OM-Style vs. L-Style

[rdx913]

hey guys,

So I need a guitar that is very versatile: i fingerpick, flatpick and strum. I do not like the way good fingerpicking guitars seem to sound muddy and compressed when strummed. And I don't like the lack of string definition of some of the bluegrass 'strummer' guitars.

I was pretty set on a Larrivee L-style guitar (either L-09 or L-05), but I've read reviews (mainly harmony central) that seem to say that the consensus is that the OM styles sound better, not merely fingerpicked, but all around. Can anyone help me? What are the distinct tonal differences of each?

And how's the volume of both? I'd think that the L-styles would have more volume, because they have more physical volume, but some reviews would say otherwise....

please help!

[Randy_R]

I like the depth of sound one gets from an L sized guitar. Perhaps you have an ear that considers that muddiness? I suggest that you go to a store or friend that has each model, and have them play the guitars you're considering, for you to listen to.

Having just listened to them, I can highly recommend the sound clips at http://www.dreamguitars.com/preowned_instruments.htm

Usually people consider that mahogany doesn't color the sound as much as rosewood.

[ronmac]

Although nothing compares to actually playing the guitars yourself, here is a link to some sound clips of various Larrivee models:

http://www.larriveeforum.com/smf/index.php?topic=5947.0

Have a listen and it will give you some idea of the differences in different size/wood combinations.

[Ratishna]

You can also search the archives here.  The issue has been discussed multiple times so you should be able to find plenty of threads.

E. Shoaf

[sixpickn]

If you could only have one guitar, and want it to be all things for all styles, my vote is the L strung with mediums, preferably a blackwood :GRN>.  That is by far my most versatile and rewarding player.

[roknroll]

Well, logic says that the "L" Body would have more volume...I know my L-03 is louder than any larry OM I've tried, that's not to say that the OM isn't a sweet guitar, because it is.

[JasonA]

I've owned both, and personally I'm always drawn to the tone of the OMs. It's completely subjective though.

[Blue in VT]

Having just gone through this argument with myself...I'll say that I prefered the OM sound I found it to be more balanced.  Not that the L sounded bad at all...infact I liked the bassy-ness...but felt that some what overpowered the trebels...that said I'm a fingerpicker...If you strum alot then the L seems the way to go to me.

good hunting

Blue

[jeremy3220]

As far as Larrivee's go I prefer the L over the Om for most styles. The OM I like for blues and soft rythm. You really have to try them. If everyone liked one body style over the other, you still have a good chance of choosing the wrong one if you just go by reviews. For instance, alot of people may say the Om is more "balanced" and the L is too bassy, then you order your OM and wonder where the bass is.

[pg60]

i tried both, bought the OM.  for me it was all about comfort.  i play fingerstyle sitting down and that OM just feels perfect in my lap.  the L had more bass & volume but the OM just felt better.

after playing the OM for a while, i had some GAS and bought a masterbilt slope dred.  real nice guitar but my shoulder hurts if i play too long.

there is something to be said for comfort, physical relaxation while playing fingerstyle = better tone.

[kwakatak]

hey guys,

So I need a guitar that is very versatile: i fingerpick, flatpick and strum. I do not like the way good fingerpicking guitars seem to sound muddy and compressed when strummed. And I don't like the lack of string definition of some of the bluegrass 'strummer' guitars.

I was pretty set on a Larrivee L-style guitar (either L-09 or L-05), but I've read reviews (mainly harmony central) that seem to say that the consensus is that the OM styles sound better, not merely fingerpicked, but all around. Can anyone help me? What are the distinct tonal differences of each?

And how's the volume of both? I'd think that the L-styles would have more volume, because they have more physical volume, but some reviews would say otherwise....

please help!

I'd have to say that the L-05 would be better for your needs.

You should know that this comes from someone who's weighed the OM-03R vs. the L-03 and is leaning toward the OM. The reason for this is because I fingerpick more and already have a guitar I enjoy strumming on. The OM seems to lack the bass of the L but the rosewood tends to make up for it a bit IMO. OTOH, the L has plenty of bass and the rosewoods that I've tried have been slightly metallic and "muddy" whereas the mahogany's were warm and clear.

[Randy_R]

I'm starting to feel a JUMBO mood coming on.... 

[Denis]

I'm starting to feel a JUMBO mood coming on.... 

I feel it to but like ronmac, a jumbo in a 12 string...that would be sweet!!

[roknroll]

"So I need a guitar that is very versatile: i fingerpick, flatpick and strum."

Get an "L"...the OM won't be a great strummer or flapicker...not to say it won't get the job done, it just won't have the boom of an "L"

Oopps!! meant to say flatpicker...durr

[JasonA]

I can sort of understand your strummer comment roknroll (not that I agree with it), but won't be a great fingerpicker? That's just crazy talk!

[sayheyjeff]

I have to say a hog top L sounds like the one to me.  I just love the sound of mine and it is plenty comfortable.  Haven't drilled into to it to use a strap so I am only thinking of it as comfortable to play sitting down.  I play with a pick and think its just beautiful to listen to .  My teacher plays it sometimes and he mostly fingerpicks when he isn't teaching me.  To my ears, this guitar is good for a lot of different styles of music.  A lot of good alternatives here. 

jeff

[roknroll]

I meant to say flatpicker, Jason.  Whoops! The larry OMs are great fingerpickers!

[joxter]

I have been playing at a Bluegrass jam with my OM-03.  I was really pleased with the sound that comes through the mix of dreads, dobros, fiddles and mandolins. When I know the song I can pick louder and with confidence and my bass notes cut through. Maybe because they are little more bright?, don't know but it does sound good.  :mellow:

Richard

[ronmac]

I have been playing at a Bluegrass jam with my OM-03.  I was really pleased with the sound that comes through the mix of dreads, dobros, fiddles and mandolins. When I know the song I can pick louder and with confidence and my bass notes cut through. Maybe because they are little more bright?, don't know but it does sound good.  :mellow:

Richard

This is an often overlooked aspect of ensemble playing. You really don't want to sound like everyone else. Otherwise, what's the point?

I have only ever owned (for a very short period of time) 1 Martin guitar, for exactly this reason. I felt that bringing something a little different to the session would always be a benefit. I still see it that way, for me.

[sixpickn]

. . . . . (snip)  I felt that bringing something a little different to the session would always be a benefit. I still see it that way, for me.

Bring one of these and test your theory . . . .  (ps - that's not me)

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