Larrivee OM vs L vs LS models

[jazzereh]

My experience in playing Larrivee guitars is limited so I'm wondering if those who have played these could offer a comment or two. 

I like body sizes that are smaller than a dread, thus the three noted.  How do these shapes/sizes compare with regards to sound and actual body size 'feel' when you are playing?  I know wood will make a difference but, in general.  I like my OM and FVI but have thought about the L and LS but since there are few in this area to go and play, do these sizes make a big enough difference to what I have that I should be looking to play them?

Thanks

[gtrplayer]

  I've owned at least 10 or 12 Larrivees through the years and the OM and LS models are excellent examples of the Larrivee sound.   Acquiring an L would not give you that much difference to what you already have depending upon your application.  Having said that it's always nice to try out different wood combinations which "flavor" the sound somewhat.  

 My Larrivee journey consisted of;  00-50 (2), 000-50, OM-50, LV10QM, LV10R (2), LV45th, C03TE, 00-50, LSV Forum III, and the ones that I still have are the last four.  (Larrivees were also slightly less expensive a few years back.)   I keep the 00-50 as it's a nice "couch" guitar.   The LV45th anniversary because it sounds fantastic.   The C03TE 12fret and the Forum III LSV are my favorites as they're 12 fret cutaways, one rosewood and one mahogany, ergonomically friendly and great sounding for what I do, which is fingerpick only.

[Strings4Him]

I believe the forum six is an LS model


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[jazzereh]

Yes, I realized the FVI is an LS so I guess I'm really asking about the L model and how it differs in size and sound.  And, If that is enough to be looking for an L model? 

With the FVI being a 12 fret and my OM being 14, I like to have guitars that are different from each other rather than double up.  That includes woods.  gtrplayer gives a nice summary, thanks

[JOYCEfromNS]

do these sizes make a big enough difference to what I have that I should be looking to play them?

To get to the best answer - could you share what you would be using them for? And without knowing that, my answer almost always would be - everyone who owns a Larrivee should own an L. Its their signature guitar if there is such a thing.

An L IMO is closer to a D than anything else - just more comfortable to play, a larger sound than an OM and pretty close to a D. So if you have a use for a standard D in your repertoire - a good chance an L could fill that void

[jazzereh]

I mostly play finger style but also do some tunes with a pick, lightly, no hard or vigorous strumming.  I don't need the volume that dreads would provide and don't play gigs [on guitar]. 

So, since I've never picked up an L, and reading that it is somewhat smaller than a dread, I don't really know how it would feel.  Is the lower bout smaller?  Is the depth smaller? 

I'm guessing, then, that I likely don't need an L given that I've got the two that I have.  I guess that my only 'need' would be those sizes but with other wood combinations?

[gtrplayer]

I mostly play finger style but also do some tunes with a pick, lightly, no hard or vigorous strumming.  I don't need the volume that dreads would provide and don't play gigs [on guitar].  

So, since I've never picked up an L, and reading that it is somewhat smaller than a dread, I don't really know how it would feel.  Is the lower bout smaller?  Is the depth smaller?  

I'm guessing, then, that I likely don't need an L given that I've got the two that I have.  I guess that my only 'need' would be those sizes but with other wood combinations?

The L would feel bigger than an LS and IMO would not give you that much more considering "I mostly play finger style" preferences.  

With respect to "sizes but with other wood combinations" that depends on personal desires and discretionary income and for that matter there are many options from different guitar mfrs. as well.

GAS is a terrible affliction and I've had it big time.   It's also a poor substitute for another type of GAS, Guitar Application Studies, something I had to come to terms with as you're never really cured.

Good luck with your journey.





 

[Capefear]

I've owned both, an om09 made in Canada and a 2005 Oxnard CA L09.  My experience has been they are both very nice guitars, but I prefer my L09 . Comfortable to play but with a very assertive bottom end when needed. Balanced, True Tone, etc. a little shy on the resonance and sustain, but that is it's design, and as an 80% finger style player, I really like the articulate presentation. Not too much bling, no muddy bottom end like many dreads, perfect tone, and very articulate.   

Lots of folks call the L's  a dreadnaught, but it is not. More of a GA in my opinion, good strummer, plenty of bass and treble, balanced, built like a battleship.  Nice guitar.

As usual, YMMV.

[B0WIE]

If you're just talking abut body size and not tone, only you can answer that question as it depends on your proportions (belly size, arm length, injuries, etc). I'm tall and dislike the feel of an OM. However, most would call smaller guitars more comfortable. Then, neck set (12fret vs 14) is just as big a factor. No one is going to be able to tell you what the most comfortable guitar is for you.

The only thing I can add is don't forget the 000, which is definitely my favorite among mid sized guitars.

[teh]

My first two Larrivees were a 2004 Flamed Maple Parlor and a 2005 Custom 12 String, LV -03 with a mahogany top, Venetian cutaway, bone nut and saddle. IMHO, the L and Parlor are Larrivee's best body shapes. The L body that Jean Larrivee developed is every bit as iconic as the dreadnought design that Martin  designed over a century ago, which is part of the reason I have one of each.

In 2007, I added a Martin OM35 to match my dread and earlier this year, I ordered a Forum VI (LSV03) to compliment my LV03. I am excited to see and hear how the moon spruce and walnut will be. The only major body shapes missing from my lineup are a 00,0000 and a jumbo.

You will probably find it difficult to locate an LSV because it is unique and rare. Good luck with your search.

[Riverbend]

It's always interesting to discuss these entirely subjective guitar size/wood topics. Ear of the beholder. My 2 cents, which surely won't help but merely serves to tell my preference, is that my first Larrivee was an LV-03RE-IAS, and was largely based on the multitude of L praise. Wonderful guitar, and it was eventually gifted to a son (who loves it) shortly after I purchased an OM-40M. Keeping the OM was a decision based on comfort, personal sonic preference, and playing styles. My latest Larrivee is the Forum VI, and it is my personal absolute favorite guitar. The 12 fret long scale surely contributes to that delight I feel every time I pick it up. I've gotten progressively smaller in body but don't feel I've given anything away in sound.   

[teh]

Riverbend makes a good point that mirrors mine.

My first good guitar was my D35. I bought a Martin Backpacker* and the Larrivee Parlor before I ordered my L bodied 12 string in late 2005. I opted for the L over a dread or Jumbo body because it was more comfortable. My 12 string was also my first custom and first purchased without seeing and playing first and it only took 12 weeks from start until it was in my hand.

*don't laugh, the Backpacker in Nashville Tuning is fun to play.

Since 2006, every guitar I have ordered has been smaller including my OM and my 000 12 fret custom which took 5 months from order date to being in my hands. I also bought a soprano and a Baritone Ukulele and a used Alvarez Artist dread from my nephew for $200. I jumped on the Forum VI train in June 2021 which is an LSV 12 fret. My FVI was finished and paid for on Valentine's Day but it hasn't shipped yet. I made a couple of concessions when I weighed in on and threw my hat in the ring on this guitar. I wanted a short scale, 12 fret with slotted headstock and a mahogany top. As it turns out the LVI with its current specs will compliment my 12 string.

Since I still have the worksheet from the Martin Custom Shop for an all mahogany 00 12 fret, short scale with slotted headstock with most of the same specs as my 000,  I'll decide what to do once I spend time with my FVI.

[StringPicker6]

The Larrivee website has a great model comparison tool where you can see size dimensions side by side. It's fun to use also!

[headsup]

one of each.
always the easiest way.

just understand basic air movement.
the bigger the box, the bigger the sound.

more importantly is how the guitar feels and fits your body, hands and playing style, but you already know this...

then there's the tone wood aspect...
oh and don't even ask about what kind of strings.....

[Pilgrim]

I own an OM-05, L-03, and a few dreads.  I feel the L sits comfortably in the middle, having considerably more bottom than the OM-05.  I like my OM-05 very much, but the L-03 is definitely a significant step toward the dread sound.