Two 'Month Review of the Larrivee D-03R

[William2]

I thought I'd give my thoughts on my new D-03R. I have four Larrivee's. I'll only compare the D-03R with the D-40R and my D-40. My SD-40R is a 12-fret and a different animal. This instrument has really surprised me. As a fingerstyle player, I didn't this instrument was going to be as responsive as a scalloped braced instrument. I just thought I should own a non-scalloped Larrivee instrument. But it certainly is responsive. And it has a wonderful sustain which matched my D-40R and beats the D-40. The instrument feels slightly heavier than the other two instruments. I've always had this opinion that an instrument has to be lighter to be responsive. I've learned this isn't the case. And I wonder if a slightly heavier instrument adds a better quality of tone. All three of these instruments have a nicer tonal quality than my former Martin DSS-17. The neck on the D-03 feel slightly fuller than my other two instruments. I think I like this especially on a 1 & 11'16" neck. It puts my hand in a position where my fingers don't feel cramped on tightly spaced chords. Finally, and it might be this non-scalloped bracing system, but I find the note separation so clear on the D-03R. I hear all the notes within the chord just like on the D-40 with the mahogany body instrument but with that added rich sound of rosewood. With my D-40R, I have to work to get this note separation clarity. One thing I've found interesting listening to demos is that maybe this non-scalloped bracing is something I just prefer. I've only been attracted to the Martin D-28 and D-35 instruments. Both instruments come non-scalloped but come scalloped on their HD and other models. When I listen to demos comparing the different versions of these instruments, I always seem to prefer the non-scalloped D-28 and D-35. So right now, I'd have to say this new D-03 has taken first place of my 14-fret Larrivee instruments.

[Rockysdad]

Glad you're liking it.

Have you tried an *L* body yet?
That's a *real* Larrivée. 

[teh]

This is a detailed and comprehensive comparison on the 03/40 series Larrivee dreadnoughts from your perspective as an experienced fingerstyle guitarist. I may have 1 or 2 guitars left in my future and the SD model is on my short list. Thanks for sharing your insights.

There are many variables to consider: scalloped vs. non-scalloped, satin vs. gloss, 12 vs. 14 fret, long vs. short scale, top, back and side woods, string gauges a solid vs. slotted headstock to name a few.

I would also be interested to know how the satin finish Martin D18/28 guitars would sound compared To the satin D03/40 series mahogany and rosewood models.

[William2]

Glad you're liking it.

Have you tried an *L* body yet?
That's a *real* Larrivée. 

I do like the looks of the L body style. The dealer I work with had an L model and my current D-03. But this D-03R was the clear winner and ultimately it is all about sound.

[William2]

This is a detailed and comprehensive comparison on the 03/40 series Larrivee dreadnoughts from your perspective as an experienced fingerstyle guitarist. I may have 1 or 2 guitars left in my future and the SD model is on my short list. Thanks for sharing your insights.

There are many variables to consider: scalloped vs. non-scalloped, satin vs. gloss, 12 vs. 14 fret, long vs. short scale, top, back and side woods, string gauges a solid vs. slotted headstock to name a few.

I would also be interested to know how the satin finish Martin D18/28 guitars would sound compared To the satin D03/40 series mahogany and rosewood models.

You can't go wrong with an SD model. It is my special guitar. That is why I didn't include it in this review. It is hard to find good demos of Larrivee models. Too many hot dogs showing off and not doing simple things like playing a chord and just letting it ring out to measure sustain. I just visually don't like gloss finish and that is one of several reasons I never really considered a Martin flagship model. I'm sure the finish affects the sound but I'm happy with the satin finish. I do own one Martin, the 000-15SM. It is my least played instrument. But when I play it, I think why aren't I playing this more often? Itis so balanced and with great sustain. I love the headstock, and I have to say I think that the headstock is the reason it just stays so in tune all the time. And it doesn't have binding, so Martin can't screw that up LOL!!! Prefer standard scale for my instruments regardless of body size. And I'm not fussy about neck dimensions. I do find with the 1 &11/16" with, I'm forced to be more accurate with my finger placement.

[StringPicker6]

I prefer non scalloped bracing also, but that's only because I'm not interested in super loud dreads.  Back in 2008 I REALLY wanted a Martin D-28 with non scalloped bracing, and the big box sales guy got me to buy an HD-28...  Good salesman.  10 years of playing that and I got sick of the loud boom and sold it.

[guitarman001]

Welcome to the non-scalloped club. After all, it's Jean's original design. All mine use this bracing, including my custom built Northwood OO.

[teh]

Here's my Sunday morning ramble regarding my thoughts on scalloped vs. non-scalloped before I head out to shovel and snowblow the driveway and deck, again. After 55 years of playing guitar and 20+ years as a forum member, I'm convinced that guitar builders are continuously seeking ways to build a better mouse trap. As a result, today's guitar players, especially Larrivee owners have more options than ever available to them.

My first two Larrivees built in Vancouver have non-scalloped bracing: 2004 Spruce/Maple Parlor and 2005 LV-03 all Mahogany 12 string. The next two built in Oxnard have scalloped bracing: 2021 LSV-03, Forum VI Moonwood/Walnut and 2024 00-24 all Mahogany. All four guitars have a satin finish, two are short scale, three have a 12 fret neck and the two L bodies have a Venetian cutaway. My three Martins include a non-scalloped Spruce/Rosewood 1976 D-35 and two scalloped: a 2006 Spruce/Rosewood OM-35 and a 2015 Spruce/3 piece Mahogany back and sides 000-12 fret slothead. All three were made in Nazareth, PA, have a gloss finish and the D and OM have a sunburst top.

In 2024, I also acquired my first electric guitar ever, a Larrivee Baker T Pro from Matthew Larrivee. My son has an American made Fender Telecaster and a Taylor solid body electric and the Baker T outshines them both. 

In closing, while I'd never sell or trade any of my Martins, I'm glad I discovered Larrivee 20 years ago. When they introduced the 24 series last year, they must have been telegraphing my thoughts. I wanted a short scale, 12 fret 00 at an affordable price and Larrivee once again delivered. They even made it possible to switch my guitar top over from Adirondack Spruce to Mahogany. It was well worth the five month wait.

[William2]

Here's my Sunday morning ramble regarding my thoughts on scalloped vs. non-scalloped before I head out to shovel and snowblow the driveway and deck, again. After 55 years of playing guitar and 20+ years as a forum member, I'm convinced that guitar builders are continuously seeking ways to build a better mouse trap. As a result, today's guitar players, especially Larrivee owners have more options than ever available to them.

That is quite a collection of guitars you have. When you say builders are always trying to build a better mouse trap, do you think Larrivee's trend to building their new line with the scalloped bracing indicates they think this is the superior brace system or is a better selling bracing system? I'm glad they finally came out with a short scale model that doesn't have an upcharge like everyone else. I don't know when they started offering their traditional series. And finally, an Adirondack top like other companies. Since you have both bracing systems, which one do you prefer? At my age, I don't see myself getting anymore instruments unless I sell that Martin 000-15SM. In that case, I'd like a square shoulder 12-fret dreadnaught. I almost bought one this past year from Larrivee, but for whatever reason it only had 17 frets. Even their SD model has 18 frets. so, I bought the D-40 instead. I don't consider my 000-15SM a real 12-fret instrument or for that matter any of the Martin 12 fret instruments as they don't move the bridge back, they just build the upper bout up to the 12th fret. I can really hear the difference comparing my Larrivee SD-40R with the Martin 000-15SM. If I did get a 12-fret dreadnought, then what would be the bracing system that would work best. I noticed the Tommy Emanuel model uses non-scalloped bracing, so I assume he prefers that system. Anyway, let me know which system you prefer. 

[DaveyO]

I'll put up a DO3R against a Martin D 28 any day
Exceptional guitars

[teh]

My feeling is that Larrivee designed a better scalloped bracing system to improve the tone of their guitars that use it.

When I hopped on the Forum VI bandwagon in 2021, I suggested the following specs; all mahogany, short scale, 12 fret 00. We ended up with these final specs: Moonwood/Walnut, 25.5" scale, 12 fret neck and I added an optional Venetian cutaway which was only a $300 upcharge.

When I pulled my new Larrivee 00-24 out of the case in October, I was blown away by the tone, volume and playability of this guitar. Last May, I e-mailed Jr. as soon as the 24 series was introduced and asked if I could swap out the Adirondack Spruce top and replace it with mahogany. He told me no problem and it would be ready in the fall, which it was. From my perspective, I don't favor one form of bracing (straight or scalloped) over another.

As I mentioned in previous threads, I believe the thinner 1/4" top bracing used in my D-35, OM-35 and 000 12 fret improve the tone over the 5/16" top bracing used in the 18/28 series. When I put the specs together for my custom Martin, I originally planned to order a 12 fret dread like the old discontinued D-35S model. My son suggested I use the 000 body shape which I did with no regrets.

If Larrivee would reintroduce the LS-30 and LSV-30 series classical guitars with a satin finish that they made in the 2000s, I'd probably consider one. The versions shown in my Larrivee catalog had a 2" nut width and gloss finish.

[mike in lytle]

We ended up with these final specs: Moonwood/Walnut, 25.5" scale, 12 fret neck and I added an optional Venetian cutaway which was only a $300 upcharge.

Ahh, but please mention the scalloped hybrid bracing system which, when added to the LS body, and topped with the paddle headstock, helped create the stealth personality of the VI. No one knows it's there.
Mike

[William2]

My feeling is that Larrivee designed a better scalloped bracing system to improve the tone of their guitars that use it.

When I hopped on the Forum VI bandwagon in 2021, I suggested the following specs; all mahogany, short scale, 12 fret 00. We ended up with these final specs: Moonwood/Walnut, 25.5" scale, 12 fret neck and I added an optional Venetian cutaway which was only a $300 upcharge.

When I pulled my new Larrivee 00-24 out of the case in October, I was blown away by the tone, volume and playability of this guitar. Last May, I e-mailed Jr. as soon as the 24 series was introduced and asked if I could swap out the Adirondack Spruce top and replace it with mahogany. He told me no problem and it would be ready in the fall, which it was. From my perspective, I don't favor one form of bracing (straight or scalloped) over another.

As I mentioned in previous threads, I believe the thinner 1/4" top bracing used in my D-35, OM-35 and 000 12 fret improve the tone over the 5/16" top bracing used in the 18/28 series. When I put the specs together for my custom Martin, I originally planned to order a 12 fret dread like the old discontinued D-35S model. My son suggested I use the 000 body shape which I did with no regrets.

If Larrivee would reintroduce the LS-30 and LSV-30 series classical guitars with a satin finish that they made in the 2000s, I'd probably consider one. The versions shown in my Larrivee catalog had a 2" nut width and gloss finish.


I found your comments about bracing thickness interesting. Your impressions on the Martin instruments are smaller braces improve the sound. I just noticed this morning that Martin is offering a D-17 all mahogany instrument for 2025. The difference between the D-17 and the D-15 is that it has scalloped bracing which is less wood than scalloped. Here is what Martin says: "The Sitka spruce Golden Era (GE) top bracing, as featured on the Modern Deluxe Series, offers a more vintage, breathy tone." It also has a 1.75" nut width. At several hundred dollars more than their 15 series, I'd hope to be able to hear a difference. It looks just like the D-15.

[StringPicker6]

I love the Larrivee paddle headstock. I wish they would use it on the 40 series as well.  Anyone try to file down the sharp corners to make their own paddle shape on a 40 series??

[Silence Dogood]

The paddle headstock was one of the things that drew my eye to Larrivee originally.  I also love the old silver lining around it on some of the models.  Mine doesn't have the silver but I love that look.  I'm not sure when that was dropped as an option?

[mike in lytle]

I also love the old silver lining around it on some of the models.  Mine doesn't have the silver but I love that look.  I'm not sure when that was dropped as an option?

The silver stripe is on the -05 and up paddleheads. You can get it as an option on -03 if you order it.
Mike

[Mikeymac]

I found your comments about bracing thickness interesting. Your impressions on the Martin instruments are smaller braces improve the sound. I just noticed this morning that Martin is offering a D-17 all mahogany instrument for 2025. The difference between the D-17 and the D-15 is that it has scalloped bracing which is less wood than scalloped. Here is what Martin says: "The Sitka spruce Golden Era (GE) top bracing, as featured on the Modern Deluxe Series, offers a more vintage, breathy tone." It also has a 1.75" nut width. At several hundred dollars more than their 15 series, I'd hope to be able to hear a difference. It looks just like the D-15.

There are some other differences between the Martin D-15 and the new Martin D-17:

1) The 15 Series have a different, simpler top bracing than the Standard Series Martins. There are less braces and it's a totally different pattern. So the 17 Series models have what most would consider "upgraded" bracing. Part of this upgraded bracing system is a bridge with thinner wings and a smaller bridge plate under the top - both *should* contribute to better tone.

2) The new 17 Series models, while all Mahogany like the 15 Series, have Ebony fingerboard and bridge; 15 Series guitars have Rosewood (or some Rosewood type) fingerboard and bridge.

[William2]

There are some other differences between the Martin D-15 and the new Martin D-17:

1) The 15 Series have a different, simpler top bracing than the Standard Series Martins. There are less braces and it's a totally different pattern. So the 17 Series models have what most would consider "upgraded" bracing. Part of this upgraded bracing system is a bridge with thinner wings and a smaller bridge plate under the top - both *should* contribute to better tone.

2) The new 17 Series models, while all Mahogany like the 15 Series, have Ebony fingerboard and bridge; 15 Series guitars have Rosewood (or some Rosewood type) fingerboard and bridge.

Thanks for the information. I hope there will be a demo comparing the 15 vs the 17 models. I have to give so credit to Martin for occasionally making changes to their flagship lineup.

[Mikeymac]

I would also be interested to know how the satin finish Martin D18/28 guitars would sound compared To the satin D03/40 series mahogany and rosewood models.

As you know (as an owner of both brands), the Martins will sound like Martins: strong bass and what I call subdued trebles; Larrivees also usually have good bass (more balanced with mids and trebs) and more clarity than Martins in the trebles; not thin like Taylors, but they do stand out more than Martin trebles do. But Larrivees sound like - Larrivees!

Each company certainly seems to have a "general" signature sound. However, the '99 D-02 I just picked up recently has an overall tone that leans more toward Martin, but still with a clarity in the trebles, but not so sparkly. I attribute this in part to it being 25 years old now. Really a great sounding guitar!

[Mikeymac]

I have to give some credit to Martin for occasionally making changes to their flagship lineup.

I agree - although I'm withholding judgment depending on what this new neck shape is like...hope it's better (more full) than what they used previously on the "Reimagined" generation of guitars.