Elusive LJV? (Jumbo LV)

[dannyz]

I had reservations, but I recently purchased what was advertised as an LJV-09E Rosewood. It has a slightly deeper body and wider hips compared to my LV-09, and I must say, I absolutely adore the richer tones it produces. It retains the upper clarity I cherish in my LV while also offering the darker low-end tones that I occasionally miss. Although I hadn't been able to find much information about an LV "Jumbo," I wasn't entirely certain what to anticipate. However, I was instantly captivated by the sound.

It's a custom wildwood. The Italian Alpine top is surrounded with smokewood binding with herringbone detailing.

I'm curious to know how many others like this may be out there.

A serial lookup reveals that it was manufactured in 2013. Interestingly, the model name inside the body is LJV-09, but it was listed and marked as an LVJ-09 on the warranty card.


This used but cared for Larrivee joins my '07 Mahogany D-03e, and '06 LV-09E.

[B0WIE]

 Thanks for posting this! They are a rare bird indeed and I remember once scouring the internet for info and coming up with very little. I'm sure your post will help others in the future who want to know more about these.

[BlueBowman]

Elusive, indeed! That's a sweet guitar, Danny. Glad you shared it.

[Queequeg]

 
You found a good one, Danny.
Wildwood Music in Coshocton, Ohio (no longer in business) did a bunch of customs years ago.
Jean Larrivee spent the day at the store back around 2012 as I recall, visiting with the owners Don and Marty (nice folks) and speaking with visitors, shaking hands, photo ops and selfies.

[Riverbend]

 

[StringPicker6]

Killer find!! Really happy for you!

[dannyz]

Going to be putting some fresh strings on her soon. I usually go phosphor bronze 13-56 on the D03, but I like 12-54 nickel bronze on the LV9 (my research showed 12-54 was the standard on the L bodies—maybe someone can validate that?). This seems like it might like the heavier 56 strings but I don't know what they might have come with originally.

Any string suggestions would've appreciated!

[B0WIE]

Going to be putting some fresh strings on her soon. I usually go phosphor bronze 13-56 on the D03, but I like 12-54 nickel bronze on the LV9 (my research showed 12-54 was the standard on the L bodies—maybe someone can validate that?). This seems like it might like the heavier 56 strings but I don't know what they might have come with originally.

Any string suggestions would've appreciated!

I would go with 13's. Mine was pretty reedy with 12's. 13's gave it a full and powerful sound without the scooped midrange I was getting with 12's. It's a really big top to try to drive with 12's.