it has a very natural acoustic sound. A great guitar and I believe that you will really enjoy it. Cheers!
Quote from: John Lee Pettimore on May 02, 2026, 09:23:49 PMHope you can get some smaller file pics and post up
I will when it arrives.
Quote from: Koamon on May 02, 2026, 11:53:12 PMCongrats! I got a used 2015 000-40MT online from GC. I lucked out. It was as described in excellent condition and came with upgraded black button Waverly tuners, an oversized soundhole and Larrivee's deluxe arched case. It only required a minor setup. I adjusted the truss rod and brought down the saddle when I restrung it with D'Addario XS 12s. Since it was natural, it was a lot more inexpensive than the sunburst model. Being a 12 fret it has great volume and projection specially with the larger soundhole. It sounds great unplugged, very rich and balanced. I buffed out the satin finish to a semi gloss and the mahogany grain really becomes 3D. I changed out the rosewood bridepins with TUSQ ones and for me I like the brighter response. It came with an active Baggs Ibeam and I wired a Baggs passive M-1 soundhole pickup to the ring side in the endpin jack preamp and stereo out to my Fishman pocket blender when I plug in and when I tune in the EQ it has a very natural acoustic sound. A great guitar and I believe that you will really enjoy it. Cheers!
the enlarged sound hole option is an interesting thought ? Since I'm ordering it I could request that ? Do you have any pictures ?
Quote from: superdave517 on May 03, 2026, 06:51:23 AMthe enlarged sound hole option is an interesting thought ? Since I'm ordering it I could request that ? Do you have any pictures ?
I'm curious about that enlarged SH as well. Usually those are found on the -50 and -60 models, though Larrivee is known for throwing curve balls at certain models from time to time. Is it a custom build, Koamon?
Just as Koamon says, the larger SH promotes projection (mids/treble). I'm a fan of projection, but it can come at the expense of bass response. Not always. It's a balancing act to get everything "right".
Sorry, with the new protocols I can't post pics. If you pm your email or phone number I can send some to you.
Super Dave,
You should find the 12 fret with a 25.5" scale to be comfortable; my LV-03 (Forum VI) has the longer scale too and have no problem switching back and forth. One other suggestion to consider. When Larrivee runs a sale at their Pro Shop, pick up a set of ebony or tortoise bridge pins with an abalone dot. They run a sale several times each year and the pins really add a nice touch to the top. I've got a set of each on my 00 (ebony) and LV (tortoise).
Hi, Super Dave. Thanks for the answer as to why you are getting a 000. The enlarged sound hole is something you can add on. I think it is supposed to let more sound out. I was watching a video by J.P Cormier last year and he contends it does just the opposite since you are reducing the sound on the soundboard. I've got it on my SD-40R special run. It's a loud guitar, but so are my others. I always use standard scale. I haven't seen a demo where a short scale sounded better than standard. There are lots of them with Martin D-18 vs Gibson J-45. Martin always takes it for me in power and sustains. My dealer bought a Martin 000-17 (short scale) He told me it was meh, and he sent it back.
The enlarged soundhole changed the 'Q', or resonant frequency of the instrument. You'll mostly hear it in the way it lifts the bass resonance slightly (I'm no physics engineer so I'll include a pic below).
One thing I don't see talked about, but I have definitely noticed, is that the larger soundhole creates a more enveloping tone that feels as if it surrounds the player. A standard soundhole has deeper bass and projects more. The sound may be darker from the player position but if you are in a small room it can feel powerful as it bounces of the walls in your room. I also think it plays a part in why people often feel like a sound port makes the sound "surround" them. It's not just the port but the changing of the Q that happens unless the soundhole is made smaller.
(https://image3.slideserve.com/7066563/helmholtz-resonator-music-from-a-bottle-l.jpg)
Quote from: William2 on May 03, 2026, 01:52:24 PMHi, Super Dave. Thanks for the answer as to why you are getting a 000. The enlarged sound hole is something you can add on. I think it is supposed to let more sound out. I was watching a video by J.P Cormier last year and he contends it does just the opposite since you are reducing the sound on the soundboard. I've got it on my SD-40R special run. It's a loud guitar, but so are my others. I always use standard scale. I haven't seen a demo where a short scale sounded better than standard. There are lots of them with Martin D-18 vs Gibson J-45. Martin always takes it for me in power and sustains. My dealer bought a Martin 000-17 (short scale) He told me it was meh, and he sent it back.
interesting thought about the enlarged Soundhole reducing the vibration on the sound board surface ?
Quote from: superdave517 on May 03, 2026, 04:10:27 PMinteresting thought about the enlarged Soundhole reducing the vibration on the sound board surface ? Your right they do offer it on their OOO50,& 60's, but I believe their bracing pattern is different from the 40's series ? To be continued !
FWIW, the sound hole lies past the brace at the end of the main vibrational area. I don't see the size having much influence on top vibration. Otherwise, everyone would just move it to the side. Having played McPhersons and others with non standard sound holes, there wasn't any notable difference in vibration. That really happens behind the bridge.
Quote from: B0WIE on May 03, 2026, 05:28:15 PMFWIW, the sound hole lies past the brace at the end of the main vibrational area. I don't see the size having much influence on top vibration. Otherwise, everyone would just move it to the side. Having played McPhersons and others with non standard sound holes, there wasn't any notable difference in vibration. That really happens behind the bridge.
so what's the right answer then ? Tony Rice thought it helped ?
The bracing pattern on the 50 and 60 series is the same as on the 40 series. I really wish they had good demos of Larrivee all mahogany guitars.
Quote from: superdave517 on May 03, 2026, 05:40:34 PMso what's the right answer then ? Tony Rice thought it helped ?
As Richard Hoover told it, Tony's guitar had been altered some time ago (possibly a bad repair) and when they went to replicate it for him, they realized that it was part of what gave it the sound Tony liked. I don't think there's a right or wrong preference, but I do know that it affects how the guitar works as a resonator and is unlikely having much audible difference on surface vibration in the way that was described earlier.
Quote from: B0WIE on May 03, 2026, 07:24:18 PMAs Richard Hoover told it, Tony's guitar had been altered some time ago (possibly a bad repair) and when they went to replicate it for him, they realized that it was part of what gave it the sound Tony liked. I don't think there's a right or wrong preference, but I do know that it affects how the guitar works as a resonator and is unlikely having much audible difference on surface vibration in the way that was described earlier.
I'm not sure if there's a right or wrong answer ?
Regarding the larger soundhole on my 000-40mt, when I ordered it I didn't know nor did anyone at GC describe it as having a larger soundhole. In fact I didn't even realize it until I stereo-wired my M-1 to the internal preamp. I was able to easily get my hand inside and do the job, that's when I measured it. I do notice that it projects better and doesn't compress as easily when played hard. And aesthetically, the larger soundhole looks more proportional to the elongated 12 fret body than the standard one. When I originally checked the Larrivee Website it a $75 up charge, but I can't locate the option now. Acoustically, I was once told that the placement of the bridge on a 12 fret guitar places the soundhole in a more optimal point for the body to project which is why 12 fret guitar has that big sound. I think that it does project even more with the larger soundhole. Personally, I prefer it and would choose it over a regular one, but ymmv.
Quote from: Koamon on May 03, 2026, 09:34:24 PMRegarding the larger soundhole on my 000-40mt, when I ordered it I didn't know nor did anyone at GC describe it as having a larger soundhole. In fact I didn't even realize it until I stereo-wired my M-1 to the internal preamp. I was able to easily get my hand inside and do the job, that's when I measured it. I do notice that it projects better and doesn't compress as easily when played hard. And aesthetically, the larger soundhole looks more proportional to the elongated 12 fret body than the standard one. When I originally checked the Larrivee Website it a $75 up charge, but I can't locate the option now. Acoustically, I was once told that the placement of the bridge on a 12 fret guitar places the soundhole in a more optimal point for the body to project which is why 12 fret guitar has that big sound. I think that it does project even more with the larger soundhole. Personally, I prefer it and would choose it over a regular one, but ymmv.
I didn't know about this option as well. I just happened across it in my search for Larrivee OOO40MT guitars out there. Since mine isn't even built yet I have no clue on sound differences but I do agree that the enlarged sound hole at least on the OOO looks more appropriate at least to me and obviously you. Thanks to everyone for your input on this subject.
Quote from: Koamon on May 03, 2026, 09:34:24 PMRegarding the larger soundhole on my 000-40mt, when I ordered it I didn't know nor did anyone at GC describe it as having a larger soundhole. In fact I didn't even realize it until I stereo-wired my M-1 to the internal preamp. I was able to easily get my hand inside I sent you an pmand do the job, that's when I measured it. I do notice that it projects better and doesn't compress as easily when played hard. And aesthetically, the larger soundhole looks more proportional to the elongated 12 fret body than the standard one. When I originally checked the Larrivee Website it a $75 up charge, but I can't locate the option now. Acoustically, I was once told that the placement of the bridge on a 12 fret guitar places the soundhole in a more optimal point for the body to project which is why 12 fret guitar has that big sound. I think that it does project even more with the larger soundhole. Personally, I prefer it and would choose it over a regular one, but ymmv.i sent you a pm.
Quote from: superdave517 on May 03, 2026, 08:38:07 PMI'm not sure if there's a right or wrong answer ?
There's not. As with everything else about a guitar, it depends on what you want. And it depends on the individual guitar.
Quote from: superdave517 on May 03, 2026, 04:10:27 PMinteresting thought about the enlarged Soundhole reducing the vibration on the sound board surface ?
The main function of an enlarged SH, as Bowie points out above, is to
raise the main top (soundboard) resonant frequency a little. This is scientifically proven to happen, not my opinion. That rise in frequency results, theoretically, in more pronounced mids and trebles and a slight drop in bass output. I think larger guitars, which already have enough bass bias built into their large size, benefit the most from enlarged SHs (but only if you're looking for a relatively balanced guitar). Smaller guitars usually have a smaller SH to help
drop the main top resonant frequency and increase the bass (because they typically already have plenty of mids and treble).
That's the idea behind SH size. But there are definitely guitars out there that break the rules, because all things are never equal in the acoustic guitar world!
Quote from: BlueBowman on May 04, 2026, 06:41:53 AMThere's not. As with everything else about a guitar, it depends on what you want. And it depends on the individual guitar.
The main function of an enlarged SH, as Bowie points out above, is to raise the main top (soundboard) resonant frequency a little. This is scientifically proven to happen, not my opinion. That rise in frequency results, theoretically, in more pronounced mids and trebles and a slight drop in bass output. I think larger guitars, which already have enough bass bias built into their large size, benefit the most from enlarged SHs (but only if you're looking for a relatively balanced guitar). Smaller guitars usually have a smaller SH to help drop the main top resonant frequency and increase the bass (because they typically already have plenty of mids and treble).
That's the idea behind SH size. But there are definitely guitars out there that break the rules, because all things are never equal in the acoustic guitar world!
This, it seems to me, to be the ideal point in time to revisit the origin of the enlarged sound hole.
Let's discuss Clarence White, Tony Rice and CFM #58957; shall we?
I'll submit a few excerpts below, but here's a link to the Fretboard Journal's April 2016 story (https://www.fretboardjournal.com/features/58957-tony-rice-and-his-holy-grail-martin-d-28/).
The White brothers took the unstrung guitar home, hoping their father could bring it back to life, but the minute he cast an eye on the ratty-looking D-28, the elder White declared it a hopeless cause. Some anonymous whittler had carved the poor thing's soundhole away to the centermost rosette rings, leaving an opening almost 4 5/8" in diameter. Its original fingerboard was missing entirely, temporarily replaced with an ebony board that was held to the neck with tape. The pickguard was peeling away from the top, and it took the boys only a short time to coax it the rest of the way off.
The next day, Roland and Clarence brought their Martin to luthier Milt Owen, who would eventually gain fame as Hollywood's "guru of guitar repair" for his work at Barney Kessel's shop. Owen's prognosis was more encouraging than that of the boys' father. Nothing could be done about the soundhole, of course, but he rooted through his parts bin and came up with a fingerboard that fit well enough: a white, plastic-bound Gretsch blank with 22 frets, the spacing of which was based on a scale almost the same as that of a Martin dreadnought. The boys were dismayed to hear that the repair would cost as much as they'd paid for the guitar itself, but they'd come too far to turn back.
The most nerve-wracking job of all came fairly recently, when Smith had to replace one of the original top braces. "There was a brace that had been cut almost in two," he says, "at the very front of the soundhole, right under the fingerboard there. Long ago, someone put a pickup there or something, and the brace had caved in. And Tony said, 'I've looked at this for 25 years and always griped about it....'
Last Known Location: The guitar was located at Tony Rice's home in Reidsville, NC.
Quote from: BlueBowman on May 04, 2026, 06:41:53 AMThere's not. As with everything else about a guitar, it depends on what you want. And it depends on the individual guitar.
The main function of an enlarged SH, as Bowie points out above, is to raise the main top (soundboard) resonant frequency a little. This is scientifically proven to happen, not my opinion. That rise in frequency results, theoretically, in more pronounced mids and trebles and a slight drop in bass output. I think larger guitars, which already have enough bass bias built into their large size, benefit the most from enlarged SHs (but only if you're looking for a relatively balanced guitar). Smaller guitars usually have a smaller SH to help drop the main top resonant frequency and increase the bass (because they typically already have plenty of mids and treble).
That's the idea behind SH size. But there are definitely guitars out there that break the rules, because all things are never equal in the acoustic guitar world!
Edited to say it's the main
air resonance, not the main top resonance. Sorry about that.
To the point of this discussion, I guess it's a matter of preference for the owner. As far as I'm concerned, I play more for myself than for others so the sound of my 000-40mt as it come out over my right ear is more satisfying to me than projecting the bass out to no one whose not listening. The larger sound hole optically looks more in proportion to the elongated body and getting your hand in there to change the battery is no problemo.
I agree that the enlarged sound hole does balance out the look especially on the OOO but will have to think about this a little more as far as sound ?
Jury's in. I'm keeping the standard Sound hole and expecting it to sound pretty much like most other all mahogany Larrivee's. I'm hearing comprised so I won't truly know. I once had an all mahogany LO3 and it was one of the best sounding guitars I ever owned !
Quote from: superdave517 on May 07, 2026, 04:23:39 PMJury's in. I'm keeping the standard Sound hole and expecting it to sound pretty much like most other all mahogany Larrivee's. I'm hearing comprised so I won't truly know. I once had an all mahogany LO3 and it was one of the best sounding guitars I ever owned !
Well, that's good to hear. I just ordered my L-03mh yesterday. My dealer said to figure around 8 months to get it. I'm not changing the sound hole either.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bC8Wx0TC7w
You're going to really enjoy your LO3MH ! I hope my OOO40MT sounds as good ! 8 months sounds about right ?
Well I did complete course correction and decided to go with a spruce top ! Much more versatile than all mahogany in my opinion plus JR Larivee had one ready to go now ! It's a great songwriting tool ! I would love to post pictures but can't seem to be able to figure it out ?
When you go to post, there's a drag n' drop message right below the part that you type in.
Congrats!! The spruce top must sound wonderful.
It's amazing ! Just got done putting a set of Earthwood light gauge strings on it and it plays and sounds great !
Congratulations! I am also rethinking my order since I have 8 months to wait. I'm thinking an Adi top. You just can't beat spruce.
Congratulations superdave517 on your new 000-40! Did it come with a Baggs Anthem that was included in your original order?
Quote from: superdave517 on June 24, 2026, 03:19:20 PMIt's amazing ! Just got done putting a set of Earthwood light gauge strings on it and it plays and sounds great !
Congrats! I'm sure the mahogany would've delivered, but I think you made the right call going with spruce. Hard to go wrong with it on a 000-40. I've been mostly playing mine lately. Great guitar :thumb
Quote from: William2 on June 24, 2026, 05:52:40 PMCongratulations! I am also rethinking my order since I have 8 months to wait. I'm thinking an Adi top. You just can't beat spruce.
Is Adi a custom option? I don't believe I've ever seen a Larrivee with an Adi top before. Played a lot of them: cedar, mahogany, various euro spruces, koa, but never Adi.
Quote from: BlueBowman on June 27, 2026, 09:25:31 AMCongrats! I'm sure the mahogany would've delivered, but I think you made the right call going with spruce. Hard to go wrong with it on a 000-40. I've been mostly playing mine lately. Great guitar :thumb
Is Adi a custom option? I don't believe I've ever seen a Larrivee with an Adi top before. Played a lot of them: cedar, mahogany, various euro spruces, koa, but never Adi.
Larrivee only makes the 24 series with an Adi top. I don't think I want a short scale with an Adi top. So, while I've bashed Eastman with their limited offerings for lefty players, and their resale value, I am considering one. Spruce / rosewood is my all-time favorite combo. I have 3 now. Maybe one with an Adi top. My dealer has a new lefty E-20 that he says has incredible sustain. He said he wants to keep it for himself and sell his Martin LOL. Maybe I can change his mind. I've heard the instrument. While I want an all hogg instrument, I wonder if it will be a much played guitar.
FWIW, any time I bought a guitar for the wood and not the maker, I've ended up disappointed in the long run and sold the guitar. That's especially true when it's variations on a wood as I find they aren't nearly as important as the builder and woods vary a lot. YMMV, but it's the biggest acoustic buying mistake I've made.
I've posted this before, but when Larrivee introduced the 24 series in early 2024, I loved the specs and the body styles available but I wanted a Mahogany top instead of Adirondack Spruce. I've read that Adirondack usually takes a while to open up. I don't know if that's true or not but generally, I prefer Sitka over other forms of spruce so I'll bet your 000-40 sounds great. Best of luck for many years of playing.
I ordered my 00-24 with a Mahogany top, back and sides, added a factory installed Anthem SL pickup and ordered an archtop case. I recently saw a custom 000-24 for sale on another website with a mahogany top and an archtop case but it had Schaller open gear tuners that looked really nice. Mine has the Tulip tuners which I also like but I may change them out. I ordered my 00 in May 2024 and took delivery in early October 2024 and it is one of my nicest guitars. This was my third Larrivee ordered sight unseen and I played it for the first time when i opened the box. I played an all Mahogany Martin 000-17 with a gloss finish that was really nice but not nice enough to unseat my 00-24. At the same shop, I played a Furch Grand Auditorium with an Englemann Spruce Top, EIR back and sides, open pore (Satin) finish and a Venetian cutaway that came home with me.
Quote from: B0WIE on June 27, 2026, 02:10:36 PMFWIW, any time I bought a guitar for the wood and not the maker, I've ended up disappointed in the long run and sold the guitar. That's especially true when it's variations on a wood as I find they aren't nearly as important as the builder and woods vary a lot. YMMV, but it's the biggest acoustic buying mistake I've made.
Great advice Mr. BOWIE. I'm sticking with my Larrivee order. But I might need and L-03R in the future. I will say it was hard to decide between a D-03mh and the L-03mh. Of the martin hog instruments I've owned, the D-15 Street master was my favorite.
Of course, the 24 series! Can't believe I blanked on that. Thanks, William.
Bowie is quite right. Wood varies a lot, and many species overlap with each other in those variables -- density, stiffness, damping -- important to guitar building. But the way our brains inherently work (pattern seeking), we aim to put everything into neat little boxes. I'm as guilty as anyone, and not just with guitars. Learning that there very few, if any, absolutes in life can either drive a person mad...or set them free :winkin:
Quote from: BlueBowman on June 28, 2026, 04:23:08 PMOf course, the 24 series! Can't believe I blanked on that. Thanks, William.
Bowie is quite right. Wood varies a lot, and many species overlap with each other in those variables -- density, stiffness, damping -- important to guitar building. But the way our brains inherently work (pattern seeking), we aim to put everything into neat little boxes. I'm as guilty as anyone, and not just with guitars. Learning that there very few, if any, absolutes in life can either drive a person mad...or set them free :winkin:
This was really hammered home for me with SCGC guitars. I played four 00s all in different woods. Their all mahogany was brighter than most other makers spruce guitars. Their sitka sounds the way I thought adi was supposed to sound. It really made me rethink the role woods play. I now understand that woods contribute certain overtones and can affect response to a degree but the tonal balance and overall character is really shaped by the maker and how the maker thins and braces the woods. As much as I love to talk about guitar woods, the woods are mostly relevant when you're comparing similar guitars from the same maker. A different maker will get their own sound.
I'm still smitten with my new OOO40, Sitka top guitar. After putting the Ernie Ball Earthwood 11's on it I have to say it's one of the easiest playing guitars I've ever owned ! Looking forward to watching the top age ! And yes it came with the LR BAGGS Anthem pickup.
Quote from: B0WIE on June 28, 2026, 11:46:39 PMThis was really hammered home for me with SCGC guitars. I played four 00s all in different woods. Their all mahogany was brighter than most other makers spruce guitars. Their sitka sounds the way I thought adi was supposed to sound. It really made me rethink the role woods play. I now understand that woods contribute certain overtones and can affect response to a degree but the tonal balance and overall character is really shaped by the maker and how the maker thins and braces the woods. As much as I love to talk about guitar woods, the woods are mostly relevant when you're comparing similar guitars from the same maker. A different maker will get their own sound.
This is the stuff I find most interesting. We all have our own mental framework for what's going on, and that framework is shaped by the specific guitars we've had hands on followed by endless rumination (if you're anything like me!). I initially thought, like most uneducated players, it's all about the woods. "Mahogany does this; rosewood that." I then, after a little education, fell into "it's ALL the builder."
Currently, here's where I land: I agree with you that certain woods create more overtones, but I also think it's the woods themselves responsible for the
character of the guitar's tone, and it's the builder who can control the EQ (more bass, less bass, etc) and the responsiveness (how light or heavy the top and back are).
I've arrived at this thinking by modding my cheaper guitars. Many over-braced. I've shaved braces on the top and back, shaved bridges, replaced bridges with different wood (rosewood or ebony), added weight to bridge, and even added a cross brace behind the bridge plate on one guitar (trying to raise the main tops resonant frequency).* Anyway, with each of these changes, the tone stays
relatively the same. It's the responsiveness and EQ that do the changing. The tone doesn't seem to change, but how much you get in volume/sustain and in what balance/EQ does.
In my mind, picking out those woods for the guitar, a real luxury the luthiers and small shops have, is insanely important for the type of tonal character the guitar will have.
I don't know how accurate my thinking is, but that's the way it seems to me currently. I'm sure I'll learn something else one day that will alter my thinking. But in the meantime, I do love discussing the topic!
* I hope this doesn't make me sound like a mad man. I don't haphazardly start taking off wood. I put a lot of thought into what I'm trying to achieve and I go VERY slowly, removing small amounts of wood at a time and then play the guitar for awhile before proceeding. Using Audacity has helped me in finding a road map for the resonances. I also use deflection and bridge rotation measurements to make sure I'm not putting the guitar in danger. Books on lutherie have been a big help. I even got a membership to the GAL! All that to say, I'm not a butcher :smile:
Quote from: superdave517 on June 29, 2026, 07:05:36 AMI'm still smitten with my new OOO40, Sitka top guitar. After putting the Ernie Ball Earthwood 11's on it I have to say it's one of the easiest playing guitars I've ever owned ! Looking forward to watching the top age ! And yes it came with the LR BAGGS Anthem pickup.
Sweet, Dave! Hope you get many years of enjoyment out of it.
I was watching this Alamo Music video comparing two dreadnoughts. The only difference was the tone wood used. In my mind Taylor makes cookie cutter instruments. I was amazed at how different EIR compared to Honduran Rosewood.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIg9ZP8UYMk
Quote from: superdave517 on June 29, 2026, 07:05:36 AMI'm still smitten with my new OOO40, Sitka top guitar. After putting the Ernie Ball Earthwood 11's on it I have to say it's one of the easiest playing guitars I've ever owned ! Looking forward to watching the top age ! And yes it came with the LR BAGGS Anthem pickup.
Well, I'm still smitten with
my 2024 000-40, Sitka top guitar, too! I put Ernie Ball Earthwood BELL BRONZE 11's on it. Not only is it easy to play, the Bell Bronze strings seem to bring out the best of it. I added the LR BAGGS Lyric pickup. I love the shorter reach of the 12-fretter, too. I have 10 guitars, this Sitka over mahogany 000-40 is quickly evolving to becoming my go-to and go-with-me guitar. Three cheers for the Larrivée 000-40!!!
Quote from: 615.Bill on July 13, 2026, 01:41:43 AMThree cheers for the Larrivée 000-40!!!
Hip, hip, hooray! I love mine, too!
With climbing relative humidity lately, I was expecting mine to get a little muffled, but to my happy surprise that has not happened. :nice guitar:
I've had my new OOO40 long enough to say it was definitely the best choice and I'm not regretting passing on the mahogany top. It handles light to medium strumming. You can even hear it vibrate against your chest, and after changing to 11/52 earthwood Ernie Ball lights it's a fingerpicking delight. I was torn between this an a OO but being tall and long arms I'm glad I went just a bit bigger, but the 12 frets to the body is a real game changer !
Hey Superdave!You chose wisely. For me the 000 12 fret sounds bigger and doesn't compress as easily as a 00 body, which makes it more versatile. {I can say this as I owned a 00V-03) Additionally, the Sitka top has a wider upper frequency over the mahogany top 000 for overall style of play so you chose wisely on that end as well. That being said, I got the 000-40MT for something different from the Sitka top Larrivees that I already own. It was great touching base with you about your 000 journey!
Quote from: Koamon on July 18, 2026, 11:47:54 PMHey Superdave!You chose wisely. For me the 000 12 fret sounds bigger and doesn't compress as easily as a 00 body, which makes it more versatile. {I can say this as I owned a 00V-03) Additionally, the Sitka top has a wider upper frequency over the mahogany top 000 for overall style of play so you chose wisely on that end as well. That being said, I got the 000-40MT for something different from the Sitka top Larrivees that I already own. It was great touching base with you about your 000 journey!
Hey Koamon,
Is there a post anywhere with pics of your 000-40MT?
Thanks!
Unfortunately no. I lost the ability to post pics since the format change, but if you pm me your cell or email I'll send them to you along with pics of my Koas. I sent a pic to Superdave517 when he started this thread, perhaps he could post it. It has Waverly tuners with black buttons, an enlarged soundhole and I buffed and polished it to a semigloss finish to bring out the wonderful grain.
Hi Scott,
Thx for the pm. I emailed you pictures. Feel free to post them if you have the wherewithal.