Guild GAD-30R vs. Larrivee L-09 (or L-05)

[rdx913]

Hey guys. Sorry I'm asking so many questions. (I recently just started the L vs. OM thread.)

So I keep vascillatin between wanting to buy the Larrivee L-09 (or L-05) and the Guild GAD-30R. Has anyone played both? What did you guys think? It seems as though the Larrivees fit, finish and overall craftsmanship are unprecendented, but the GAD beats the Larrivees in the tone department. I know all this is subjective, so i'm open to mere 'opinions.'

I really want to make up my mind. Thanks to anyone who helps.

[roknroll]

GAD beats the larrivee in the tone department?  Are you sure those larrys were set up good with new strings :huh: :huh:

[Ratishna]

Its all about tone and playability.  If the Guild speaks to you, then buy it.  But before you pull the trigger, consider that if/when you decide you want a change down the road your made-in-China Guild won't have a lot of resale value.

E. Shoaf

[jwieties]

I played a GAD30 that was unbelievable for the price.  It was simply an incredible sounding guitar and playing guitar.  It also had the antique burst which looked really nice.  I would have probably chosen that particular GAD30 over most 03 Larrivees.  However, these GADs have very poor consistency and have read of several warped necks and finish issues. 

If you were ordering one, you are almost guaranteed to get a fantastic Larrivee, but the dame can't be said about the Guild.  However, it sounds like you found a great one.  Simply a matter of buying the guitar that will most inspire you to play it.  9 times out of 10 I willing to bet it would be a Larrivee, but if you find a special GAD... go for it.

That being said the GAD 30 is an OM and very different from the L.  What other guitars do you have.  The other thing I look for in guitars is variety.

Good Luck
-josh

[Nephidoc]

I have a LV-03K and a Guild GAD 40C.  The tones are quite different
but I love the Guild for stumming and just booming out the sounds.

Look on Flea-Bay.  The Guild GAD resale value is realy quite good so far.
People know they are a great value and are paying to get them.
Who knows what it resale will be ten years down the road.  Guilds may
go for more than Larrivees.   

Vreede

Stan

[rdx913]

anyone know specifically about the gad-30r?

i know a bunch of people who've played the gad-30, which may not be such a good comparison because one is mahogany and one is rosewood. for those who've played both: how do they sound different?

[Pjmsj21]

As so often happens when guitar shopping it is difficult to find the couple of guitars that you have the most interest in, in the same goegraphic area, let alone the same room.

I am heading out today to play another GAD30 not the GAD30R but I will check to see if they have that model to play as well.  I have a L03R, which will be very similar to the L09 and I know that wonderful sound well.  While there will certainly be differences in sound eminating from the differences in brand, I think one would find differences in sound and volume from the differences in bodies as well.  The L's just have that big guitar sound, while still being pretty comfortable.  I think the L size and sound is the perfect guitar if you can only have one and you can take your pick as to wood preference, well at least back & sides as we all know how Jean feels about top woods . 

I really like the GAD's, so much so that I will most likely buy the GAD30 over the Larrivee OM03, partly because I am lookng for a sound outside of the signature Larrivee sound plus I like the string spacing of the GAD30 with 2&3/8 better for what will be primarliyt a fingerstyle guitar.  In addition I think the GAD's will hold their value pretty well....yes I know their country of origin but they really are a very good sounding guitar regardless of their cost and I think that this may help with retention of their value. I could never get comfortable with the Blueridges even though they have nice sound, the tight string spacing was an issue not to mention many are just flat out garish and I like my guitars with an understated look.   Right now the Guild's seem underpriced, hard to find and I see dealers moving prices up...but time will tell. 

So let me see if I can play a GAD30R and I'll let you know rdx913, but while I really like the GAD's, if I had to make a choice without playing them, I would choose the L09 or you might consider the L03R which will compare more favorably pricewise to the GAD30R.

Pat Mc