L-03 or L-05

[guitone]

A friend of mine has decided to take up guitar. I have steered him to Larrivee. He has found a used L-05 or $200 more than an L-05. I have played mostly Parlors with the exception years ago when I owned an LS. I like mahogany in general better  than rosewood as I find no shillness in the trebles with mahogany but do with rosewood (in general). He is on the fence on wood, and also on whether the gloss is going  to be any advantage to him. Do the question I will ask because i am far from an expert in Larrivee guitars

L-03 new
L-05 used

Is there any need, any tone reasons to go to the L-05, or is the L-03 going to be better sounding (I assume there is less finish on a satin guitar).

Thanks much

Joel

[GGBB]

Is there any need, any tone reasons to go to the L-05, or is the L-03 going to be better sounding (I assume there is less finish on a satin guitar).

Some will argue that the L-03 will sound better because it has less finish.  I've never done an A/B so I can't comment on that, but I would be doubtful.  Some say the woods are better quality on the 05s and 09s than on the 03s - I can believe that.  New 05s have a bone nut and saddle but the 03s don't - that's probably an advantage.  One thing I will say is that they will sound different because they are made in different factories.  Also, they will probably feel and play a little different.  My experience has been that the 03 necks tend to feel slightly chunkier than the 05/09 necks.

But I don't think any of these things is significant - they both sound and play great.  For the extra $200, go with the L-05 (assuming condition is excellent).  The gloss looks better (IMO) and is easier to maintain, and down the road the 05 will have better resale value.

[JOYCEfromNS]

Tasters Choice really as both are hog, are they not If he is just taking up guitar it's likely they both sound equally great. Thus which one does he like best in his arms and if it's the 05, does he like it $200 better. A good point brought up by our friend GGBB in the resale issue.

Lets us know what he decides and maybe tell him about this Forum.

[BlastersFan55]

Not trying to be biased, but I've owned an L-05 for close to 4 years now (bought it new), and as I mentioned in another thread, it is without question my favorite, and my "desert island" guitar.  I'm not sure what style your friend plays, but I use mine primarily for flatpicking and strumming, and you can't beat it - particularly for strumming.  I agree totally with the reasons GGBB gave; go with the L-05, especially in regard to resale.  For me, it is a very comfortable and easy guitar to play.  Very good for fingerstyle, too but I use my OM-05 mostly for that.  But, whatever he chooses, he'll have a nice guitar.

[guitone]

Thanks everyone. I have a P-05MT and love it, and I do like the gloss but wish it was not so thick, it is a larrivee things to have a heavy poly finish, but the guitar is great. I think he will go with the 05, he is calling the dealer right now with a couple of questions, he asked me if I thought the warranty was important, well my P-05 is used so I guess it was not a big concern for me. It all depends on if something happens, and a neck reset as we know is about the most expensive repair there is... thanks for all of your feedback.

[Strings4Him]

Good choice for the 05-model.  I have owned both satin and gloss finish Larrivee's.  Tonewise they have been hard to differentiate.  However, I have come to the decision that the gloss models are best for me.  Larrivee guitars are known for their wood.  Jean travels the world sourcing wood.  A gloss model truly brings out the wood he gets.

Plus, I don't think you'll ever see a Larrivee Anniversary model in satin

[skatalite]

For $200 more, I'd go with the L-05. The headstock alone is worth it to me 

[Denis]

A new L-03 will have the warranty which is always nice but an L-05 for the same price...tempting obviously.  They are both amazing guitars.  I've played several L-05s and owned an L-03 for a while. 

[ducktrapper]

L-03 or L-05? The answer is yes. I love my L-09 and my L-01 too!

[ffinke]

First, you should be complimented for steering your friend to the L size and the Larrivee name. After that it all becomes a matter of preference. I have an L-03 which is a terrific guitar. It was used and only about 6 months old when I bought it and the previous owner must have spent the entire time polishing it because it is NOT the typical satin finish. The "bling" on the guitar is not the same as an -05 would be but I'm only interested in the sound and the Sapele with Tusq saddle is perfect for my style (finger style only). With the -05 you get the silver piping on the headstock, abalone rosette, mahogany b/s and a better case- NONE of which contribute to the sound (possible exception: the mahogany, but that's open to debate).

The other thing to consider is that if you buy new from a brick and mortar store (with a tech on staff) you can get the guitar correctly set up. If you buy used you may  need to take it to a tech for a good set up which could add about $100 to the cost (mine didn't quite play right and after it was set up it's perfect).

ONLY in my opinion would the bling factor make me want the L-05 more but that's because I'm a sucker for a gloss finish... ONLY AN OPINION!

[steam-powered]

Used L-05 over the new L-03. But I don't like the "swishy" sound of satin finish on a guitar.

[Mr_LV19E]

Buy em both, play them for awhile and then sell the one that is not your favorite.

[JOYCEfromNS]

Buy em both, play them for awhile and then sell the one that is not your favorite.

A most difficult decision for a Novice

[Mikeymac]

My experience has been that the 03 necks tend to feel slightly chunkier than the 05/09 necks.

But I don't think any of these things is significant - they both sound and play great.  For the extra $200, go with the L-05 (assuming condition is excellent).  The gloss looks better (IMO) and is easier to maintain, and down the road the 05 will have better resale value.

I've noticed this about the necks as well - much prefer the neck on my 05 to the one on my 03, but it still plays fine.

And yes, gloss is also easier to keep "clean" and looks more upscale, if that matters to your friend.

[Dru Edwards]

Although the used L-05 is only $200 more than the new L-03, can either of these prices be haggled on? One thing to consider is that if your friend ever wants to sell, they should be able to get all their money back on the L-05 but will need to take a hit on the L-03.

Overall, the tone should be similar between the two. Do you and your friend have the option to play both? That would be a deciding factor for me.

[pjr]

I'm the friend Joel was referring to about purchasing the used L 05 to my understanding it is about a year old at the most & is mint according to the pictures sent by a very reputable Larrivee dealer in Montana. The guitar has been gone over & set up. I have a 3 day recision period so that will allow me to confirm the guitar is right. I'm new at this but from all my homework i feel the price is right so i pulled the trigger. Will have the guitar on Friday. Will let you all know further once received. Thank you all for your input.
all the best

Paul

[ffinke]

Paul, welcome to the forum! And... (this is a MUST)   

As long as it's coming from a dealer let's hope it'll be set up to your liking. I think you went the right direction with the L-05 (you won't lose money if you ever decide to sell it).

Stick around a while; these are great people to learn from.

[pjr]

Thanks for your input & welcoming me  to the family. I'm sure I will have the need for future assistance in the future
thank you

[JOYCEfromNS]

I'm the friend Joel was referring to about purchasing the used L 05 to my understanding it is about a year old at the most & is mint according to the pictures sent by a very reputable Larrivee dealer in Montana. The guitar has been gone over & set up. I have a 3 day recision period so that will allow me to confirm the guitar is right. I'm new at this but from all my homework i feel the price is right so i pulled the trigger. Will have the guitar on Friday. Will let you all know further once received. Thank you all for your input.
all the best

Paul

Paul. L-05 is really a lifetime guitar. I'm sure you will luv it, and sure hope you enjoy the journey of learning to play a new instrument.

Please give  The Forum Rules a quick read as only takes a couple of minutes and forms the basis to who we are here. 

[pjr]

 Joyce
thanks  for the positive input. looking forward to my first lesson next Tuesday.