Larrivee Dealers Near Baltimore Or Dc?

[modena2904]

Hello, all. I'm new to this forum.

I'm shopping for a new guitar, something in the $1k to $2k range. The dealers in my area only seem to have Taylor or Martin. After reading a lot of info on the internet, I really want to try a Larrivee.

I live in Baltimore, but would be willing to drive a fair distance if I could find a dealer where I could try a Larrivee and compare it side-by-side with both Taylor and Martin.

Any recommendations?

Thanks.

- Bubba

[shadco]

There is a place in Alexandria VA that sometimes has a few. Acuostic Axis. Last time I visited they had one damaged Koa Parlor.

Otherwise you are pretty much out of luck.

[jimmyd]

Hi Bubba. You have a budget that allows you a lot of choices. I think you are doing the right thing by looking around. Much as I hate to recommend a big box store you should know that Sam Ash is a stocking dealer. They have a store in Richmond VA and might have a store in the DC/Baltimore area. I'd call the store you want to visit and check on what stock thay actually have in house before making a trip. There is also a stocking dealer in Lynchburg VA. Their prices are pretty high but they carry a lot of inventory. If you find a model you really like you can also opt to work with one of our forum member/dealers. They are good guys.
Jason-Notable guitars-guitar crazy  
Rob- Andys guitars- unclrob
Dave-Guitar Adoptions- Guitaradoptions
Jim- Trinity Guitars- ??

Good luck in your search. Please keep us posted on your findings.

[bri]

i haven't seen any sam ash stores that still carry them, at least in NJ.
i believe www.appalachianbluegrass.com in baltimore is a dealer and probably has used ones as well.

if you don't find any stock in the area you can check out my DV-03. I live in Montgomery Cty along DC beltway. I'll most likely be selling the DV-03 also but I don't mind either way if you would want to buy it. The newer ones have slightly different cosmetic appointments. Email me if interested bluestonexAThotmail.com

[shadco]

appalachian bluegrass isn't a dealer and hasn't been for a while. They don't have any.

[pigtown]

There is a place in Alexandria VA that sometimes has a few. Acuostic Axis.

Steve, the owner of Acoustic Axis, is a gentleman and a pleasure to deal with.  I heartily endorse him.  But if he has no Larrivees in stock, Dave at Guitar Adoptions, Jim at Trinity, and the other forum dealers here take good care of you.

[charlies3]

Let me put in aother plug for Acoustic Axis.   I have bought several guitars from Steve and he has always treated me great.  If you visit his shop beware, he has alot of other high-end guitars which may tempt you.

[C10E]

Unfortunately there are no current Larrivee dealers in Maryland - there used to be a couple incluing GC and Levins, but not anymore, unfortunately.  I think this is very strange since Maryland seems to have more guitar dealers per capita than most states.  Have you tried calling Fred's up in Lancaster?  It is not all that far of a drive from Baltimore, up I-83.  Last I heard they sold Larrivees, Taylors and Martins, but you should call them before going to be sure they have some of the models in which you are interested in stock.  

[sayheyjeff]

the larrivee website lists a few dealers in Pa that may be close enough to consider.  there are also a couple in Va that are probably within a couple of hours or so.  can't say I have the same experience with acoustic axis.  tried a larrivee for the 1st time in there and have been there window shopping a couple of times.  they have some beautiful guitars there and you can do some comparing.  worth doing if they have something you are interested in in stock.  prices appear to be fairly normal.  no gouging, but no "deals".  for my own experience there, I found myself far more comfortable buying a guitar over the phone from jason at notable guitars long distance than buying one here from the local dealer.  different folks have different experiences.  have no martin or taylor to compare, but if you are interested and can fight the traffic (see DC thread), you are welcome to come try my L05MT to get your larrivee feet wet.

jeff

[modena2904]

Thanks to everyone for the replies. Just to comment on a few things...

Appalachian Bluegrass is the closest store to my house. It's a great store and you can spend all the time you want there trying anything you want. But, as I indicated, no Larrivee...

I can try Acoustic Axis, since it's not that far away. It just seemed from their website like they weren't that serious about the Larrivee brand. (My exerience has been that lots of times a guitar store will advetise having a certain brand, but then you find out that they don't stock them.)

I also looked up Fred's website, and that looks pretty promising. My dad lives up that way, so I have more than one reason to make the drive.

Where's the "DC thread" that sayheyjeff mentioned?

Thanks.

- Bubba

[bri]

My bad, didn't realize Appalachian stopped being a dealer.
To make up for it, I'll also tell you I have a Martin D-15 [Musicians Friend] Limited spruce/rosewood and soon a Larrivee L03-Blackwood you can check out if you like.  :D  

[sayheyjeff]

the DC thread is "Know anything about Washington DC"?  Its in the non-guitar discussion section.  search on Washington DC and you will have it.  saw a vendor in the tidewater area listed on the larrivee site called alpha-music.  their site indicates they have about 10 larrivees in stock and that they carry martins.  not sure how up to date the site is or how far they are from baltimore.  could be a possibility for you.

jeff