New D 40r vs 2012 D 60 MR

[Xray999]

First post on this forum so thank you in advance for your opinions.

Reasonably new to guitar (18 months) but really enjoying the journey.  I currently own a 2011 L-02 natural and couldn't be happier with it.  I was looking for a dred and didn't like the Martin d-18 or d-28 nearly as much as I thought I would.  I don't have a dealer close by but have done my research and was about to order a D-40r when I saw a used D-60 MR (Adirondack top Madagascar Rosewood back and side) come up for sale.  The unique tone woods have caught my eye, but I really couldn't articulate the difference.  The used D-60 is a bit more money but if it is a good find, I don't mind  spending a bit more.

Is their anyone the can help me understand the differences? Should I stay the course and not get distracted by shiny objects?

Thank you,

[B0WIE]

Wow, that D60 sounds like it would be amazing. I've not seen one with an Adi top and Madagascar back, but it would make complete sense for them to build one that way as those woods would really bring out the qualities in that instrument. The D60 is meant to excel at bluegrass, but don't take that the wrong way. It just means that the instrument is very responsive with both top end clarity and punchy bass. I don't play anything remotely close to bluegrass (more like fingerstyle folk) but I like "bluegrass" acoustics (like Collings) because they usually feel pretty effortless to me.

My favorite acoustics have an Adi top and I find these tops to project more easily than sitka, and have more complex overtones. It's rare to find Adi tops on Larrivees so make sure the seller is being honest and not just saying "it looks like Adi". A Madagascar rosewood back behaves a bit differently than East Indian to my ears. I have never been a big fan of East Indian as I find it to be a little congested/thick in the upper-bass (just my personal feelings). Madi is a bit deeper and tighter.

The instruments themselves are braced a little differently, and the 60 has the enlarged soundhole, which changes the Q a bit. I find that enlarged soundholes sound better for the player, widening the sweet spot, though that raises the resonance of the bass a little higher (frequency wise). I could imagine it balancing well with those woods and offering a massive, but also punchy tone.

If you don't decide to buy the 60, maybe share where you saw it at for others who might be interested. I see this ad from last year, I doubt this person got this much for this instrument as resale on Larrivees isn't high (and I have paid less for a Brazilian Larrivee) but maybe this is the same instrument; https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=6380008

[Queequeg]

Welcome to the Larrivee Forum, Xray999.
Bowie offers up some excellent advice here.
I especially like Adirondack tops. The grain is not as tight as sitka, but it definitely outperforms in volume and tone(s). I assume that's why you want a dreadnaught.
And Madagascar is very beautiful.
I know which one I would choose.

[Xray999]

And I now own a D-60MR!

Thank you both for your comments! Looking forward to getting my hands on it tomorrow.

To be honest, I was looking to be talked off the ledge on this one but this sounds like exactly what I was looking for.

Be well.

[B0WIE]

Congrats!... I guess.. I was kinda hoping you'd skip it so I could buy it.    I had to be completely honest though, that's going to be a hell of an instrument. All Larrivees are nice but those woods are more than just "options", they are true upgrades IMO.
Enjoy and share pics when you can.

[Queequeg]

Happy New Guitar Day, Xray999!
This one is sure to bring you years of enjoyment.

[Rockysdad]

   , Don't forget to show us some photos when you get it.