1st time Larrivee Buyer

[pcook17]

Good afternoon. I am looking to purchase my first larrivee. Years ago I had a friend with a Larrivee and I've never been able to forget about playing it. I'm purchasing for my work at a church leading worship. 90% of the time the guitar will be running to a PA and played amplified. I've been searching high and low and like many in this forum, access to the guitars to play prior to purchase are limited. Right now I'm looking at a handful of guitars and hoping to get some thoughts from some experts on which guitar would best suit my needs. Possible options include

D-03R-2014
OM-03E
DV-03
L-05
LV-03-2007-2010

I don't know that the body style is the largest determinant for me but I'm stuck on this decision. It looks as if the L/LV models are perhaps more comfortable to play but the inlays on the L-05 look really cool. I've also heard good things about the 03R models and how good the rosewood sounds. I also see some differences perhaps in build/tone quality between newer models and perhaps older models. Any help in advance would be great. I've never bought a guitar without playing it first so this is a new for me. Thanks!

[jazzereh]

Personally I like the OM and LS sizes and I have both.  Very comfortable to play as I play seated all the time. 

If you are playing standing, consider what it might feel like with a strap.  I would tend to stay away from a dred size in either case.  The L will be slightly smaller in some dimensions than the D and the OM slightly smaller again.  Not huge differences.  The numbers basically identify more upscale 'bling' or woods that are added to the basic model.  An OM-03 will play and sound mostly like other OM's, ie - 05 with more bling for example.  Similarly with the L 03 and L 05.  The LV simply means it has a cutaway which won't matter to you unless you play up past the 14th fret.

Basically you won't go wrong with a Larrivee.  All excellent guitars.  It's too bad you can't play some to get a sense of how they feel to you in a playing situation since playing comfort will likely be your biggest issue from what you say. 

Woods won't make a huge difference to you since you are going to be playing plugged mostly and in that case it's the amp that will have a big influence on the projected sound. 

And, finally from me, if you can buy a good condition used Larrivee, you'll have the best option of the bunch.

Oh, and welcome to the Forum.

[B0WIE]

Welcome. First, the only significant difference between newer and older models has nothing to do with quality. Only the fact that a settled in acoustic tends to sound just a little smoother and sweeter. Larrivee quality has been remarkably consistent over the years.

About body size and comfort, that's a largely personal thing and the reason there's so many acoustics is not everyone likes the same things. The larger you go in body size the more volume and bass you get. Rosewood can meow the high frequencies a little while mahogany is pretty neutral. But, body size has the biggest impact on tone.

I don't think you'd go wrong with any of the models listed as they're all pretty versatile. However, if your work with the church band involves a lot of strumming while people are singing or speaking (which I imagine it does) a D has some advantages. They tend to emphasize the bass and highs, with less midrange presence. This lets vocals come through a bit more while mid sized guitars (L, OM) are more balanced and have more competing frequencies. Now, that can all be compensated for with EQ and volume adjustments. But, I find praise and worship guitarists tend for favor dreads for that big, lush sound that sits behind the voices. I had a D03R and it had a mellow, sweet voicing  that would be well suited to a church band.

Best of luck in your search.

[mattwood]

I had an L-05 and really regret letting it go in search of something else.  It was the "do it all types of music" kind of guitar.  And Larrivee does something special with mahogany.  It has a richer sound to my ears than what I have heard with other brands like Martin.  I have a 67 D-18 which are the same tonewoods and always preferred the L-05.  The worship leader at the church I attend uses an L-05 and it sounds really good.   Good luck.

[guitarman001]

Personally I like the OM and LS sizes and I have both.  Very comfortable to play as I play seated all the time. 

If you are playing standing, consider what it might feel like with a strap.  I would tend to stay away from a dred size in either case.  The L will be slightly smaller in some dimensions than the D and the OM slightly smaller again.  Not huge differences.  The numbers basically identify more upscale 'bling' or woods that are added to the basic model.  An OM-03 will play and sound mostly like other OM's, ie - 05 with more bling for example.  Similarly with the L 03 and L 05.  The LV simply means it has a cutaway which won't matter to you unless you play up past the 14th fret.

Basically you won't go wrong with a Larrivee.  All excellent guitars.  It's too bad you can't play some to get a sense of how they feel to you in a playing situation since playing comfort will likely be your biggest issue from what you say. 

Woods won't make a huge difference to you since you are going to be playing plugged mostly and in that case it's the amp that will have a big influence on the projected sound. 

And, finally from me, if you can buy a good condition used Larrivee, you'll have the best option of the bunch.

Oh, and welcome to the Forum.

The LS lower bout is wider than an OM, right? Does that give it a touch more bass?

[teh]

First, welcome to the Forum. There are lots of good and knowledgable members here who will share their thoughts and experience with you. Any of the guitars you mentioned would be a good choice and suit your needs. I have a 12 string LV-03 and a six string LSV-03. While I don't spend a lot of time playing beyond the 12th fret, I like having the option to do so. I played a lot of different body shapes before choosing the Larrivee L body but I think it is their most versatile body design for both strumming and finger picking. I also prefer the satin finish for three key reasons:

1) Quality - a Satin Finish highlights the wood grain and enhances clarity of the sound.
2) Durability - my two Larrivees built in 2004 and 2005 look as good as they did when I first bought them.
3) Value - the lower cost of a Satin Finish Larrivee will make it easier to acquire another guitar in the future if you want one. If you're playing in church, eventually you may want to add a 12 string to your music.

Good luck with your decision. 

[beginner guy]

have my second Larrivee. The first one I chose because the Taylor I wanted was too expensive. When I took it home and tried it, the volume of the instrument alone was amazing. However, I have large fingers and the narrow neck was too much for me to over come. I took it to the Twelfth Fret in Toronto, it was on consignment and sold before it was even posted. From there, I spoke with Dave Wren, who used to work under Jean Larrivee, helped me to buy another. I did have it customized with a wider neck (2 inches) and a gloss finish on the back of the fretboard (it was a LV-05). It's mahogany. Almost 14 years later, I still have it. Can't play it well, but I'm trying, when I get the time.

I am a Larrivee fan. Bought some of their T shirts to pledge my loyalty.

I'm toying with the idea of acquiring one of his electrics.

[jazzereh]

The LS lower bout is wider than an OM, right? Does that give it a touch more bass?

Not quite.  The OM is perhaps 1/8" wider than the LS.  Different woods on mine so the overall sounds are different.

[Silence Dogood]

I like dreads and would get one for my first Larrivee (I actually did years ago, still my only Larrivee and sole guitar).  To me a dread IS an acoustic guitar.  YMMV. Lots of great options available. 

[guitarman001]

Not quite.  The OM is perhaps 1/8" wider than the LS.  Different woods on mine so the overall sounds are different.

Ah thanks for the info.

How would you describe the difference in sound? The chances of me ever trying one are zero

[Sandstorm]

Lots of good responses here from a lot of experienced Larrivee fans.

You haven't mentioned much of the type of playing you do, strumming vs fingerstyle...can assume if its worship music its strumming but could be either.

I think for versatility an L or LV would be best.

When I got my first Larrivee, I just like you, didn't have the chance to try many different models.  I came across the Legacy OM and thought it sounded and felt pretty good and I just acknowledged to myself that it wasnt going to be my last guitar and that down the road if I want a second guitar of a different body style it would be a better time to take my time and source out one.  In my case, the OM was most agreeable to play sitting down, and I mostly play on my left leg classical style and mostly fingerstyle...but it's a passable strummer for my needs.

Without knowing much about your playing style, I think if you can get an L or LV model, it would be a great introduction to the brand and Larrivee sound as well as probably the most versatile for various techniques.

[GunsNHoses]

Hello, I am new to the forum and an proud new Larivee owner!       

I also play at church and just bought a beautiful OM-40 Legacy in mahogany that I plan to use at church. I just had my local luthier install a Seymour Duncan Wavelength Duo pickup system and it sounds amazing with having a bit of mic mixed with the UST. To me the OM is the sweetspot for beautiful articulate sounds that can be strummed or played fingerstyle and do well at both. It is also a super comfortable and light guitar. The legacy series in particular have a bit more punch to them and bass response due to the bracing involved. I am super happy.

[mike in lytle]

Hello, I am new to the forum and an proud new Larivee owner!       

I also play at church and just bought a beautiful OM-40 Legacy in mahogany that I plan to use at church. I just had my local luthier install a Seymour Duncan Wavelength Duo pickup system and it sounds amazing with having a bit of mic mixed with the UST. To me the OM is the sweetspot for beautiful articulate sounds that can be strummed or played fingerstyle and do well at both. It is also a super comfortable and light guitar. The legacy series in particular have a bit more punch to them and bass response due to the bracing involved. I am super happy.

   
We welcome you to the forum, and the description of your guitar is so good, it should be recommended as an example of how to write about Larrivee guitars. I like your enthusiasm.
Mike

[GunsNHoses]

   
We welcome you to the forum, and the description of your guitar is so good, it should be recommended as an example of how to write about Larrivee guitars. I like your enthusiasm.
Mike

Thanks Mike! Happy to be here. Reading the forums helped me pull the trigger on my first Larivee and man am I happy. Beautiful, well-made instruments.

[jazzereh]

Ah thanks for the info.

How would you describe the difference in sound? The chances of me ever trying one are zero

Describing sound with words is difficult.  I happen to have the OM 03 for sale at the moment and this is the link to the sound file - https://youtu.be/ULZBjcKSDvI

While I have a recorded track for my LS, I have not posted it anywhere.  I would describe the sound as a slightly brighter but balanced.  There is so much that goes into how a guitar sounds - the builder, the woods, type of string, etc.