New Larrivee purchase advice requested

[SteveM]

I'm new to the forum, here because I'm considering buying a Larrivee. 

I've had the same acoustic guitar since 1976 - an Ovation. I decided it's time to get a real acoustic guitar (had a Hummingbird I bought new in the late 60's, wouldn't that be nice if I still had it).

The guitar I've played that I like best is Larrivee, more than Martins and Taylors I've tried, although I haven't tried high-end ($1500+) models.  I'll be using the guitar most often for recording.

Sooo, although I like how the dreadnought sounds, I can see why it might not be optimal to record. I've read in many posts on other forums that the OM seems to be best for recording.

So I'm interested in a couple of things:
1) How's the L model for recording?
2) What's your recommendation to get OM or L for recording?
3) Has anyone tried recording the LR Baggs iMiX? Maybe it's because I'm accustomed to having to deal with an Ovation, but I like blending acoustic/electric DI with mic'd sound.
4) If you've listened to both the LR Baggs Element and iMiX, how much of a difference is there in sound quality?
5) Any other advice regarding Larrivee's?

I'm thinking about an OM-05E or L-05E.

Thanks for your input and advice!

-Steve

[Denis]

Welcome to the forum Steve. 

The L seems to be a favorite for many on the forum and with good reason.  It's versatility is the main reason.  Great for fingerstyle and strumming and flatpicking.  I personally like smaller guitars like the OM and my beloved parlor but sometimes I long for a bigger, louder and more low end sound.  The L-03R is extremely popular as is the the mahogany L-03.  That being said, Larrivee makes a really nice dread too and the OM's well, I've had two of them and for the price, they don't come any better.  Sorry but I have no information on the LR Baggs stuff you mentioned.  My only advice is try a few Larrivees if you can.  You will not be sorry.  No offence to you or your Ovation but a Larrivee, ANY Larrivee will sound warmer and richer than that roundback of yours. :WNK>

[Daysailer]

WELCOME to the forum, Steve.

You cant go wrong with either guitar.  Hopefully you can find a place to try them both.   You will know the right one when you play it.
Otherwise there are lots of posts here to research and feed your GAS pains.   Perhaps you will even be able to get some of the forum members to come out of their shells and offer you their carefully gurarded opinions.   :GRN>

Worst case, you can do what many of us do, (including yours truly):
Go nearly blind reading all the historical posts on this idea,
Listen to the sound clips comparing thr different sounds
Decide on which one you want to try most.
Keep an eye on the Buy/sell section of this forum,
Buy and Try..  ..... 
....   Then sell and try another if it doesnt work out.   
(some specialize in this method)    Others like me, love the one we got.    Including a New, to me, OM-03 BW that arrived today and is yet unopened while it acclimates to room temperture.    ^_^

Have fun.   The hunt can be a lot of fun too...

phill    :mellow:

[fitness1]

Buy and Try..  ..... 
....   Then sell and try another if it doesnt work out.   
(some specialize in this method)      The hunt can be a lot of fun too...

you wouldnt' be referring to me, would you?? ^_^ ^_^

[Daysailer]

 LOL  LOL   :GRN>

No one specifically,  Please take no offence.
I am also guilty.  Ie, parlor came and went.   
I've been otherwise blessed with an incredible L03 BW and am going crazy waiting for my Om to warm up, so I can try it. 

Try 'em if you got 'em..   

:mellow:

[Tycho]

FWIW, Steve, the Larrivee dreads seem to be a bit more balanced than (e.g.) Martins, so don't rule them out for recording -- unless you want a smaller-bodied guitar for any of the other good reasons you might prefer them.

I had good results recording with a D-03RE.  The engineer was dubious, but we compared it with a Martin and a Simon & Patrick Mahogany Pro and decided it was less "boomy" than either.

[dodge]

I have a D-05 and they really do not have the boominess of a traditional dreadnought, they are nicely balanced and record well. I like it as it is a versatile guitar great for all playing styles. The rosewood dreds obviously have more low end, but I suggest you try a D-05(D-03) Larrive does mahogany right, I think you will be pleasently surprised. :GRN>

[Hudman]

I have a Larrivee L-03. The main difference in the L-05 is mostly cosmetic (inlays, gloss finish, rosette, etc). The tone woods and design are the same. I love the L body. It works well for finger picking and flat picking. It can be mellow and quiet or agressive and loud depending on your attack. It produces a warm, balanced tone with plenty of bass (unlike most Taylors).

I would like to own a OM and a D body too. Larrivee's are addictive. Hands down, the best acoustic I ever owned.

Good luck!

[Larriveeplayer67]

Welcome to the forum Steve!

I guess the biggest question is what style do you play?If you are strictly a strummer I would have to recommend the Larrivee dred without elixirs and put mediums on her.If you play fingerstyle exclusively you would probably be better off with the OM series.And finally if you play a variety of styles i.e. strum,flatpick and fingerstyle gotta go with L-series.

As far as electronics go I stopped using electronics when I sold my electric gear can't help with that one.Good luck on your hunt!Let us know what you end up with,post pics and bring doughnuts :mellow:

[Ratishna]

I would add that you will want to tray as many Larrivee guitars as possible.  Try to find a couple of dealers within driving distance so you can spend time with lots of guitars.  I think it will help solidify your mind about the brand.

E. Shoaf

[Tycho]

Larrivee's are addictive.

Ain't that the truth!

[SteveM]

Thanks for the replies!

I went to Sam Ash and tried the OM-3, L-03, L-05, LV-09E (essentially what they had in stock), as well as a couple of Martins and Taylors for grins, just to make sure.

L-05E is my decision, I want the LR Baggs iMiX, asked them for a quote.  Couldn't get one that day for the "E", so will get back to me early this week.  I've also email'd a couple of the online retailers recommended on this forum. 

I'm not sure if it was due to strings, but I could hear/feel a difference between the L-03 and L-05.  The L-05 seemed more lively to me.  I like the L body, like some of you said, it's a nice balance between the Dread and the OM.  The OM didn't have quite enough bottom or projection for me.

I'm still open to advice, however.  Very much looking forward to being a new Larrivee owner.  The Ovation served me well for many years, but now I feel as if a fog is lifting in comparison.