Canada OM19 VS. USA OM50?

[willnorvell]

I've got an opportunity to trade my OM19 for an OM50 in sunburst. I've always loved the sunburst Larrivees, but I'm hesitant to trade into a USA Larrivee. I've never played a USA Larrivee, so I'm wondering if any of you guys can tell me what to expect. I play mostly worship music, but I'm not a very hard strummer. Use a light pick, and fingerpick some as well.

[cke]

I would play them back to back. There is no qualitative difference between the USA and Canadian Larri's, but those 2 are not quite the same guitar. The OM-50 is a Traditional series with an enlarged soundhole and slightly shifted braces. Probably has a bassier less focused sound, and a more Martinesque appearance. They are both splendid. Your ears are the best judge.

[Mr_LV19E]

The biggest difference is that the OM19 is Rosewood back and sides (I'm assuming) and the OM50 is Mahogany B&S.

[Larrivee4me]

The OM-50 may have a narrow nut.  The burst finish Jean does is quite nice.  I'd be tempted too!

[willnorvell]

So the build quality of the USA models is still the same? I just always assumed USA were more assembly line for some reason, not sure where I got that.

I'm not expecting them to be the same at all. Honestly, I'm not playing the OM-19 much, because I reach for my Lowden every time now. I'm just wanting something "new" to play with.

[247hoopsfan]

So the build quality of the USA models is still the same? I just always assumed USA were more assembly line for some reason, not sure where I got that.

I'm not expecting them to be the same at all. Honestly, I'm not playing the OM-19 much, because I reach for my Lowden every time now. I'm just wanting something "new" to play with.

No, the USA made Larrivees are not "more assembly line", unless you consider guitars passing through JCL's hands as more assembly line.  Jean and his son Matt run the Oxnard, CA factory.  When I was there a year ago, they were buzzing around the place with their hands on everything.  All of the higher end Larrivee gloss models are actually made in the California factory. 

[cke]

The biggest difference is that the OM19 is Rosewood back and sides (I'm assuming) and the OM50 is Mahogany B&S.

Early on the -50 designation were rosewood, now 'hog. And yes that would be a big difference 

[Randy_R]

Early on the -50 designation were rosewood, now 'hog. And yes that would be a big difference  

A USA made -50 will be mahogany. I don't recall any of the the early 1990's in sunburst?

I had one of the early California OM-50's. It was a great sounding and playing guitar with excellant build quality.

[ducktrapper]

They are both "Larrivées", aren't they? It's not like one is made in ... Haiti.