Larrivée History - Lite Series?

[superhawk]

First, please accept my apologies if this question has been asked previously.  I performed a search for previous threads on this topic which came up empty.  Perhaps if you could direct me to the previous thread if available?

My question is regarding the Larrivée Lite series of guitars.  Apparently this short scale guitar in 24.9 was made during the late 90s as the D-Lite (gotta love that name), L-Lite, and OM-Lite.  Does anyone actually own one of these rarities?  Does the label actually show "D-Lite" as the model name on the tag?  How do they play, sound?  1 1/16" nut?   What tonewood combo do you own?

Anyone kind enough to post a picture of their beauty?  I'm especially interested in the L-Lite and how it compares to the LS and L series in terms of sound and playability.

Thanks very much in advance for those that can shed light on this topic.

[Big Martin]

thats a good question.

I have only seen one or two of these on ebay in the last several years.  I think they are like 7/8 sized - sort of Big Baby T***** size..

They have a great reputation and if I ever find a nice one I will buy it..

here is one of our forums own - it is part of his 7,000 guitar collection... right Randy?

http://home.alltel.net/randyric/music/DLite.htm

here is D-lite size info from Randy's site:

D-Lite (made in late 1990's)
· Lower Bout: 15"
· Upper Bout: 11"
· Waist: 10"
· Depth: 4-3/8
· Scale Length: 24.5"
· Nut Width: 1 & 3/4" (44.3mm or 1.75")
. Length 39" overall


Randy, How does it sound?

[dbirchett]

http://www.larriveeforum.com/forums/index....T&f=2&t=334&hl=

Randy R. has a D-Lite and has pictures at this location:

http://randyr.guitarpost.com/DLite.htm

Another forum member named sneaky has an L-Lite

[el guitana]

Tastes Great!

[norton]

I owned an OM-Lite.  Afraid I let it go, but it's still in town.  If I ever get a chance I'll try to get it back.  As I remember it was a little smaller version of the OM-02.  24.5 scale.  1 11/16" nut.  Mahogany/spruce.  Black binding on body.  Came in a gig bag.  Serial #04246 with OM-lite printed on the label.  

[Ratishna]

I expect ML will jump in here at some point.  The D-Lite line was introduced shortly before the 03 series as both a budget offering and a slightly smaller body addition.  It was a plain-jane model and never really got a lot of publicity or advertising from the factory, primarily because the 03 line came out about 6 months later and was a huge hit.  The 03 effectively supplanted the Lite and that was that.  I'm remembering that this was around 1996-97 but I could be off a little.  The Lite was produced for no more than two years, probably less.

E. Shoaf

[Randy_R]

1.74 nut is what I measure with a micrometer. close enough to call it 1-3/4".

btw. I do an internet search from time to time looking for an OM or L lite model, and haven't seen one since I got the D-Lite on ebay a year ago.

I've really not played it. It still has the rusty strings on it that it came with when I bought it. I play most of my guitars in rotation, but this is one I always seem to pass by in favor of something else. Next time I have a jam at my house I'll put new strings on it and pass it around.

I think that sneaky has both an L and OM Lite, he's in the orient somewhere.

[bigfurrywhale]

You have 7000 guitars?

[el guitana]

Less Filling!

[Randy_R]

You have 7000 guitars?

maybe by next year. Then I'll let Big Martin sell them all on ebay for me.

[sneaky]

I love my Lites and play them every day, no BS. Got the OM and the L and if I ever see a D, I`m gonna get it too...these little things practically play themselves. Great for sittin on the couch and fingerpickin or strummin...don`t use a pick just nail and/or thump tip, which has hardened so no pain anywore. There are some differences between them, the OM has neck binding while the L does not. The L has smaller tuners and the OM has full size tuners. The OM sounds louder to me too. Both have satin finishes and are mahogany / spruce. I got both with hardshell cases which was unusual for guitars in that price range in Japan.
Less filling and play great.

[Big Martin]

You have 7000 guitars?

maybe by next year. Then I'll let Big Martin sell them all on ebay for me.

heh heh..

actually I do sell-the-sizzle-for-hire..

but I prefer buying them right to sell them right.  Its a healthy view of guitars which will all turn to dust only shortly after I do..   ;)

besides I don't have the room for a collection beyond my usual 4 or 5..