NGD OM-03R

[bargemule]

My new/old OM-03R, purchased from this forum, arrived this afternoon, and I am now among the rest of you happy Larrivée owners  . First things first:
  for all! and a 

Not certain of vintage. The seller was not the original owner but is guessing 10 years, so I sent the serial # to Larrivée a few days ago but have not heard back. Seems to be a mystery, these numbers...

Wondering about strings. I put a set of D'Addario EJ-16 PB on it because I had an extra set, but what do folks like on their rosewood OMs? (I know this is a highly personal thing, and there are lots of opinions about strings, but this is my first day with my first Larrivée OM, so what do the veterans like?)

happy to officially join you all
craig

[longlaketech]

Welcome aboard. EJ16s are certainly a good starting point. 

[JOYCEfromNS]

 

[tuffythepug]

Congratulations on your new /old OM-03R.    That was my first Larrivee also.   EJ-16's are the string of choice for me on that guitar.  I have also used John Pearse strings on it now and then.  They seem to be just a bit brighter to me but don't last as long.    The OM-03R is a fantastic instrument.  Enjoy !

[DJ in FL]

Welcome to the asylum!   We are all "crazy" for our Larrivee!


OM 03 RE was my first and I so often wish I still had it.

ENJOY your new family member.
Bet it will not be your last.

[bargemule]

Thanks folks. Obligatory pics to come tomorrow, too dark now, and it's Stanley Cup playoff time.
I use the JPs on my rosewood dread, but used the D'Adds for years before. What about mediums rather than light? I suppose my ears need to adjust to the somewhat less-bassy OM body.

[betaplay]

Congrats!!  I have an OMV-03R so I'll weigh in on string choice.  In general, I recommend medium gauges since the Larrivee tops are definitely built to stand up to the tension.  They really bring mine to life, but I find lights tend to sounds a bit sweeter.  The worst I ever tried on mine were D'addario EXP 80/20 lights - just didn't compliment the guitar at all, especially on the bass end. I even pulled them off prematurely. I am currently playing Newtone doublewound "heavy" gauge (13-56 so more like medium gauge) and I love them on this guitar. The balance of the Larrivee and the smoothness of the strings are really pleasing together, and you get enough tension to really dig in at low action and pull out the bass notes. Just personal preference of course - I know doublewounds are not for everyone.

[AtlasHeating]

Does it have the clear pickguard?
I too like mediums. I have had my om-03R for years and just started with mediums. It really puts out the sound with mediums.

[bargemule]

betaplay, I've never played doublewound strings. I had a D'Add bluegrass set on my S&P folk and liked the combination of light steel strings and medium guage wound. Might be the combination you mention, bringing the low end to life but keeping the sparkle up top. This calls for a trip to the shop, I guess. At least I feel (temporarily) confident about ignoring the wood in the room...

Atlas, it has a tortoise pickguard, white pins, and black buttons., somewhat different from current models. Still don't know the vintage as I have not heard from HQ

BTW, is asking Larrivée really the only way to date these guitars?

[tuffythepug]

cmcox
forum member ST has taken the time to create this:   http://toonz.ca/bose/wiki/index.php?title=Larriv%C3%A9e_Serial_Numbers

It is useful in getting a close estimate on the date of manufacture.   It is helpful if people who have obtained the exact date from Larrivee will then add their guitar to the database so it can be continually refined.   I think you can come very close by comparing your serial number to the numbers on that list

[bargemule]

Ok, obligatory guitar photos, in case anyone here forgot what an OM-03R looked like

[JOYCEfromNS]

cmcox if you still haven't heard from Larrivee on your serial # I would re-submit but make sure you have the word guitar in the subject box of your email. ( A spam filter thing)

As well check your own folder where your junk email goes as I have heard that sometimes Larrivee replies gets into the junk folder of some's firewalls.

Let us know how you fair as as TTP suggested once you get the date ( no other way to get an exact date) please post it on the list our friend ST is maintaining.

[AtlasHeating]

Yours is exactly like mine.
I bought mine in the summer of '06.
I think in '03 they had the clear pickguard. (that is when I bought my wife's L-03)
A few years later they switched to a herringbone rosette.
So my guess is 2006 1/2

[nolifebutbmx]

A classic beauty. congrats!

[YOUNG AT HEART]

Beautiful grain and  book-matched wood on that baby      ..............and I have to say, better than on my OMO3R purchased recently   .... ...........mine still sounds great though !     

Enjoy it !...David

[kwakatak]

Congratulations! I'm a satisfied OM-03R of 7 years now and let me tell you, making a few upgrades and playing the guitar for about a year will really make it shine. If you have no aversion to heavier strings I highly recommend upgrading to EJ17s. If you don't already have a bone saddle I highly recommend making the switch. Also, if you ever decide to add a pickup (again, if it hasn't already been installed) then I recommend the K&K Pure Western mini. It's easy enough to install on your own. Using superglue is recommended and not really a cause for concern if you follow the instructions available online at frettech.com.

[bargemule]

Kwakatak, thanks. this om-03r is probably 6 or 7 years old. still waiting to hear back from Larrivée on the serial #. The previous owner put in a bone bridge, and included the original, as well. I may get another to raise the action just a tad. Also will likely get a set of bone pins from Bob Colosi, just for the subtle bling factor. I'm a low-bling guy, which is one reason the 03 series appeals to me. Don't care much for abalone, etc. (though I really like the Deluxe model with the wood vine inlay on the fretboard and bridge).

I'll likely put on a set of mediums, or more likely the bluegrass set, next week. I like the medium wound strings and the light plain strings in the bluegrass set (12-56). Don't have much need for a pickup, but the K&K (or the well-reviewed and cheaper JJB version) would be the choice.