What’s your favorite guitar shape?

[Silence Dogood]

I pretty much like them all but always go back to the dread as my all-time favorite. 

[ducktrapper]

Well, a dread just looks like a guitar so there's that but, as far as I'm concerned, the Larrivée L body is the cat's p.j.'s. 

[eded]

O or parlor

Ed

[ducktrapper]

How about this one? 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=600ykNF3md4&feature=emb_logo

[ST]

Acoustic:

The original



The ultimate



Electric - Semiacoustic

The original



The modern classic




Electric - Solid body

The original




The modern classic

[Queequeg]

For me, the OM is just right but I love the Larrivee signature L.
Dreads are too big, in my humble opinion.
Most singers can't get above them and I don't sing anyway. If you need more volume, plug in or step up to a mic.
I don't play electrics but those Paul Reed Smiths ST posted are so elegant.

[Manothemtns]

I've got a pretty robust collection of both acoustic and electric guitars and have always gravitated toward dreadnoughts and Telecasters until finally discovering the Larrivee 'L' models, particularly the special editions with paddle headstock. I have just one...an L-40 comprised of mooneood (Alpine Spruce) over rosewood and it has become my go-to guitar, stirring me to wish I'd discovered the shape long ago. Now, I'd have several more L's and a few less dreads! I'm six-four and was initially concerned that my 'L' would be too small and therefore lead to a cramped playing style with that guitar but, on the contrary, I've found it to be absolutely perfect. Now I've played a Martin M-36 (0000) and am leaning in that direction if and when I acquire another acoustic. Great guitar both in form and function. In fairness to my wonderfully understanding wife, I'd have to sell a couple of guitars to rationalize the purchase. But boy, do I want one!

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[broKen]

My OO fits so well, but I sometimes wish it sounded like the SD. I like the look of the LS most

[Manothemtns]

A couple of pics to go with my "Larrivee L Shape" post. One of my favorite guitars and the easiest to play, by far. Alpine spruce and straight grained rosewood, it has a lustrous tone. In projection and sheer output it's very close to a
D-28 (IMO) and louder than a
J-45 (IMO). The size in photographs belies its true dimensions which, when looked at from from an overall volume basis is very close to a dreadnought...slightly wider on the bottom, slightly narrower at the waste, and slightly narrower in the upper bout. It comes very close to equaling a dreadnought but because of a slimmer depth is easier to play. Sits right there where you want it while playing from a comfortable seated position. P




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[unclrob]

OM,L and jumbo.

[Mikeymac]

Now I've played a Martin M-36 (0000) and am leaning in that direction if and when I acquire another acoustic. Great guitar both in form and function.

Another to consider (because of your height) is the Martin Jumbo - currently the only model they make is the J-40, which isn't cheap, BUT, compared to the M-36, "it goes to 11". I owned a J-40, currently have a custom shop J-18, and am having a custom shop J-28 built (ETA April 2021). Martin's best model, IMHO.

My J-40 and J-18 (the J-18 now has a pickguard; see last pic)...

[Mikeymac]

Among Larrivees - definitely the L.

I have four of them currently (since the Tommy Emmanuel C-03R TE is basically an L with Florentine cutaway).

[Manothemtns]

Another to consider (because of your height) is the Martin Jumbo - currently the only model they make is the J-40, which isn't cheap, BUT, compared to the M-36, "it goes to 11". I owned a J-40, currently have a custom shop J-18, and am having a custom shop J-28 built (ETA April 2021). Martin's best model, IMHO.

My J-40 and J-18 (the J-18 now has a pickguard; see last pic)...

Thanks for the advice, Mikeymac. I've never had my hands on a Martin full Jumbo, like the J-40, but I've always wanted to test drive one - preferably against my D-18 and an M-36. However, I have had the fortune of spending a fair bit of time behind the M-36. I suppose a smart person, also being tall, would make sure to try a J- prior to dropping serious coin on the M-36. Now it's just a matter of locating a jumbo to play! Thanks again.


Eric

[Vid]

OM and small jumbo for me

[Mikeymac]

Thanks for the advice, Mikeymac. I've never had my hands on a Martin full Jumbo, like the J-40, but I've always wanted to test drive one - preferably against my D-18 and an M-36. However, I have had the fortune of spending a fair bit of time behind the M-36. I suppose a smart person, also being tall, would make sure to try a J- prior to dropping serious coin on the M-36. Now it's just a matter of locating a jumbo to play! Thanks again.

Just so you know - not my intent to knock the M-36; I've been impressed with them, too, and wouldn't mind owning one (or an older M-38, another 0000 Martin). But the J-40 / jumbo Martin's are another nice option. There are a few J-15 Series (all hog) out there, and maybe a couple 16 Series J's ... I have a 16 Series Jumbo 12-string, the J12-16GT ("G"loss "T"op).

[Manothemtns]

I understand. Thanks for clarifying. I'm pretty much enamored with the 000 depth on the M-36. As I get older, I'd like to have a few guitars that are really easy to play from a seated position that's actually comfortable for the whole body. You do have me thinking jumbo more than I was on my own! But I'd basically have to be in love with one to buy it... because of that extra depth. Enjoy your J's!

[Mikeymac]

I understand. Thanks for clarifying. I'm pretty much enamored with the 000 depth on the M-36. As I get older, I'd like to have a few guitars that are really easy to play from a seated position that's actually comfortable for the whole body. You do have me thinking jumbo more than I was on my own! But I'd basically have to be in love with one to buy it... because of that extra depth. Enjoy your J's!

You may not know who Bryan Kimsey is, but he's a Martin guru tech who has worked on LOTS of Martins (and other guitars); he does neck resets, refrets, moves bridges, shaves braces, etc. - some of it to fix structural problems, some of it to impact tone.

He LOVES dreadnoughts - and other Martins, like OMs, 000's etc.

Here he gives his thumbs up on the J-40 - which somewhat surprises even him!

Don't watch this unless you want to go on a search for a J-40... Bryan Kimsey - the Martin J-40

[Manothemtns]

You may not know who Bryan Kimsey is, but he's a Martin guru tech who has worked on LOTS of Martins (and other guitars); he does neck resets, refrets, moves bridges, shaves braces, etc. - some of it to fix structural problems, some of it to impact tone.

He LOVES dreadnoughts - and other Martins, like OMs, 000's etc.

Here he gives his thumbs up on the J-40 - which somewhat surprises even him!

Don't watch this unless you want to go on a search for a J-40... Bryan Kimsey - the Martin J-40

Yes, I know of Bryan Kinsey. Thanks for sending. +1 for the J-40, eh? Well, after our exchange today I wouldn't feel right not playing a J- and going straight to M-36. I would imagine the pricing is pretty much the same. There should be no problem with fit...it may be very comfortable. I'll be trying to hunt one up and will certainly let you know when I've taken one for a drive. There are several Martin dealers in my area, between Austin and San Antonio. Thanks again. Eric

[mike in lytle]

Austin and San Antonio.

So we are neighbors.
Mike

[Manothemtns]

Hey, that's cool! Thanks again for the advice. Stay well.