Buying Online

[jimmyd]

When you buy online just make sure you have pictures of the saddle height sent along with the string height measurements at the 12th fret. It could save some grief later on!

This is important on a Larrivee.  I like them a lot but you do need to look at the neck angle and the fret work carefully.   

[rakalm]

 
My saddle looks about the same as the picture with the penny beneath the high E string someone posted.  This is after my Luthier lowered the saddle, lightly filed the nut string slots and did a truss rod adjustment.  I guess if mine was one of the ones with the high bridges the problem would have been noted then.  It plays great after the setup.  Setup seems so subjective, I don't see how you can have someone do it the way you like it before you receive the guitar.  I think factory setups tend to be a little high for my taste.  Seems logical they would do it that way since it's much easier to lower the action.  My guitar played nicely after my Luthier adjusted just the truss rod but played superbly after the entire setup.  $45 dollars well spent.

What exactly is deal with the high bridges?  Can't the saddle be lowered enough to correct this?   

[GA-ME]

jimmyd, you are correct. Mine sounds incredible, but it certainly doesn't reflect well on Larrivee quality control for their higher-end instruments. A 000-60 is nearly at the top of the Larrivee food chain and you'd think it get proper attention before leaving the factory!

rakalm, mine is about like the one with the penny you are talking about. Mine plays very well also, at the moment, the problem is there is nothing left to do to set up later as the geometry of the guitar changes due to the stresses of the string tension. My nut is flawless, perfect height and saddle is as low as possible. Leaves just trus rod adjustments or shaving the bridge and neither is the proper way to fix an expensive, higher end factory box.  Right now all is well but the guitar isn't even a year and a half old. What is to be done down the road when the geometry isn't correct? Neck resets by qualified people DO NOT COME CHEAP! At least Larrive finishes the neck prior to attatchment which makes a reset less likely to be very noticible!

[ElJefe]

Jason @ Notable Guitars and Jim Holler @ Trinity Gutars---

I think I asked Jason to lay down the phone and play something badly on the 000-50 so I would know what I would sound like.

[Denis]

I've purchased 5 guitars from this forum and all have been excellent.   People here take great care of their guitars and all have been a pleasure to deal with.

Only problem is they all want money for their guitars..................

Really?  Money?  Who'd a thunk it???

[Toasted]

I've actually found a used D-03R for sale locally which I am going to go check out tonight, it's a 2002 or 2003.

Sounds like I should bring my ruler along to check frets for level, for string height at the 12th to be around 4/64's, for height off the body to be about 24/64's, and for 3-4/64's at the bridge?

Other than that, are there any weaknesses to check for?  Browsing the forums doesn't show me much as far as frequent problems with these boxes - which is one of the things I like about 'em. 

[LaminateBoy]

There are several online dealers that are very good. However, if I lived in Toronto I would not consider buying anywhere else but the 12th Fret. The little extra you may spend will be more than made up if you have a problem with the guitar.

[Larravette]

 Speaking of which,  did anyone else catch this posting.  I'm liking the look.  May have to nip in and try it out.

http://www.12fret.com/new/Larrivee_L-09_Lacewood_Custom_pg.html

[Hudman]

Jason from Notable Guitars is awesome to deal with. I purchased many guitars over the last 23 years. Jason is hands down , the best. The only thing better than his prices is his customer service.

I can not recommend him enough.

edman (Hudman @ HCAG)

[Toasted]

Well, I pulled the trigger, and am now the proud owner of a previously loved D-03R.  Nice shape, a couple of "love bumps" on it, but just nice otherwise.  I swapped on some new strings (Martin SP's), and pulled out the Tusq saddle...found a wooden shim glued to the bottom and removed it, and now the action is splendid.  I also ordered a Larrivee bone saddle from the website and will wait patiently for its arrival.

So I can happily say I'm a proud owner.. of a 

[tuffythepug]

Well, I pulled the trigger, and am now the proud owner of a previously loved D-03R.  Nice shape, a couple of "love bumps" on it, but just nice otherwise.  I swapped on some new strings (Martin SP's), and pulled out the Tusq saddle...found a wooden shim glued to the bottom and removed it, and now the action is splendid.  I also ordered a Larrivee bone saddle from the website and will wait patiently for its arrival.

So I can happily say I'm a proud owner.. of a 

Congratulations on choosing a great guitar to add to your collection.  You're going to love it I'm sure.

[RKV]

Hey, that's great

I know you will enjoy that guitar for years to come.

Welcome to the Larrivee family

Randy

[erikro]

I bought my guitar from SamAsh.com.  I called them on the phone to beat a price and they were great.  I was lucky enough to deal with a very knowledgeable person on the phone.  It was evident that he knew a lot about guitars and really loved Larrivee guitars on top of it.  Best of all I was able to get a brand new, never out of the box, P-09 for $975 shipped overnight, would have been $920 with normal shipping.  If it had been out of the box before I would have hesitated.  This was I can get it set up locally if I want.  Also the return policy is great if I wasn't happy.  It turned out great though because I love the guitar and it is perfect!!  OK maybe the strings are a tad higher than I would like but other than that it is great. 

Erik

[bjstrings]

Erikro:  Enjoy!  I got my new Larrivee Parlor today, too -- off of the FedEx truck.  I'm very impressed in terms of finish & craftsmanship as well as tone.  And with tone, it'll only get better!

[LouisBC82]

New member, I just bought my first Larrivee an OMV 10E  from Dave at Guitar adoptions.
The guitar came less than 72 hours after I ordered it.  The condition was perfect.  Dave responded to questions before and after the purchase expediantly and professionally.
The price was below most online dealers and essentially all retail locations by several hundred dollars.

Honestly, I had a lot of trepidation about buying a instrument of this caliber and price online.  This has been an amazing experience  and I would have no hesitation to purchase another Guitar from Dave at Guitar adoptions in the future.  Maybe that G & L  I have my eye on.  But the OMV 10E already is for this Christmas!

[RKV]

I bet that's a fine instrument. Congratulations

I just recently got an L-10 from Jason at Notable Guitars. It could actually be the best guitar I've ever owned. It plays everything I need it to play and sounds fantastic. Gorgeous looking guitar, to. I've said it before but this is probably my last guitar for a long time to come. I'm saving for a piano now. 2 of my Larrivees came from Notable Guitars and one came from my local shop.

Randy

[LATODENVER]

I received my first Larrivee (OM-03SP) just last week from Jason at Notable Guitars.  Everything went very smooth.  Great guy to work with and a very impressive guitar.  I am not expert, but the setup and action seem quite good.  The guitar certainly is much better than a beginner like me deserves.


       

[RKV]

I'm not surprised to hear that. Glad you got your guitar. Jason is very good at what he does.

Randy

[thistle]

If anyone is thinking about buying a new guitar, email Dave at Guitar Adoptions for his Larrivee sale price list. Unbelievable!