When did Larrivee Move the L09 Production to California?

[Alexrkstr]

Hi guys,

Just curious to learn about when Larrivee moved their manufacturing line of the LV09E to California and why?

Also curious to know how automated Larrivee's production line is today.

If there is any material online I can read regarding their production lines and which guitars are made where, I would greatly appreciate.

Thanks!

[Matthew Larrivee]

Virtually all gloss guitars have been made in california since 2001. From 2001 to 2003 many of the bodies were made in Canada and then completed in America. The first truely completely American Made Larrivee is an L-09 with Serial #80000 which resides in the Larrivee Collection for sentimental purposes.

While there are some parts that made or shaped by CNC, I wouldnt nessesarily call that automation. There are no robots assembling parts, or spraying finishes, or buffing. There are no conveyor belts moving instruments from one step to another. The work is all hand done. I know in many cases many of the parts that have moved to the CNC machine have been done so because i'm terrified of using a machine called a shaper (A 5" tall, 3.5" diameter router spinning at 7500rpm).

As a family (and a company), we have a policy that we will not alter the instrument for the sake of technology - I.e. we will not change the core design of the guitar for the sake of "fitting" it to a piece of technology for the sake of increased production.

[teh]

What other forum could you go to and get an answer to your question directly from one of the guys on the short list whose last name along with his heart and soul are built right into these guitars? Just look at this closing statement from Matthew Larrivee:

"As a family (and a company), we have a policy that we will not alter the instrument for the sake of technology - I.e. we will not change the core design of the guitar for the sake of "fitting" it to a piece of technology for the sake of increased production."  

I would like to think that Stradivarius adopted the same "core values" at his shop.

[Alexrkstr]

Hi Matthew, thanks for the reply. It's very encouraging to know what teh quoted. I'm glad that is the thinking at Larrivee as the tone is incredible for each guitar.

The only question that remains unanswered is why moving to California, and if this is confidential strategic information, no need to share. Just curious.

Also, does Larrivee have factory visits one can sign up for?

[Mr_LV19E]

If there is any material online I can read regarding their production lines and which guitars are made where, I would greatly appreciate.

Thanks!

Try "here"  and "here"


More info "here"  and  "here"  and  "here"  and "here"

That should keep you busy for awhile.

[cbarclay]

i'm terrified of using a machine called a shaper (A 5" tall, 3.5" diameter router spinning at 7500rpm).

Smart man.

[Matthew Larrivee]

The only question that remains unanswered is why moving to California, and if this is confidential strategic information, no need to share. Just curious.

Also, does Larrivee have factory visits one can sign up for?

There were lots of reasons for the move, but first and foremost is that [at the time] 70% of our customers were in the United States. While NAFTA is supposed to ease inter-country transactions, it is still a major hassle - particularly when you include the US Department of Fish and Wildlife. In addition Jean grew up in the cold (Quebec and Ontario) and wanted to live somewhere warm. Surprisingly, the cost of living here in California is suprisingly much lower than in B.C. 

Yes, factory tours are available usually on a drop-by basis, though its great if you e-mail info@larrivee first.

[Alexrkstr]

There were lots of reasons for the move, but first and foremost is that [at the time] 70% of our customers were in the United States. While NAFTA is supposed to ease inter-country transactions, it is still a major hassle - particularly when you include the US Department of Fish and Wildlife. In addition Jean grew up in the cold (Quebec and Ontario) and wanted to live somewhere warm. Surprisingly, the cost of living here in California is suprisingly much lower than in B.C. 

Yes, factory tours are available usually on a drop-by basis, though its great if you e-mail info@larrivee first.

Matt, thanks for the reply. It's very encouraging having you reply to questions in the forum! btw - I saw a picture of you and your dad looking for info on the site. :)

Thanks again for the reply!

[Mr_LV19E]

Alexrkstr, did you check out those links?

[Alexrkstr]

Alexrkstr, did you check out those links?

Hi Mr_LV19E, yes, some but I need more time to watch the videos! :) Great videos, thank you for the links!