Question About the LV09E

[Alexrkstr]

Hi guys, just wanted to  know if the woods used in the 09 series is any different than the 03 series. Also, if there any substancial difference (e.g., bracing, binding, etc).

I heard from a reputable dealer that the 09 series compared to Taylor's presentation series in the amount of attention to detail and quality. I would love to hear someone comment on this.

[Anders451]

Hey Alexrkstr,

Now I don't have a LV-09E but a L-09CE (without electronics and cutaway). I bet someone can give more detailed information for you. However, I'd like to add what I can:

The rosewood in 3-series is probably the best in it's class. I don't know if it's very different. However, a difference between 03 and 09 is satin vs gloss finish.

This is copied from the Larrivée webpage:

Model LV-03RE
All Solid wood Construction, Single Piece Mahogany Neck, Canadian Sitka Spruce Sound Board & Bracing, African Ebony Fretboard & Bridge, Canadian Maple Body Binding, Rosewood Back & Sides, Symmetrical Parabolic X-Bracing, Hand fit Dovetail Neck Joint, Rounded Larrivee Headstock, White Inlaid Larrivee Logo, Multi-Strip Inlaid Rosette, Ping Tuners w/ 18:1 Ratio, Ivoroid Fretboard Binding, Exclusive Beveled Tortis pickguard, Microdot Fretboard Markers, Limited Lifetime warranty, L.R. Baggs Stagepro Element system (Single Source).

Model LV-09E
All Solid wood Construction, Single Piece Mahogany Neck, Canadian Sitka Spruce Sound Board & Bracing, African Ebony Fretboard & Bridge, Canadian Maple Multi-Strip Body Binding, Rosewood Back & Sides, Symmetrical Parabolic X-Bracing, Hand fit Dovetail Neck Joint, Abalone Rosette, Pearl Logo w/ Sterling Silver Border, Chrome Tuners (18:1 Ratio), Ivoroid Fretboard Binding, Larrivee Custom Beveled Pickguard, Microdot Fretboard Markers, Bone Nut, Compensated Bone Saddle, Limited Lifetime warranty, Arch-top Case, L.R. Baggs Stagepro Anthem System (Dual Source).

Source: http://www.larrivee.com/instruments/acoustics/index.php

My L-09CE has some special features and inlays but it's a L-09 still. The attention to detail and quality is amazing. You wouldn't be disappointed with it. The closest comparison to a Taylor would be a GA 814CE, most likely. Another amazing guitar. You should try out both of them.

Regards,

[Alexrkstr]

Hey Alexrkstr,

The rosewood in 3-series is probably the best in it's class. I don't know if it's very different. However, a difference between 03 and 09 is satin vs gloss finish.

My L-09CE has some special features and inlays but it's a L-09 still. The attention to detail and quality is amazing. You wouldn't be disappointed with it. The closest comparison to a Taylor would be a GA 814CE, most likely. Another amazing guitar. You should try out both of them.

Regards,

Hey Anders451,
Thanks for the reply. I actually owned an 814ce and it was a good guitar, but I decided to sell it to get a Les Paul. Now I'm back craving rosewood and I hope the LV09E is like my LV03E, just as good and never for sale or trade 

[frankhond]

Having owned both LV09 and LV03R (R for rosewood) I can say that they have same wood species and construction. But they sound different, probably because of the finish and slightly better wood in the 09. I prefer the acoustic tone of the 09. If you plan to play mainly plugged in, the 03 will do just fine. Keep in mind that the regular 03 is not rosewood but sapele or mahogany so that will sound different than rosewood.

[Alexrkstr]

Having owned both LV09 and LV03R (R for rosewood) I can say that they have same wood species and construction. But they sound different, probably because of the finish and slightly better wood in the 09. I prefer the acoustic tone of the 09. If you plan to play mainly plugged in, the 03 will do just fine. Keep in mind that the regular 03 is not rosewood but sapele or mahogany so that will sound different than rosewood.

Thanks Frank, it probably is because of the finish - that would reduce the resonance of the guitar I believe.

[tuffythepug]

The 09 and 10 series use "select grade" rosewood.    I own an OM-03R and an L-10.   Aside from the gloss finish, inlays, rosette, and purfling, the rosewood itself  appears to be of a slightly higher visual quality on the L-10.   I'm sure they save the best grade of wood for the higher end guitars.    That said, there is absolutely nothing wrong with the rosewood used on the 03 models.  Larrivee refers to the 03 models as their "recording series".  Great sound;  not a lot of frills.   I love the tone of my OM-03r;  I don't care what the wood looks like;  although it is quite nice.   Bracing is identical on both 03, 05, 09 and 10 series.    It only changes slightly with the 50 and 60 series.