LV-09 question-new member

[jmorr02]

Hello all!

I'm a brand new forum member (been lurking for a couple of months though and I've already found this to be a great resource). I'm not new to Larrivee though. I had a gorgeous LS-19 rosewood I bought in a liquidation of new-old stock in 1997, sold it in a major cash crunch in 2001 and have been crying in my beer over it ever since. I'm ready to jump back in now, though, and I've found a used LV-09 for sale, serial #325xx (any guesses how old?). The dealer has it marked L-09, but it has a Venetian cutaway. They're asking $899, recently marked down after sitting for a while.

I'm thinking this is a good deal, but I sure could use some reassurance. Looks to be in great shape, mint even. Only one concern: I can see the slightest of separations between the heel cap and the body (hope I'm describing this right). Is this something that will need a repair to keep it from getting worse, and if so, what might that repair cost (I'm in the NJ/NYC area)?

I appreciate any help you can give me. I hope to be a Larrivee owner again soon!

Thanks,
J.A.

[Randy_R]

Thats a good price for an LV-09. The serial is about a year 2000 (ask Larrivee customer service to be exact). I'm not a luthier but don't consider the fit of the heal cap to be a major item, I'd check to see if the neck has been reset or replaced. If the neck is solid and angle is good, I'd be tempted to jump on it.

Welcome back to the world of Larrivees...

[Calvin]

If there is a ever so slight separation at the heel caps it's okay, happens with many larrivees.  Assuming there is nothing ELSE wrong, it's a great deal.

[jmorr02]

Thanks Randy and Calvin for the input. I'm going to go take another look tonight, and if I can get a good enough trade in on some keyboard equipment, I think I'll be bringing it home. Pics to follow!

Thanks again,
J.A.

[Mikeymac]

I have a lefty LV-09 which was made around 2002/3, and it has that same issue with the piece of ivory binding on the heel; in the middle, it doesn't make contact  with the guitar body.  I've had the guitar for over two years, and I can say with confidence that it hasn't affected the wonderful tone and playability one bit...


^_^ :rolleyes: :WNK>

[mazareth]

Grrrr! Now I'll have to check out my Larrys for the heelcap "feature!  :TON>

[jmorr02]

Thanks Mikeymac (and sorry Mark--didn't mean to create any anxiety there).

I did the deed. I am now the proud owner of (drumroll please....pause for effect...) an OMV-09! This was the only Larrivee the dealer had, and the sales guy introduced it as an L-09--and I hadn't been Larrivee shopping in so long that I didn't even pick up on the fact that it wasn't an L-body at all! I noticed last night when I was looking at it straight on. No matter to me, sounds just as lovely as I remembered my LS-19 sounding. I checked the rest of the neck fit--looked good and tight to me, with no evidence of having been switched or reset.

I'm off to try to get my calluses back. I'll try to take some pics this weekend.

Thanks for the support everyone! It's great to be back in the world of Larrivee.

J.A.

[Blue in VT]

Congrats man....sounds like a beauty...pics...we love pics...

Blue

[Randy_R]

Great.  :mellow:

[jmorr02]

As promised, here are some pics--sorry for the horrible lighting! She's sounding sweet and rich, and I'm now remembering how in love with the Larrivee ebony fretboard I always was. Only now I can see it better without all that LS-19 inlay ^_^ I'm even liking the cutaway, which wasn't on my list of guitar wants/needs.


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[jmorr02]

and the back

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[Blue in VT]

she sure looks sweet.....nice choice.... :GRN>

Blue

[jmorr02]

Oops, almost forgot--donuts and coffee for all! Cheers!

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[Randy_R]

Munch .... thanks  -_-