Larrivee 0m03e

[pete1965]

Just purchased the 0m03e and was just wondering. The sound from this guitar seems a little muffled. Is this normal for this guitar? I believe it has Cleartone strings on it. I compared this guitar to the Taylor 214e which was a lot brighter sounding with a little more bass. Could it be the size difference between the two guitars? Will this guitar eventually sound different the more it is played?  Any comments would be greatly appreciated.

[jeremy3220]

Cleartones are the worst guitar strings ever made. Throw those in the garbage and put something else on, Martins, Daddario's, anything will be an improvement.

Check out this thread for a discussion on 'opening up' http://www.larriveeforum.com/smf/index.php?topic=22342.0

[kwakatak]

It's definitely the strings - at least in part. The OM-03 can actually be quite a loud (yet tonally balanced) guitar with a surprising amount of sustain.

It could also be the saddle too though. I had the same impression when I received my OM-03R and decided to follow the general wisdom and order a bone saddle to replace the TUSQ one. I'm glad I did because it cured that "stuffed full of socks" problem tone and added to the overall sustain and clarity of all 6 strings.

BTW - be sure to play it and don't hold back because in a few months the guitar will sound louder and fuller. BTW, many folks don't like to strum OM-03's too hard but with the right setup (high enough action and heavier strings) they can hold their own against a dread, only with stronger midrange punch.