Larrivee OM-03RE vs Larrivee OM-05E

[Fingerstyler]

Hi!,

I have one question. Which larrivee should i get? I prefer fingerstyle over strumming and like the bass to be present but not too overwhelming. Which guitar is best for fingerstyle with nice bass notes for recording?

Thank you!

[kwakatak]

I own an OM-03R to which I added a K&K Pure Western mini and much as it pains me I'd say go with the OM-05. I have a hard time finding the "sweet spot" when mic'ing it and while K&K sounds nice for playing with live I feel that it sounds "compressed" and somewhat "fat" on the bass side (which I admit can be remedied by adjusting the preamp) I don't really like the concept of recording with a pickup to get an acoustic sound.

That being said, I bought a Martin D-16GT (mahogany/sitka dreadnought) a couple of years back and found that it recorded better somehow. While there was clearly more bass and less mids, what came through in the recording was less "washed out" by overtones and clearly-articulated. I attribute that to the mahogany back & sides.

Also, bear in mind that satin finished guitars tend to make "swishy" noises if you shift them while playing which many have griped about. It's not so bad with a glossed top like on my D-16GT but on my OM-03R I have to really think ahead about getting comfortable and even choosing the right thing to wear to remedy that problem. I've been sorely tempted to gloss the guitar but it would void the warranty on the finish.

BTW, I love my OM-03R otherwise. It's comfortable and the tone is what I'd call "lush" even if the L's and D's have more bass.

[Tuba Mike]

Your question goes further than which one is better for fingerstyle.  They are both OM's and have the same nut width.  The 03R is rosewood back and sides and the 05 is mahogany.  They have very different sound qualities.  Which sound do you prefer or what kind of sound are you looking for?  If you are not familiar with the differences, go to the sound clips section here on the forum and check them out.  You can also go to Youtube and check out Guitars of Pikeville and look for their clip of the OM-50 vs. OM-60.  That one is a good example of mahogany vs. rosewood.

With all that being said, I would go with the OM-05 as I prefer the clarity of the mahogany for fingerstyle over the rosewood.

Good luck.

Tuba Mike

[JOYCEfromNS]

  Fingerstyler

Choices YOU must make:

Do I like Rosewood or Mahogany

Do I like Satin Finish or Gloss Finish

If the answers to these conflict with the models you presented, then you might be into a OM-03E or an OM-09E

Once again    also please give The Forum Rules a quick read ( only takes 2 or 3 minutes).

[fishstick]

Probably a personal preference, but I have an OM-03R and an OM-03MT.
As you might expect, the rosewood is much brighter to me than the all hog, and because of that, I prefer the all hog for the warmer tone with fingerstyle.

While I've not played any 5 series where I could compare to a 3 series, I am completely happy with the 3 series and can't imagine how a 5 would sound better, but again, I've not had the opportunity to play any 5.

Best of luck in your search.

Greg

[DJ in FL]

Fingerstyler

Choices YOU must make:

Do I like Rosewood or Mahogany

Do I like Satin Finish or Gloss Finish

If the answers to these conflict with the models you presented, then you might be into a OM-03E or an OM-09E

Once again    also please give The Forum Rules a quick read ( only takes 2 or 3 minutes).

Boy are our MODS SMART...as in above reply...you gotta make your choices between woods and finishes; then you gotta make the toughest choice of all...find the finalist choices and A/B them.  Which one sounds and feels best to you...and you have the answer right in your hands.

Don't forget the donuts to help celebrate!

[JohnnyDes]

I have an OM-09, which is really a great instrument and I'm determined to figure it out.  But I also have a 00-03 spruce/mahogany and I'm finding that guitar takes a lot less "work" for me to get the sounds I want. 

I'm not sure, but I have a feeling that the OM-05 would have been a better choice for me.  Although I love the sound of rosewood, I feel like mahogany is just easier.  I find myself relaxing more with the mahogany-backed guitar since I don't have to work so hard to get the right sound out of it.

I play a mix of fingerstyle and some strumming.

JD

[silvereagle48]

I've an OM-05 and several other nice custom built guitars.  I've been playing it and My H&D 12 fret slope dred almost exclusively lately.  The OM-05 is just plain good.

[Mr_LV19E]

I have an OM-09, which is really a great instrument and I'm determined to figure it out.  But I also have a 00-03 spruce/mahogany and I'm finding that guitar takes a lot less "work" for me to get the sounds I want. 

I'm not sure, but I have a feeling that the OM-05 would have been a better choice for me.  Although I love the sound of rosewood, I feel like mahogany is just easier.  I find myself relaxing more with the mahogany-backed guitar since I don't have to work so hard to get the right sound out of it.

I play a mix of fingerstyle and some strumming.

JD

You need to keep the OM-09 for when your ears feel like a change.  I prefer Mahogany overall but still like to play my LV-19, its just a nice change for awhile. Very different pallet.

[JohnnyDes]

You need to keep the OM-09 for when your ears feel like a change.  I prefer Mahogany overall but still like to play my LV-19, its just a nice change for awhile. Very different pallet.

Thanks Roger, appreciate that.  The OM-09 frustrates me, but I don't think I could part with it. Heck, I've been with my wife for 12 years now!

JD

[Mr_LV19E]

The OM-09 frustrates me, but I don't think I could part with it. Heck, I've been with my wife for 12 years now!

JD

Thats too funny.        Maybe a good setup would change things?

[AZLiberty]

I love my Rosewood OM, however the more fundamental tone of mahogany will generally record much better.