Finally found my L-19's!!! Maybe!

[crashtom]

After a week of searching everywhere I finally found two 1990's Larrivee L-19's without microdot necks. Since they are obviously used I can state the prices.
$1500.

The first has the torch inlays on the neck and is in excellent condition.
The second has the fancy vine inlay on the neck and is in excellent condition.
This is my first Larry that I want to keep as a family heirloom.
Which of these would be considered more sought after? I noticed Elderley sold a 1994 torch L-19 for $1200!
Do people get confused playing the ornate vine neck?

Any help is appreciated, I'm ready to pull the trigger!

Thanks

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[Mr_LV19E]

Do you have any pic's, or links to pic's

[crashtom]

Roger,

I'll see if I can figure out how to post pictures. By the way, both are rated 9.5 near mint condition.

Tom

[dermot]

purely on looks, i would go with the vine inlay... if yer gonna go that way, go big.... and the vine inlay is really big;-)

d.

[Mr_LV19E]

If you really like the vine inlay, I would go for it. The one without the pickguard has a nice looking top, but like dermot said if it's the bling your after the vine fingerboard has it hands down. It is really hard to advise someone on what to buy because your not in their head. Everybody feels different about the fancy guitars, some like it and others just want a plain jane to make music on. The most important thing is to make sure there are no neck angle issues, if you can't check the guitars out (or have a luthier check it out) before buying then try to get some guarantee that you can get a refund if you have it checked by a luthier when you get it, and he finds there is a problem with it. I'm sure the last thing you would want is to spend $1500 on your family heirloom and then find out it needs repair. You should be able to have low action and still have enough saddle left for adjustment.

[Mr_LV19E]

BTW, FWIW I like the vine inlay on the fingerboard. I like them if they're plain or fancy. Not too fond of the ones that have abalone inlay all over the front and back though, but there are others that like it.

[crashtom]

Exactly.
I don't really like the top abolone on the L-10 but it was the only way to get the fancier neck. At least with these it's not too much to have a vine neck with the rosewood trimmed top.I think the 90's L-19 had the 40th anniversary style shifted bracing as well.

[Mr_LV19E]

I have seen 05's and 09's with the 10 style fretboard inlay only. Even though they don't have a custom shop, the dealers can order specials and usually do. If you haven't searched those out you might want to.

[Randy_R]

I like the one with the ornate neck. They are not seen very often. 

[crashtom]

Randy, I agree, the vine neck is the one. I'm running the serial #'s through Larrivee right now to see the age.

Roger I'm having a hard time finding any rosewood models with anything but the microdot fretboard.

I'm having the inhouse luthier check out the guitar since it is a clearance sell item there is no return or refund. I was told it's a 9.5 but who knows?