NGD: L-09 in SATIN finish!

[StringPicker6]

Thanks to the capable hands of Dave's Guitar Shop, I'm the new proud owner of a used L-09 that completely appears unused!?!?  Looks brand new to me, and manufacture date lookup shows July 6, 2023 as it's birthday.  Strangest part:  It's has an ALL SATIN finish.  I was initially expecting satin, then I started getting excited that maybe it was gloss, and arrived in satin.  That's how it goes when buying online, and I'm happy either way.  It's definitely an L-09, down to the archtop case, JCL tuners, silver headstock border and abalone rosette.  Wood grains look stunning and probably would have looked jaw-dropping in gloss finish, but clearly the wood selection is larrivee excellence.  TONE?  Sounds like angels singing.  Bottom line:  I found my sweetheart, and all for a few bucks under $2K.  Donuts are on me today!          

[ducktrapper]

Congrats. Very nice! I'll never understand the designations of guitar makers, however. Wouldn't this normally be an L-03R?  My friend's son has one of those and it's a terrific guitar. I've always said the Larrivee numbering system tells you nothing about the quality of the instrument only refers to the finish, woods and appointments. They don't know how to make a "cheap" guitar.  For instance, my L-01 is a fine instrument.

[StringPicker6]

I'm as bewildered as you are... To add to the confusion, L-09's should have bone bridge pins, and I definitely got plastic pins. If it's not an L-03 and it's not an L-09, can I split the difference and tell people it's an L-06?   

[ducktrapper]

I'm as bewildered as you are... To add to the confusion, L-09's should have bone bridge pins, and I definitely got plastic pins. If it's not an L-03 and it's not an L-09, can I split the difference and tell people it's an L-06?   

Sure. Why not? Or maybe an L-09S? 

I have the same dilemma with my 1975 L. It was referred to as a Larrivee Concert when I bought it. I call it an L-11 but it's sort of a cross between that and an L-09. An L-09 does not have the kind of inlay that mine has on the fingerboard but an L-10 does. However, an L-10 has fancy headstock inlay and my headstock is blank. I don't believe L-11's were available in 1975 (or the L designations hadn't been used yet) and usually have Schaller Imperial tuners but mine has Grovers. When it went to Oxnard for repairs, Matthew Larrivee called it an L-09. Tiny differences? It looks almost identical to this 1977 L-11, however.

https://reverb.com/item/3331773-larrivee-l-11-1977-vintage

[StringPicker6]

I really like the look of that blank headstock. Classic larrivee shape!

[ducktrapper]

I really like the look of that blank headstock. Classic larrivee shape!

Yes I've always liked that although I can't tell you how many times I got asked, "What is it?"   

[B0WIE]

Congrats! Sounds like you got a score there. I personally think it's a bad idea for Larrivee to mix grades as it creates confusion and one could argue it hurts reputation when you're shipping L09's with lower model features like plastic pins. It's better to call something a lower model with bonus features rather than a compromised higher model. But, regardless, you're the beneficiary of that blend and you got a fantastic deal. Be proud of this one! 

[guitarman001]

I'm certain the higher end models are "better" in terms of wood choice and attention to detail. That is a crazy good price, maybe also down to it being satin. So much Larrivee rosewood chat of late... It's enough to make a hog guy want one...

[StringPicker6]

I'm also a converted lover of mahogany, but since my first love was rosewood, I wanted to have a rosewood.

 The guitar itself is a bit of a manufacturing mystery. I will say that the satin finish was EXTREMELY rough to the touch, and I wonder if it was a discounted price as B-stock. This morning I actually went over the body and neck with 3000 grit fine sandpaper because it was so bad. Now it's perfect.

[ducktrapper]

I'm certain the higher end models are "better" in terms of wood choice and attention to detail. That is a crazy good price, maybe also down to it being satin. So much Larrivee rosewood chat of late... It's enough to make a hog guy want one...

You can be certain but I'm betting you'd be wrong. Better is a relative word, of course, and very much in the eye/ear of the beholder. Jean travels the world getting both basic and exotic woods and at one time supplied wood to other builders but exotic woods matter very little other than eye candy. I swear my Sitka/Mahogany L-01 is as good as any guitar they build, it's just plainer. I dare you to find another solid mahogany guitar of its quality for the price it was sold for. Unlike Martin and others, Larrivee does not seem to know how to make a "cheap" guitar.     

[B0WIE]

Wood grade is considered a "cosmetic" grading system. Things like straightness, medulary rays, run out, color, etc come into play. Thing is, some of those are also indicators that the wood is likely stiff (good for guitars). Medulary rays (the sparkly horizontal streaks) are a prime example of this. They don't mean you necessarily have great wood, but they are good indicators. This is how it was explained to me by a guy who logs high grade adi spruce and maple for many guitar makers. He said some of his uglier wood, that goes to Eastman, is actually good stuff. Though, the nicest looking and stiffest pieces will go to companies like Collings.

My experience with Larrivee is that my 03's have not had the volume of the models with higher grade woods but that doesn't mean they're all that way. I'm certain they are not.

[guitarman001]

Yep, Larrivee hog regardless of model is fantastic. I have three to choose from:

OM02, OM03, OM05, L05, P03
Ridiculous really but every one has its own thing despite using the same woods!

[Mikeymac]

Congrats on a >unique< Larrivee. The price was killer - you got it for about the same price I recently paid for my (new, but NOS) C-03R TE from Dave's.

[ducktrapper]

The old wisdom of what makes a perfect top and best back and sides seems to have fallen to the wayside. Tight grain? Nah. Lots of bear claw? Sure. Run out? Not a problem. I still remember the debate between the Martin D-28 and D-18 and which is better. I've always kind of preferred the mahogany although a good argument can be made for almost any wood, it seems. 

[StringPicker6]

Give me any larrivee and I'll be happy.  Easy day. 

[Sandstorm]

In Larrive we trust!

Interesting it has the satin finish, had you thought to email larrivee the serial and get some clarification?

[StringPicker6]

I was thinking about doing that, but for the price I bought it for, I'm just really happy. It's perfect. 

[mike in lytle]

The guitar itself is a bit of a manufacturing mystery. I will say that the satin finish was EXTREMELY rough to the touch, and I wonder if it was a discounted price as B-stock. This morning I actually went over the body and neck with 3000 grit fine sandpaper because it was so bad. Now it's perfect.

You may have guessed correctly. I texted John and he supposed they may have been factory seconds and they were satin finished to move them quickly. John didn't look deeper into it. Based on the low prices on Dave's website, and the rough satin finish, it sounds reasonable. At least we now know Larrivee will do that.
Mike

[StringPicker6]

Good info, Mike, thanks for looking into it.  Well, the wood looks perfect, the sounds is perfect and I am one happy plucker. 

[mike in lytle]

Good info, Mike, thanks for looking into it.  Well, the wood looks perfect, the sounds is perfect and I am one happy plucker. 

There has been more info from John which I will add as an edit to my previous post. Later, after supper.
Mike