Larrivee 0M03 Question

[pete1965]

Want to buy an 0M03 and wanted to know if I should purchase it with or without the Baggs Element pickup system. Looking to make an educated decision. Thanks

[limnephilidae]

Want to buy an 0M03 and wanted to know if I should purchase it with or without the Baggs Element pickup system. Looking to make an educated decision. Thanks

I just started using the element on my LV-03RE for open mic nights. I think it's an excellent pick up that works without a hassle and sounds great. I don't mind a "hole" in the side of my guitar as much as most people in this forum do. However, I think the going recommendation is a K & K pure western on top of whatever guitar you get. I like stuff that is installed at the factory since I'm not an expert at installing them; there tends to be less of a hassle.

If could rent or borrow the guitar to try it out then you would be sure it met your needs. Happy playing...   

[DJ in FL]

Pete--the best person to make that informed decision is you...by trying/playing the guitar.  Do you have questions about how it feels--the OM size--questions about the bass, or lack of other specifics.
Do your research, as you are smartly doing, then find a nice OM-3 and you will know the answer to most of those doubts/questions. 

My OM-03 is a RE.  The sound is excellent and have had more than a few comments on it when hooked up at local open mike time.  You can always get a better system installed, for more $$, but unless you are ready for some big-time stage/recording sessions, you will likely be set with this instrument.

Good luck with your decision--let us know how it comes out!

[Danny]

   I had a barn door Larri and I regretted buying it. I don't think I will ever own another acoustic with a big square hole cut in the body. But I do have a baggs element on my Martin that is mounted under the saddle and just has the end pin jack input.It is less intrusive and barely visible. That's fine by me.
   Having said that, if it doesn't bother you to have a large hole cut out on the top of the body then that's fine. I'm sure a lot of folks prefer it. I just don't. 
   I think you will enjoy either one. You also could have a baggs element installed thru the end pin later without the   hole being cut in the side.  This is offered on the higher priced OM models as a "no cut" but can be installed by a guitar tech later as an add on and it will work well also. Keep us posted.  Danny

[bbblacksheep]

Ditto on the regret for me.  If I were buying a D-03 again, I'd skip the built-in electronics - which is what I did with the second D-03     Having heard a K&K up close and personal (on Denis' sweet 00-50!), it's a great-sounding pickup, far less intrusive and - I believe - cheaper as well.  But as was said, everyone is different.  Either way, built-in or aftermarket, you're gonna love it!   

[Michael T]

Ditto on the regret for me.  If I were buying a D-03 again, I'd skip the built-in electronics - which is what I did with the second D-03     Having heard a K&K up close and personal (on Denis' sweet 00-50!), it's a great-sounding pickup, far less intrusive and - I believe - cheaper as well.  But as was said, everyone is different.  Either way, built-in or aftermarket, you're gonna love it!   

+1 for the K&K (order the XLR preamp and power source at the same time, you'll likely get them down the road, might as well match it right out of the box). Depending on where you purchase your Larri, many dealers will order and install it for you as part of your set up, or at little add on charge.

I highly recommend having any alteration done at the time of purchase by a qualified luthier (although the K&K is not a complicated system). Should you think you may want to make other alterations eventually (bone nut, saddle, tuners etc.) it is well worth specifying at the time of purchase for your new guitar to be delivered with. Regardless of the choices "you make", have your instrument completely set up to the best it can be by a qualified luthier/shop before you bring it home.  It sounds like you are taking your time and researching which is a good thing.

[JohnM2001]

I'd prefer a guitar without a hack-in-the-box pickup, but if I found another one that just sounded and played superbly, would not hesitate to buy it.
My D-02E is outstanding, and has the small 3 slider Fishman in the side.  It actually sounds pretty good, I've thought about upgrading
to a better system, but for what I do, he small one is fine. 

[ukeforever]

Such a matter of personal preference, but if you'll be playing it out in situations where the microphone situation is sketchy, the electronics make sense.

I purchased an OM-03RE, and even though it's got the thing in the side, I do not feel that it affects the sound at all. The instrument sounds great plugged in or acoustic. Actually, better than great. Inspiring would be a better word. I am not a fan of piezos, but the Baggs element's preamp has a little jack that would let you wire in another sort of pickup--I'm thinking I'll glue K&Ks to the soundboard (inside) at some point for a better pickup sound. But for now, it's an extremely serviceable guitar.

The 03 series, in my opinion, are the best quality utility guitars out there. The only instrument I can think of that might compete is Martin's 000-16SRGT (the one with the Micarta fretboard). With the "utility" perspective in mind, I didn't mind so much the "barn door" in the side--the guitar is an instrument that is meant to be taken out and played. Banged up, even (well, hopefully not too much...).  As much as I love the Baggs M1, I think that does more to stifle sound because it blocks the soundhole.

With the 03s, I'd go for what's convenient. If you were to get a guitar with a nicer finish, 05s and up, I'd definitely avoid the side port.

[kwakatak]

Buy it without electronics and just install a K&K Pure Western mini instead. I put one in my OM-03R; it sounds great and there's no barn door; I had to buy a separate preamp: K&K Pure XLR pre.