What I have found so far in my search

[skinnybonedog]

Hi All,

Ok, in one day of searching for my first Larrivee. I have found a used OM-03R for $645 in great shape, A used OM-03 for $675 in great shape. A used OMV-03R for $800 also in great shape or a brand new OMV-03 (mahogany sides/back) for $xxx more....what do you all feel is the best buy? I am just not sure whether I should go "V" or not V....I am thinking I want to learn things that having the V would be a better way to go but...?

How important do you all feel the warrantee is? What does it cover really?

Thanks,
Tammy

[skinnybonedog]

And on the new one it is actually Sapele...I have seen some comments on here that some of you prefer the Sapele over regular mahogany....true?

[canoe65]

I think if you are leaning toward a 'cutaway' model (i.e., V), then your 'best value for money' choice seems to be the OMV-03R (i.e., rosewood back and sides) over the OMV-03 (i.e., mahogany or sapele, depending upon when made, back and sides).  This is assuming that the 'used' OMV-03R is in new or near-new shape, as is the 'brand new' OMV-03.

You seem to want the 'cutaway' version.  Now decide if you prefer the difference in look and tone between 'rosewood' and mahogany/sapele'.

One way or the other, the Larrivée OMV-03 is a great and very versatile guitar.  Good luck.   

[Dale_I]

IMHO - the V or cutaway becomes important when you are playing lead runs or need access to the higher registers. This is usually a matter of playing style or the music you are generating. I play a lot with a full band and sometimes even two other guitarists, so it is fairly important for me to have the option of voicing chords into higher registers to give a unique sound that fills, rather than duplicating the same chords someone else is playing. Plus, I just like the look of a cutaway. I know some guys think it is sacrilege to cut a full body, but I guess that is why there are more models than one to choose from. Everyone can be happy!!!

I would (and did) choose rosewood over mahagony. Again, this is a personal decision and is heavily dependant on style and music played. I just like the more full sound. Not to say other woods are not good, just my choice.

Good luck and pick the one ou like the best!!!

[bogie]

I would say that an OMV-03R is probably the most versatile guitar that a person could have. If you are a one-guitar girl (it sounds like you are-at least for now...) then it's a great choice for you now and forever.

[bluesman67]

I love rosewood OM's.  In an OM size, the cutaway takes away too much tone from the guitar...just my opinion and not a fact.  I could be totally wrong, but if a cutaway is a must, go with a larger sized dread or even L if you like the wider nut width of the L's and OM's.

[bjstrings]

Here's another view:  as a beginner, you don't need a cutaway -- you can always trade around for that if you need it later.  Also, altho I too love the sound of a good rosewood guitar, a mahogany/sapele model may give you more note-to-note clarity.  Also, rosewood is less foregiving of climate change.  When its humid outside, it'll tend (much more quickly than mahogany) to sound dull & lifeless, like its filled with old laundry. Thud, thud.

I have one rosewood dreadnaught, one mahogany 000, a mahogany parlor, and a "HPL" (saw dust & resin) Little Martin.  Moral: you've got to get off to a music store and try some different guitars.  Even if you aren't tryin guitars that you're actually going to buy, at least it'll give you an idea of what all those choices really mean.

Good luck!  Ain't it fun? 

[imwjl]

All good points here. I have OMV-03RE. The cutaway is not important most of the time, but really can be once you know chord shapes all over the neck and play with others and for leads.

At times the sound my sapele Larrivee had might be nice, but the rosewood darkness and chirp makes the guitar really hold its own with others and fresh strings.

The only argument I could make for not getting one of these would be to wait until you learn more and see where and how you'll play. An example of what I mean here is that to my surprise I've ended up a regular player in an area bluegrass association where my big loud dreadnought is the right animal. A learning or beater guitar always has it's value for travel and rough use so one of those will let you play as you build skills, but as an OMV-03RE owner I can't deny the versatility and quality.

Have fun and good luck learning.

[skinnybonedog]

Hi All,

I am soon to be the owner of a brand new OMV-03....I went for the new one because I was just not comfortable buying used at this point because all the used ones would have been sight unseen except for photos. The OMV-03R I had to wait to see if the seller would be selling it to a couple of friends and that would have been a few weeks wait and when the new OMV-03 popped up I was afraid if I waited it would be gone by the time I decided I wanted it.

A few of you made good points that as a newbie I probably don't need the cutaway but I don't plan on buying another guitar. I want this to be the one I can grow with as opposed to wishing I had gotten one with a cutaway. And from what I understand from reading on here, the OMV in the 03 series is not going to be made anymore. So that would put me at buying used or buying a higher end model to get the V....and I don't want to spend that much.

And while I LOVE the look of the rosewood....I played both in the store....the rosewood and the sapele....the rosewood sounded just like the description bjstrings made "sound dull & lifeless, like its filled with old laundry. Thud, thud." So I kept sitting down and staring at them from about 10 feet away and I kept going back and picking up the sapele version and felt it had more distinction in the notes as I played as compared to the rosewood. I wanted to prefer the sound of the rosewood because I much prefer how it looks....but...

Thanks to everyone who made comments and suggestions. I really appreciate it. I need to see how comfortable I am when I get the OMV-03 to remove the torti pickguard....I like the plain look.

Thanks again....I will hangin around learning what I can.
Tammy 

[bjstrings]

Congrats!! 

I don't think you can go wrong.  I have bought both new & used guitars, but a used guitar is higher risk if you can't play it first, just as you say.  I only buy those sight unseen if its from a dealer I trust a lot or if someone I know can go check it out in person.  For rosewood, I'd just as soon check it out myself.

Enjoy your new guitar and, as always, PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!

[bhika]

If it's a new old stock OMV-03, (no longer making the V in the 03 series) it might have been made before the switch to sapale and therfore be Mahogany.

Either way congrats on the new guitar, it sound like you bought with your ear not your eyes which is a good thing. 

[skinnybonedog]

Hi,

It truly is sapele....OMV-03 SP I believe....not sure how long they have not been making the OMV-03??

It was a tough choice as I tend to buy things because I like they way they look....I think that is a girl thing...but
in this case there truly was a difference in sound at that point in time for whatever reason and it swayed me to
the one that sounded better to me.

Tammy

[Mantula]

From a fellow OMV-03 player : many congratulations Tammy  
All I can say is that I enjoy every minute of playing it, the sound and tone balance are very exclusive.
I often play sitting down, and keeping the cutaway shape steady on my right leg was a bit tricky for a week or so.

[RKV]

Tammy,

Good choice

Hope you get a lifetime of pleasure out of that guitar.

I have an OMV-05 which I reallly love. I think it may have been among the last batch coming out of the factory before they discontinued this model

Randy

[Mr_LV19E]

but I don't plan on buying another guitar.

Where have I heard that before? 

Congratulations on your new guitar, you made a good choice and I'm sure you'll enjoy it for years to come.

In most cases the warranty is worth the extra cost if only for peace of mind.

Good luck to you,
Roger