edit:  NEW CASE ARRIVED TODAY January 26 and. . . . .the guitar fits perfectly.    -_- 


I informed customer service of the problem on January 10 and started this thread about the same day after being told there was no case for the OM-03R twelve string.  After several more calls and inquiries, a handfull of cases would be available around the 18th.  A new (longer) OM case was shipped on the 19th and arrived on the 26th.  Sixteen days from notification to resolution!!  That's pretty damn responsive customer service I'd say.  They've raised the bar bigtime from where I stand (applauding).

Here are some comparison pictures between the standard, shorter OM case and the new case Larrivee Guitars had made especially for this 12-string.

Old case fit:
(http://www.voguehost.com/ims/u/whiskeyjack/guitar%20photos/oldlarcasehead.JPG)
New case fit:
(http://www.voguehost.com/ims/u/whiskeyjack/guitar%20photos/larnewcasehead.JPG)
(http://www.voguehost.com/ims/u/whiskeyjack/guitar%20photos/larnewcaseclosed.JPG)
(http://www.voguehost.com/ims/u/whiskeyjack/guitar%20photos/larnewcasegit.JPG)
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EDIT:

I have been told that a new case will be on its way tomorrow January 19.

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A little while ago I posted a thread citing the loveliness of the OM-O3R twelve string.  I can't say enough good about the guitar.  But frankly, the case scares me.  I had misgivings about it when I first put the guitar in it at the Podium and I have misgivings about it now.  I called and emailed Larrivee's customer service to explain the situation.  The short answer is that Larrivee Guitars has created an OM 12-string with an ill-fiting case and either will not, or cannot do anything about it.  Here's the problem.

The inside length dimension of the case measures barely 42 inches inside shell surface to inside shell surface.  The upholstered padding at compresses just under  3/4" on the BOTTOM end of the body.  The guitar is 41 1/4" long.  The headstock is right up against the inside wood shell of the case.  The tight fit is putting stress on the full length of the guitar. Surgically removing the upholstered padding is not an option without ruining the case.   I won't travel with it under these circumstances.

I need some advice from forum members.  I'm starting to feel stupid for buying a new Larrivee guitar with such a poorly fitted case and I'm a little disappointed that I might have to shell out $400-$500 for a custom case for a new guitar. 

I'd get a better case for it. The -03 series cases are, of course, bottom of the line. This is another reason I upgraded to the -05 series - a much better case. I can understand the lower budget case for the -03's as it keeps the guitar at its incredibly reasonable price for a fabulous guitar.

I don't think its the quality of the case here in question, but the fit. I understand that due to the increased size of the 12 string head, the guitar doesn't fit the standard OM case. Irregardless of the price, a new guitar should come in a properly fitted case.

Bummer. I wish either the Podium or Larrivee would step up and help you resolve this. If you are stuck fixing it yourself then I can see a lot of time spent scouring music stores for a case that will work. Makes it hard to get all warm and fuzzy about your new guitar. I will ask around and see if any of the dealers/technicians I know have suggestions.

Bluejack,
I (as mentioned) also have a D03-12; when I purchased mine (used), it came in a TKL dred case that fits it really well (plenty of space for the larger head)--I am not sure if it is a "12 string case", or if there was originally a Larrivee case, but this would be an option for you--or the Podium to step up; I dont recall, was this new or used? If new, I would then see if Larrivee could step in also.

I also have a D-03 12 string and a D-03 six string. Neither came with hardshell cases. I got the same TKL dred case for both. They both fit very nicely. The case has lots of headroom as naboz said. I paid $70 for a new one just about a month ago.

On the positive side, the case was free. ;)

I can't conceive of Larrivee or anyone else shipping a guitar in a case that doesn't fit. I would be all over Larrivee to do what ever it takes to rectify the problem.

Maybe the new -03 series cases will give you a little room to fit the increased size of the 12 string headstock.

Cases are surprisingly cheap.  Get a different case.   Bring the other one back to the dealer....etc.

Are you sure you didn't get a sixer case?  I have a 12, with the Larrivee archtop case, and there's a good 1 1/2 to 2 inches between the top of the guitar and the inner-edge of the case.  It's like putting a hand into a custom glove.

QuoteI don't think its the quality of the case here in question, but the fit. I understand that due to the increased size of the 12 string head, the guitar doesn't fit the standard OM case. Irregardless of the price, a new guitar should come in a properly fitted case

Yes. That IS the issue.  And I too feel it should've come with a properly fitted case.  And, now that I think about it alittle more, the case/fit issue may be the reason that the guitar didn't sell sooner.  I don't know about that for sure. . . .just a thought.

QuoteBummer. I wish either the Podium or Larrivee would step up and help you resolve this. If you are stuck fixing it yourself then I can see a lot of time spent scouring music stores for a case that will work. Makes it hard to get all warm and fuzzy about your new guitar. I will ask around and see if any of the dealers/technicians I know have suggestions.

Thanks, Jimmy.  I would certainly appreciate that.

QuoteI can't conceive of Larrivee or anyone else shipping a guitar in a case that doesn't fit. I would be all over Larrivee to do what ever it takes to rectify the problem.

This OM-O3R twelve string and it's sister OM-03 mahogany twelve were a limited run of OM twelve strings.  My information is that they are no longer produced.  And, there is NO provision from Larrivee to mitigate the problem. . . .at all.  The information I have is that, "There were so few OM-03 twelve strings produced that it was too expensive to create a special case for them."  In effect, "We've created a special guitar without a special case and we don't care about customer complaints regarding a poorly fitted case."

I will try speaking with the friendly folks at the Podium about this but it's an after-the-sale issue, so I doubt seriously it'll do any good.  There wasn't much concern when I pointed out how tightly the guitar fit at buying time, and I do recall being specifically concerned about the headstock rubbing against the head of the case.   I guess I was so enamored with the guitar and IMix, it probably wouldn't have mattered anyway: about $400 too dumb.

QuoteCases are surprisingly cheap.  Get a different case.   Bring the other one back to the dealer....etc

I do respect your opinions around here, Pete. . . .but the custom cases I've seen are NOT cheap from the standpoint of MY pocket book.  Cedar Creek is about the cheapest custom case at just under $400.  The Podium is a five-six hour drive south of me, so the exchange idea is a poor one, etc.   Further, as far as I know OM cases are all built, more or less, to the same dimensions:  I'd most likly have the same headstock problem with other OM cases.

Thanks to all for posting your concerns (and humour. . .'it's free'?   :rolleyes:).  If anybody knows of a cheaper custom case than Cedar Creek, please let me know.

Thanks again.

They are other companies that make Om 12 strings, so I would be surprised if you couldn't find any case for it.I would think someone manufactures cases for OM 12strings, but I don't know who.

I just bought an OM03R-12 and the case is a bit tight, a little bit too tight for transport purposes. Since I'm not a big fan of flat top cases I will probably buy an archtop for it later. I wouldn't really fault the dealer it is the manufacturers choice of hard shell cases and it's too bad they let this slide by.
A case design flaw won't change my opinion of Larrivee guitars but I will check case size during my next purchase.

QuoteI wouldn't really fault the dealer, it is the manufacturers choice of hard shell cases and it's too bad they let this slide by.   A case design flaw won't change my opinion of Larrivee guitars but I will check case size during my next purchase.

I'm with ya on that.  I don't see where The Podium would've had a choice in the matter.  This is a Larrivee Guitar customer service matter that Larrivee & company has chosen to sweep under the rug.  And it doesn't appear they'll do anything about it.  I find that disappointing from a builder of such fine instruments.

QuoteI just bought an OM03R-12 and the case is a bit tight, a little bit too tight for transport purposes

I knew I couldn't have been the only one who felt this way toward the OM-O3R twelve case.  Thank you for speaking up and agreeing that the case isn't safe for transporting the guitar.

Whiskey ...

If  I was in this situation, I'd tell Larrivee that I will find a case that fits the damn guitar and send them the bill for it. If they don't like it, then I would take the guitar back. To me, no guitar is worth taking that kinda crap from the company about, IMHO.

I believe that should be an offer BEFORE you buy the guitar and case, and not AFTER.

Thanks, CF.  But I'm pretty sure that wouldn't work.  It'd put The Podium in a bad spot and I don't wanna' do that.  They've been very accommodating over the years.

Walkerman:
You are absolutely right.  But Larrivee didn't have a case built for this specific guitar.  They put it in an OM six string case.    If I wanted the guitar, I had to buy the ill-fitting case with it.  Like I said earlier; $400 too stupid on my part.  I really should not have bought this guitar because of the poorly fitted case.

Thanks to all who posted.  I'm happy with the OM-O3R twelve and I'll probably keep it.  But I'm thinking about selling my recently acquired OM-03R six-string to buy a case for it.

My resolution to the whole issue is this:

Because Larrivee Guitars has chosen to ignore this issue and will not resolve a legitimate, serious problem with a new case, (after the purchase or not), I've decided not to buy or even consider buying anymore of their guitars.   They build some lovely instruments, but if their customer service can't stand behind a quality/fit issue with a case, I have no confidence in them to resolve warranty issues with their guitars.  'Different side of the same coin in my opinion.

I'm sure one customer's absence won't bother 'em.

Thanks again.

I wonder if the cases they use for OM 9s are bigger than the OM3s. If so maybe the Podium might consider selling you one at cost. You can probably sell the hard case here to make up some of the difference. We need a dealer with an OM03 and OM5, 9, or 10 to compare and let you know if there is more room for the headstock on the arch top case. I'm assuming that the body dimensions on your OM03 are identical to an OM 9 six? Just a thought.

Thanks Jimmy.  I'm new to the world of Larrivee but I would expect all Larrivee OM cases to have the same dimensions.  In fact, I just bought a used OM-03R six string from a forum member.  It has the identical case that the OM-03R Twelve String came in.  If the OM cases vary by the OM model of guitar, I'd be surprised.

Here is a picture of the problem:

(http://www.voguehost.com/ims/u/whiskeyjack/Larri%20om03r12/larricase.JPG)
(http://www.voguehost.com/ims/u/whiskeyjack/Larri%20om03r12/larricase2.JPG)

I used a folded sheet of paper between the headstock and the case to show the severity of pressure.

whiskeyjack,

I stumbled on this site this week, you may find something that fits. They offer a large selection of cases.

http://www.finecases.com/

Good luck.

P.S. I'm in no way affiliated to this company. I hope it's OK to post the link.

Per the posted pictures....LARRIVEE this is unacceptable!

Thanks, Didymus for voicing what I also think.

Thanks for the link, Gemnoc:  I also knew about that site.  Actually, here is the case I intend to buy for my OM-O3R Twelve String with or without Larrivee family customer service. . . .even if I have to sell an OM-O3 to do it!! It has a few bells and whistles (hygrometer, nickel latches, tweed, velvet interior) but it's for a guitar I intend to keep.  About $388 shipped.

http://www.finecases.com/shopping/viewcart.html?rand=33978552

Question:  are built-in case hygrometers accurate enough to justify the expense? or are they just an expensive option nobody really needs?

The OM series cases are flat top units and are not as nice as the arch top units that come with the 05 and up guitars. I don't know if those arch top units have more room for the headstock or not. If they do it would be a cheaper fix than the $399.00 case you are looking at. I'm probably off base here as I'd think Larrivee would have suggested this option if it would work. If you can find a dealer who handles TKL cases and give them the measurements of your OM03-12 that also may be an option. Those usually run less than $150.00. I hate seeing you have to lay out 4 bills for a case.  I have a hygrometer in my mandolin case. It's accurate  but it's not worth more than $20 bucks to me. That's what I can get a hygrometer for from a hardware store.

I have an OM-03R 12 string as well. I'll check my case to see if it is that tight of a fit. probably is....

You may want to contact Larrivee again. In fact the dealer that sold you this guitar SHOULD contact Larrivee for you.

I'll be very surprised if Larrivee doesn't resolve this to your satisfaction. I had an minor issue with a case once, and they not only sent me a brand-new case, but included a strap and a T-shirt as a bonus. And I didn't even make a big stink about it, I just sent pictures to the rep and he handled it. Granted, that was on an expensive 10-series, but I have confidence they will fix this problem too.

Quote from: -CM- on January 13, 2006, 01:03:43 PM
I'll be very surprised if Larrivee doesn't resolve this to your satisfaction. I had an minor issue with a case once, and they not only sent me a brand-new case, but included a strap and a T-shirt as a bonus. And I didn't even make a big stink about it, I just sent pictures to the rep and he handled it. Granted, that was on an expensive 10-series, but I have confidence they will fix this problem too.

How long ago was this?  Maybe they are starting to slide a little with the increase in demand...

QuoteI'll be very surprised if Larrivee doesn't resolve this to your satisfaction. I had an minor issue with a case once, and they not only sent me a brand-new case, but included a strap and a T-shirt as a bonus. And I didn't even make a big stink about it, I just sent pictures to the rep and he handled it. Granted, that was on an expensive 10-series, but I have confidence they will fix this problem too

It looks like you're right, CM.  The company appears to be moving to resolve the issue with a handful of new cases. 

The Larrivee case that comes with the 03 series is not very good. The only reason I don't toss it is because it says Larrivee on it. I bought an $70 aftermarket case for my daughter's beginner guitar that is twice the case the larrivee's is. But it doesn't say Larrivee. Oh, the pain.

I hope to read soon that Larrivee has resolved this by sending you a case that the guitar fits properly in. I still feel irregardless of the guitar's series, be it a lowly 01 or an ornate 10 series, if it is advertised as coming with a hardshell case, it should fit properly in that case.

irregardless

Is this a new word???

Sorry for the redundant affixes.... how about irrespective?

Irregardless is OK.  -_-

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/dict.asp?Word=irregardless

Well, for all intensive purposes,  ^_^  I knew what he meant.

The cases that come with the D-03's are very basic and the glue around edges of the liners seems to come loose after a while. Larrivee was very cool about switching out my first case for a new one. But, I often look at the TKL my Guild D-40 came in and think it's a better case all around. Maybe I will upgrade the Guild case to a dome deluxe and let the Larrivee live in the TKL Guild case.
I really don't know what Larrivee can do in a situation like yours. They probably didn't have any other case options with their main supplier.
Good luck and thanks for the info. I was drooling over the OM-03r 12 myself.
Fred

Fred:

There's a resolution in progress on this issue.  I'll know more Wednesday, January 18.

Don't be afraid to take the plunge on a Larri OM twelve.  They're lovely guitars and might be more in demand after the case situation gets straightened out.