Larrivee OOO40 MT

[superdave517]

I just ordered a OOO40 MT. Does anyone else have one of these variants ? I struggled back and forth about soundboard woods but love the look of what Larrivee does with mahogany.

[StringPicker6]

Never tried that combo, but I think you will love it. Larrivee 000-40 guitars are so comfortable and sound amazing. I think the hog top will give it an added warmth. Prepare to fall in love.

[William2]

I also have been considering an all-hog instrument for some time. I still haven't resolved which bracing system to use, scalloped or non-scalloped. I've pretty much decided on the L model so maybe the decision has been made for me as the don't offer the L in the traditional line. Is there a reason you chose the scalloped bracing system? And also, the 12-fret configuration changes the attack on the instrument. Do you feel 12-fret bridge placement works better with a mahogany top?

[B0WIE]

 Sounds like a winner. Let us know how you get on. I really love how Larrivee brings out the sparkly midrange overtones in mahogany rather than making it an old-timey or boxy sound as some do.
Plus, that look is just so calming and beautiful.

[Queequeg]

I had a 000 sunburst all mahogany several years ago.
But it pre-dated the -40 series.
000-50.
I should never have let that one get away.
Wonderful guitar.

[superdave517]

I chose the Legacy series and the OOO 12 fret model for several reasons. One wanted something with a little power and mid range since I gave my prized J45 to my grandson, and I've been eyeing these for several years and was torn between a Martin OOO17 or this. Plus I just plain love the way it looks ! And yes I believe the bridge placement enhances the performance of the guitar. Years ago I had a LO3 all mahogany model and if memory serves me correctly, it was one of the best playing and sounding guitars I ever owned ! Should have hung onto that one !

[teh]

Congratulations on a nice guitar.

You'll soon discover that Larrivee's selection and use of mahogany is really special. I have two all mahogany Larrivees that were both special orders including a 12 string LV-03 and a short scale 00-24. These guitars each added a new dimension to my playing along with a 12 fret 000 with a 24.9" scale, spruce top, mahogany back and sides from Martin's custom shop.

When you get your new guitar, try a set of light gauge Martin Retros on one of your string changes. I really like them on my mahogany 00. FWIW, I played a new Martin 000-17 for the first time a couple of weeks ago. While it was a nice guitar, I preferred my 00-24 which has over 18 months of playing time. The headstock inlay, pyramid bridge and tuners were added benefits.

Good luck.

[superdave517]

I would post a picture since it looks so cool but the file is too large. I was kind of hoping for a short scale but without being able to play one I took the chance at standard 25.5.

[BlueBowman]

As a matter of fact, I just bought a 000-40 today. Definitely didn't set out to do so, but I think it's one of the best Larrivee's I've ever played...and I don't say that lightly. It's "moon" spruce over EIR, and it's quite a guitar. I'll post a review with pics in the next few days. I have a lotta thoughts on it, from the lighter weight of the guitar (compared to previous 000-40s I've played) to the competition I put it up against prior to buying it.

But, in general, I'm a big fan of the 000-40, no matter the woods. I've enjoyed every variant I've yet played, though the "moon" spruce tops seem to work really well on this model. I've not played an all-mahogany 000-40, but it's pretty clear they build wonderful guitars with mahogany. I'm not sure you could go wrong with any wood on a 000-12 fret guitar, though I am highly biased towards 12-fret guitars of this size. I'll be eager to hear your thoughts on it!

[BlueBowman]

Double post!

[BlueBowman]

I would post a picture since it looks so cool but the file is too large. I was kind of hoping for a short scale but without being able to play one I took the chance at standard 25.5.

While it's definitely a preference, I think you chose correctly. IMO, that scale length is one key ingredient of the Larrivee sound.

[superdave517]

I'm actually pretty stoked ! I'm hoping being all mahogany it will be super light.

[John Lee Pettimore]

Hope you can get some smaller file pics and post up

[Koamon]

Congrats! I got a used 2015 000-40MT online from GC. I lucked out. It was as described in excellent condition and came with upgraded black button Waverly tuners, an oversized soundhole and Larrivee's deluxe arched case. It only required a minor setup. I adjusted the truss rod and brought down the saddle when I restrung it with D'Addario XS 12s. Since it was natural, it was a lot more inexpensive than the sunburst model. Being a 12 fret it has great volume and projection specially with the larger soundhole. It sounds great unplugged, very rich and balanced. I buffed out the satin finish to a semi gloss and the mahogany grain really becomes 3D. I changed out the rosewood bridepins with TUSQ ones and for me I like the brighter response. It came with an active Baggs Ibeam and I wired a Baggs passive M-1 soundhole pickup to the ring side in the endpin jack preamp and stereo out to my Fishman pocket blender when I plug in and when I tune in the EQ it has a very natural acoustic sound. A great guitar and I believe that you will really enjoy it. Cheers!

[superdave517]

Hope you can get some smaller file pics and post up

I will when it arrives.

[superdave517]

Congrats! I got a used 2015 000-40MT online from GC. I lucked out. It was as described in excellent condition and came with upgraded black button Waverly tuners, an oversized soundhole and Larrivee's deluxe arched case. It only required a minor setup. I adjusted the truss rod and brought down the saddle when I restrung it with D'Addario XS 12s. Since it was natural, it was a lot more inexpensive than the sunburst model. Being a 12 fret it has great volume and projection specially with the larger soundhole. It sounds great unplugged, very rich and balanced. I buffed out the satin finish to a semi gloss and the mahogany grain really becomes 3D. I changed out the rosewood bridepins with TUSQ ones and for me I like the brighter response. It came with an active Baggs Ibeam and I wired a Baggs passive M-1 soundhole pickup to the ring side in the endpin jack preamp and stereo out to my Fishman pocket blender when I plug in and when I tune in the EQ it has a very natural acoustic sound. A great guitar and I believe that you will really enjoy it. Cheers!

the enlarged sound hole option is an interesting thought ? Since I'm ordering it I could request that ? Do you have any pictures ?

[BlueBowman]

the enlarged sound hole option is an interesting thought ? Since I'm ordering it I could request that ? Do you have any pictures ?

I'm curious about that enlarged SH as well. Usually those are found on the -50 and -60 models, though Larrivee is known for throwing curve balls at certain models from time to time. Is it a custom build, Koamon?

Just as Koamon says, the larger SH promotes projection (mids/treble). I'm a fan of projection, but it can come at the expense of bass response. Not always. It's a balancing act to get everything "right".

[Koamon]

Sorry, with the new protocols I can't post pics. If you pm your email or phone number I can send some to you.

[teh]

Super Dave,

You should find the 12 fret with a 25.5" scale to be comfortable; my LV-03 (Forum VI) has the longer scale too and have no problem switching back and forth. One other suggestion to consider. When Larrivee runs a sale at their Pro Shop, pick up a set of ebony or tortoise bridge pins with an abalone dot. They run a sale several times each year and the pins really add a nice touch to the top. I've got a set of each on my 00 (ebony) and LV (tortoise).