New member, "New" guitar - (D-09 Satin Edition)

[ben438]

This is my first post but I've been reading the site for about two months, getting information about what might be my potential buy and what is now my new (to me) Larrivee. You people are a wealth of information...This is the most polite message board I've ever read. Have a doughnut.  

I spent some time going to local shops to audition instruments. I was in the market for something along the lines of a Martin D28 or 35, Taylor 710 or Larrivee D-05 or 09. I've always played (and loved) Dreads. I have a few late 70's and early 80's Japanese and Korean guitars but nothing quality and I finally had the finances to get something really great.

I played all the models in store and decided the Larrivee D-09 is the must have for me. Beauty guitars and priced right. I've wanted a Larrivee for a number of years but felt I had to consider the Martins and the Taylors. This, as it turns out, was incorrect. The Larrivee spoke to me. So, because of info gleaned from this site, I decided to keep an eye on the local resale market and within a week I found the D-09 I was looking for. Or so I thought. The ad was for a D-09 as you might expect to find one, all the appointments and good stuff BUT, the seller neglected to mention that the guitar was a D-09 Satin Edition. It never occurred to me that this even existed and to my surprise that was what I saw when I got there...The pics were stock photos. It never entered my mind to even consider a guitar without gloss but then I saw it and played it...Done. This guitar was literally in unplayed condition and it sounded better than all the (gloss) guitars I played in store. I think the only thing it needs are some Gotoh 510 tuners. Otherwise, it's perfect. Because of the finish, there is no glare from the light on it and I just sit and admire its woody goodness from across the room. I always thought satin looked cheap. Now I realise it only looks cheap if there's a junky guitar under it.

I've spent some time trying to find info about it on the web but there's nothing. It was made in Vancouver. The info I got from here told me that Larrivee stopped making 'higher end' models in Canada when they moved to California in 2001, so I thought it odd that I got a Canadian D-09. I knew, up until a short while ago, that they only made Satins in Canada which might explain why this D-09 was made here...but doesn't really explain anything. I sent a request to Larrivee last month to get the manufacturing info but because of this site, I got the impression that they are overwhelmed with those and decided to leave it alone for now...the guitar isn't going anywhere.

I guess my question to all you people in the know is, have you ever heard of or seen this guitar? I'd love to compare serials or get an idea of how (un)common they are. I know the Larrivee fellas read this board too. Maybe they'd know. Anyway, I'm proud to own it. I feel really lucky to have found it.

Sorry I was so long winded...Here, have another doughnut.  

[BabeRuthsLegs]

"Grats on the "new" guitar. I got a new one last week that's also a satin and I love it's looks. Sounds better all the time.

[ben438]

You have the OM-3 Rosewood in the thread below? That's a beauty...it's a Larrivee so that's kind of redundant. Haha. I may never buy a gloss guitar again. This guitar blows people away when they hear/see it.

[ffinke]

 
I can't answer your specific question; I just wanted to say "howdy" and  to the forum. There are some hugely knowledgeable people here who will answer you question (I'm sure). Until then: back atcha...

[Riverbend]

Welcome to the wonderful world of Larrivee, and to this great forum, as well!

[Mr_LV19E]

I remember this run from several years ago, leave it to Larrivee to make deluxe edition of 03 series and satin finished 09's. As if their model numbers weren't confusing enough already. 

[tuffythepug]

1.  Welcome to our little madhouse.  The secret handshake info will come in a plain brown wrapper
2.  You have a pretty rare example of Larrivee workmanship.  I've never seen or heard of a satin 09 series build.
3.  Nothing wrong with a satin finish.  My LS-03, Om-03r and D-40r are all satin and beautiful.

T the P

[Dr. LJ]

Pretty guitar.  Welcome.

[George]

I own 6 Larrivee dreads and I have never seen one like yours, but it makes me drool!  I suspect john Jr. had a hand in this build...  It looks like the custom quality of his work.

Welcome to the looney bin, lots of very good people are here so stick around and we will all learn some more together...

Oh and go ahead and put the Gotoh's on there, they are great...

[sshan25]

That's a beauty!

[ducktrapper]

Very nice guitar. Who knew they built satin 09's?   

[Mr_LV19E]

Very nice guitar. Who knew they built satin 09's?   

I believe that the special run was in 2004. As always I may be wrong.

[JOYCEfromNS]

I believe that the special run was in 2004. As always I may be wrong.

I too think it was around that time maybe even 2007. Remember more Parlors than D's. Recall Notable having some for sale

As if their model numbers weren't confusing enough already. 

True dat!!

[DaveyO]

Oh man, nice guitar!
Larrivee does satin right,you are one lucky man
congrats.
Dave

[ben438]

I believe that the special run was in 2004. As always I may be wrong.

I too think it was around that time maybe even 2007. Remember more Parlors than D's. Recall Notable having some for sale

That's a nice ballpark. See, that's why I came here. 

I guess the thing that boggles my mind is why someone would let a guitar like this sit untouched for ten years...But I'm not complaining. I'm going to have cool store in Oakville Ontario (MOJO Music) order a set of 510s for me next week. They carry Gotoh and it saves me from dealing with shipping and all that. I really like the aged copper finish but I think I'm going with X-chrome. It should match the guitar's satin nicely.

Thanks to everyone for the kind words about the guitar. I look around and see that we're all pretty lucky. So many nice instruments here.