Hello, Newbie Here (w/ Questions)

[hswrbrex]

Hello everyone,
Just wanted to introduce myself.  I've been over at the Taylor camp at acousticguitarforum.com for some time.  Ever since playing my friend's Taylor 614ce, I got  hooked on Taylors and the high(er) end guitar world.  I ended up buying a Taylor 614ce L3 but am in the final stages of selling, not b/c I don't love it, but that it's just too much of a guitar for me right now.  

Now I've been looking at guitars in the 400-700 range, and I've gotten a lot of suggestions about Larrivee guitars. So right now I think I've narrowed down to two choices, a Taylor 210 or a Larrivee D03, and maybe their x14 and L body counterparts, respectively.  I really like the idea of a simple satin finish, no bells and whistles, quality solid wood guitar with all the sound of many guitars in the higher price ranges.  I'd appreciate any input on either of these guitars, particularly the Larrivee.
Just a couple particular things I'm wondering also:
1.) Action right out of the box compared to Taylor
2.) Common issues/gripes with Larrivee's
3.) The D/L body size and KK pure western pick up size compatability(I already purchased the std. size, but there seems to be a discrepancy over whether the regular one fits.
4.) Guitar Adoptions-can/will they install a strap pin in the heel of the neck and drill a hole at the bottom for my KK pick up; not sure if they have a repair shop.

Thanks.

[shadco]

Hello everyone,
Just wanted to introduce myself.  I've been over at the Taylor camp at acousticguitarforum.com for some time.  Ever since playing my friend's Taylor 614ce, I got  hooked on Taylors and the high(er) end guitar world.  I ended up buying a Taylor 614ce L3 but am in the final stages of selling, not b/c I don't love it, but that it's just too much of a guitar for me right now.  

Now I've been looking at guitars in the 400-700 range, and I've gotten a lot of suggestions about Larrivee guitars. So right now I think I've narrowed down to two choices, a Taylor 210 or a Larrivee D03, and maybe their x14 and L body counterparts, respectively.  I really like the idea of a simple satin finish, no bells and whistles, quality solid wood guitar with all the sound of many guitars in the higher price ranges.  I'd appreciate any input on either of these guitars, particularly the Larrivee.
Just a couple particular things I'm wondering also:
1.) Action right out of the box compared to Taylor
2.) Common issues/gripes with Larrivee's
3.) The D/L body size and KK pure western pick up size compatability(I already purchased the std. size, but there seems to be a discrepancy over whether the regular one fits.
4.) Guitar Adoptions-can/will they install a strap pin in the heel of the neck and drill a hole at the bottom for my KK pick up; not sure if they have a repair shop.

Thanks.

Setup - My D 03R was great straight out of the G/A box.
Gripes - Probably not universal but I would have like a Tortis type pickgaurd others may prefer the clear
Pickup - cant' help here
Mods from G/A - don't know but would not be surprised if the answer was no. They have an approval period as do most good online dealers and if you weren't satisfied the guitar you returned would have limited appeal.

Hope this helps. I selected a D 03R over a Taylor 310/410 and Martin D-16RGT. I prefered the sound to the Talyor and the build and sound to the Martin.

[D4ve]

That maple bodied Taylor must be sweet tho?
Seems a shame to sell unless you have to.

[shadco]

Don't forget about Jason at Notable. No affiliation but they represent another option for sourcing.

[el guitana]

I took the action down a hair on My D-03R. Lot's use K & K's here. There are currently some people griping about fret ends, but that may be humidity issues.
Thge L's are very nice, but the D in Rosewood might be a great offset to your taylor - big low voice. Good Luck!

[jmhyer]

Generally speaking, I think the out-of-the-box action is better with Taylor...then again, people have different preferences for action.

If you can try the guitar and purchase it locally, there shouldn't be any issues of set up.  The shop should be able to set the action the way you like it.  They should also be able to handle the strap button and end pin install for a very nominal fee.  If you have to order by mail, then you can still have someone local to do the action setup and the install on the strap button and end-pin...the charge should still be nominal.

As for the regular sized K&K, many on this site have had no trouble; however, the official K&K recommendation is to put the mini into your Larrivee.

[drathbun]

Before buying my first real solid wood acoustic (I don't talk about the 1977 Hummingbird), I A/B'd Larrivee x03 and Taylor 31x guitars. The salesman (good knowledgable guy) kept rotating different models of each brand in and out of my hands. I found the playability of the Taylors better than the Larrivee but the sound of the Larrivee (all body styles) was markedly superior to the Taylors. I figured I could get the Larrivee to the same playability as the Taylor. Plus I think a dovetail sounds better than a bolt-on (IMHO).

[hswrbrex]

Thanks for the responses everyone.  Yep D4ve, the 614 is a gem in many ways, just take a look.  http://photobucket.com/albums/v248/hswrbre...nt=b4886bbf.jpg
I just feel it's the right thing to let it go.  I kinda like the idea of having a good sounding and playing guitar that I can play the heck out of and not guard with my life.  Also my playing level doesn't justify the need for a guitar of that caliber.  Money is also an issue right now.

[dbirchett]

You should also check with unclrob at Andy's Guitars. Unclrob is a frequent poster and will treat you very well.  

[jmhyer]

:o    WOW!!  That 614 is one of the most beautiful guitars I've ever seen!  :o  :o  

[bing4sons]

That 614ce is beautiful!

Between a 210 and a D-03, I'd be all over the Larrivee.  I'm partial to the x14 or L size my self.  An L-03 would be an excellent choice.  Maybe an L-03R.

[Mikeymac]

Nice looking guitar, but on a guitar that price, I would have a hard time accepting the way the headstock joint is done (photo #6)....it just looks tacky for one thing, even if it is strong.

[hswrbrex]

Nice looking guitar, but on a guitar that price, I would have a hard time accepting the way the headstock joint is done (photo #6)....it just looks tacky for one thing, even if it is strong.

Hmm, didnt really stand out to me, but come to think of it, I do agree that its not the most appealing aspect of the guitar