Ready To Rock: Which 03?

[frankencat]

After admiring them for years I am finally ready to buy my first Larrivee. I played a friend's D-03 a few years back and I really liked it - actually, it was probably THE finest acoustic I have ever played and heard. I have been playing for almost 30 years now and I have had a bunch of nice guitars including some nice Martins, Alvarez's, Ovations, and a few more I have prolly forgotten about ;) but for one reason or another all but my trusty old '75 Alvarez 5059 have gone away and at this point in my life I would like something real nice that I can stick with and depend on to deliver the goods. I play alot of rock, blues and gospel and play bothe semi-professionally and as a ministry and play in all kinds of different conditions and scenrios. This axe must not only sound good but it must stand up to being played hard and long and keep coming back for more. My brother and I play together and he just bought a nice Taylor 614Ce that he's putting to the test and it appears to be working out quite nicely. I like Taylors but I never really found one that "spoke to me". At any rate, I have a cool D and I don't really want another one. I never was really one for the bling bling type of guitars. Figured tops and the like don't really do it for me. I am more of a meat and potatoes kind of guy - I like simple and good. That said, I have it narrowed down to the L-03 and the OM-03. I prefer the tone of Rosewood but Mahogany is not out of the question and I have seen a few NICE L-03MT's on the Internet that had me ready to jump in. I think I am gravitating more towards the OM and would like to get some insight into the diff's between these two models from the folks around here. Thanks in advance. -Frank

[scrank]

OK so its not exactly what you asked for but I'd have to vote for a D-03 or D-03R, especially since a D model is the one you tried and liked.

If you think you'd prefer one of the smaller bodies make sure you try one out first. They do put out a little bit less sound and use a 1&3/4" nut width instead of the 1&11/16 on the D.

In all the 03 series is an incredible value, including well-made guitars with a sound that is competitive with guitars costing much more.


Good luck!

[mdrulez]

I have a D-09 which I play really hard, but other than a dread, I've found the OM-03 to be very loud for a smaller bodies guitar.  Mahogany tops usually don't have the crisp sound as spruce, so if you want to play hard, I'd go with sitka spruce.

Happy hunting!

[parsky1]

An L or LV is a very balanced sounding guitar.

[frankencat]

Let me re-phrase my question...what is the difference between the L and the OM models in general. I am somewhat familiar with the OM (Orchestra Model) but what exactly is an L and how is it different from an OM?

[jeremy3220]

THe L is larger all around (except upper bout) so it is louder and has more bass than the Om, assuming woods are the same. The L isn't really that bass heavy though, it has a lower frequency response and the bass seems to carry a bit more. But it isnt very boomy the Om has more of a thumpy boomyness to it. I think the Om has more of the traditionel blues sound.

My definition of boomy- meaning sharp attack and release in the lower frequencies not necessarily loud.

[PapaTom]

Having just bought one and being really happy with it, I would recommend a D-03R, but you won't lose with a D-03 either.  

[frankencat]

Jeremy, got any pics of that OM-03MT?  :D  

[Philphool]

I've got the OM-03R and really like it, but I recently got the LV-03 for my nephew for high school graduation present, and, of course, I had to try it out to be sure I wasn't giving him a dog, right?   :D
Anyway, I really think the L-03 has a little more balance and tone to my ear, as well as a little more volume.   I'd never be sad with either, but IMO, the L-03 is a more "all around" guitar.

For what it's worth,
Phil

[jeremy3220]

http://community.webshots.com/user/jeremy3220

The Om has that weird line under the bridge then the grain bends. As far as looks its interesting and think I like the break up and stripes more than even grain. It sounds great, for what I got it for its perfect.

[jeremy3220]

also you stated the genres you play, but what about the style? Strumming, flatpicking, fingerstyle etc...

[Dark Paniel]

hey frankencat!

as many have said already, you really can't go wrong either way...

but if I really had to choose, I'd go with the L body... I mean afterall, it is the "Larrivee" body.. I've got an L-09, and I've fallen deeply in love with her...

and then of course when that infamous "g.a.s." attacks, you can get the Om to relieve it..


-dan

[Nephidoc]

I have been playing my LV-03K for about 3 months.  I chose the L over the OM because it had a "fuller" sound to my novice ears.  My wife says she can hear a broader range with a stronger, more open "timbre".  She's younger and better looking then me so I see her opinion as more credible then mine  :P

BTW the L looks cooler too.

Stan

[mazareth]

If the Larrivee dread sound is what floats your boat, the L will deliver a lot more of the dread sound if the 2 choices are the L or OM. My personal experience....

Mark