Pictures of my new guitar. Case/fit pictures added 011206

[whiskeyjack]

But then, where else can you get an all solid wood, dovetail joint, ebony fretboard, ebony bridge, maple binding, solid rosewood b/s, sitka spruce top...etc etc.etc.  for under $1000?

From my standpoint that IS the conclusion of the matter as well.  The guitar won't have the exact duplicate of a Martin voice, which is what I really would like.  BUT, I'm willing to chance liking the Larrivee OM voice just by virtue of the better build.  By most accounts in my research, the Larri OM is between a Martin OM and a Tayor x12.  That's a pretty nice compromise that'll get less Taylor-like with age.  Did I mention that I don't much care for Taylors?. . . . except one. . . .which doesn't sound like a Taylor.

I have a satin rosewood parlor, a late one(2004 according to the ser. #) that's basically got the same specs as the 03R series with the maples binding...etc on layaway here in town.  It's got an LR Baggs ribbon transducer already installed.  Man, I cannot wait to get my backpay here at work so I can go pick up that beauty.   

Congratulations on that!!  It's really a privilege to have extra money to buy these things, eh?  I'm not familiar with the LR Baggs Transducer (Element?), but my initiation into L.R. Baggs products has been a wonderful experience.  As Artisan & Marty (The Podium) mentioned, it's all a matter of correct installation.

[Denis]

From my standpoint that IS the conclusion of the matter as well.  The guitar won't have the exact duplicate of a Martin voice, which is what I really would like.  BUT, I'm willing to chance liking the Larrivee OM voice just by virtue of the better build.  By most accounts in my research, the Larri OM is between a Martin OM and a Tayor x12.  That's a pretty nice compromise that'll get less Taylor-like with age.  Did I mention that I don't much care for Taylors?. . . . except one. . . .which doesn't sound like a Taylor.

While I agree with your assessment of the Larrivee sound in general, in a way they sound like neither Martins nor Taylors.  My OM-03R has changed dramatically since I got it a year ago.  It's mellowed considerably and the sustain has increased as well.  The overtones seem to keep it ringing.  I love tuning it to DADGAD and playing the harmonic across the 12 fret then putting my ear a bit closer.  It just seems like it will never stop ringing.  I swapped out the Tusq saddle for a Colosi bone one and took off the clear pickguard and replaced that with a Greven OM pickguard.  BTW, I bought mine having never played one.  I got it from one of the dealers that post here on the forum and got a great deal. 

I, like youself, don't care much for Taylors either.  I'm not bashing them but I find that they are priced high and have very little bottom end.  Martins I do like and have owned a couple.  Eventually, I'll own another one.  I just hope it's my uncle's '53 0-18.   

[whiskeyjack]

Good to know about the OM's openning up.  I'm following another thread here that's discussing the effect of bone (and other materials) on Larri guitars.  'Seems like the consensus is a hit or miss sort of thing.  I'll wait on any alterations.  But just in case. . . . ^_^. . .do you know of anyone who glossed a Larrivee?

Eventually, I'll own another one.  I just hope it's my uncle's '53 0-18.

Ya.  I'd like to own another Martin too but price is an issue

BTW, I bought mine having never played one.

Ya.  I know what that is too. . . .just this morning I bought Tarpman's OM-03R; it'll get here in about a week.  Gotta' nail my boots to the floor.

[whiskeyjack]

Do NOT buy an OM-03R twelve string without looking closely at the fit of the case.  They're gorgeous guitars but if the guitar looks like it fits too tight and the headstock is right up against the wall of the case, it's not your imagination.  The case is not built for this guitar.  Please following the link to a related thread.

http://www.larriveeforum.com/smf/index.php?topic=9691.0