Om-03r

[Denis]

I am a very satisfied OM-03R owner.  I got mine from Dave at GA back in January, about 6 weeks ago.  It has since had some 0000 steel wool treatment to the back sides and top.  It has also had a coat, just one so far, of Meguiars' polish (step #2) applied to it.  I play it 80-90% of the time now.  I still love the OM-15 but want to really break in the OM-03R.  
The sound is getting deeper and darker all the time.  The sustain is phenomenal, it just rings.  
I don't think there is another all solid wood, dovetail joint, rosewood b/s, spruce top OM out there that can be compared to the OM-03R when it comes to what you get for the price.
Now, one thing I've noticed is that it seems to be a popular choice.  I think I might have read 10-15 posts on this forum from members buying the same guitar.
How many satisfied OM-03R owners, past and present, are there out there?  Just curious.

[peacefrog]

Love mine.  It's a quantum leap from the Seagull S6 I was playing before.

[davidsowk]

I too purchased an OMV 03Re this year and play it every day.  I happened to be in the guitar shop when they were opening a delivery of three OMV 03 guitars and I was able to try all three and pick the one I wanted.  I was back at the shop the next day and the other two were sold.  

[Fingertwister]

Happy OM 03R owner here - I prefer the OM bodysize as the best (for me) match of compact size to decent tone: the last OM I had was a '91 Martin, which had OK bass, but nothing like the midrange/top end clout of the Larrivee.The Larry also wins out with faster neck, beefier frets, & that ring to the sound - a steal at the price!

[mcozma]

Another proud owner here. I've had the OM-03R for almost a year now - it's getting better everyday.
One thing I haven't been able to settle down on so far (nothing to do with Larrivee) is the strings. I've tried Elixir, Dean Markley, Gibson and John Pearse, all 11, and none have made me happy. What are you using to get the most out of your OM. Thanks.

[Denis]

I too am still trying to find the "right" string for the OM-03R.  I've never liked anything from the Dean Markley stable and Elixirs, well, I break stings often doing a lot of alternate tunings so I am not paying big $ for strings.  Never liked the feel of them anyways.  D'Addarios and Martins, they are consistent and if there's nothing else, I'll get those.  I tired lots of different ones on the Martin OM-15 and always liked John Pearse on it.  I used to play, and just bought some to try on the OM-03R, Ernie Ball PB strings.  They used to be call Studio Phosphor Bronze, now they call them Super Slinkys(11-15-22w-30-42-52).  They are a bit lighter than lights but I liked the feel and will use them on the OM-15 if they don't do the job on the Larrivee.  I play fingerstyle and love a lighter feeling string.  I can't even imagine using mediums or heavies like unclrob but I don't light extra lights either.  It's a tone/feel balance that the Ernie Ball's have always been the closest to satisfying.  And...they're CHEAP!

The rosewood 03 Larrivees are by far the best deal out there.  I've noticed in unclrob's thread titled "?? What Wood Why" that many members seem to be mahogany fans.  Those who want to try rosewood would do well to try these 03 rosewood guitars, any of them.  I've actually tried all the different body shapes in the 03R line.  They are all worth every penny, something for everyone.

[Deej]

Another OM 03R devotee.  It may be overkill, but I particularly like to tune this baby in drop D.  The deep sustain seems to go on forever.  I got this one from Dave and when I restrung it later, I replaced with the same type Elixer strings he had used because they seemed to work well and lasted a long time.  I really hate trying something new, and then hoping they wear out quick to get them back off!  

Also, I love having my Koa 09 out at the same time to get a little (actually a lot) of contrast when I'm playing.  Some pieces just seem to need the darkness of the Rosewood, and some the brightness (I call it chirpiness) of the Koa. Let's see--I got that one from Rob.  So, I guess that mahogany 05 I want needs to come from Jason, right?

[bigfurrywhale]

Yup, I bought a OM03RE in october and am really loving it. I've been fiddling around with the strings and really like the set I have on there right now (D'addario phosphor bronze 11's) I'd encourage you all to give those a spin because they really work nicely with mine. :D

[Denis]

really like the set I have on there right now (D'addario phosphor bronze 11's)

Are those the EJ26?  Custom light?

I have always, when I put on D'addarios, used the good ol' EJ16, light gauge.  

I remember hearing, more than once, that there are really only 4-5 comapnies that actually make the strings.  All other brands are made through contracts with these 4-5 companies.  Reason being that one of those machines that coils the the wrap around the core cost huge $ making it more cost effective to contract it out.  Anyone else heard this before?

[charliep]

Love my little OM-03R more every day. I use D'Addario EJ 16's on it and like the sound a lot.

[jwsamuel]

Well, I just ordered an OM-03R. Can't wait for it to get here.

Jim

[Fingertwister]

Strings; Newtone Masterclass 11 - 52, 2nd choice D'addarios..