I have my eye on a 1982 L-09. Looks like it's in very nice shape. The minimum he would except is $1400 CND. Does that sound like a fair price? What sort of problems might I be looking at with a 40-year-old Larrivee? My other option is a brand new OM-02. Which is actually the body style I was looking for. I can get those new for $1500 Canadian. Any thoughts? Thanks.
FYI. I will be having a look at the L-O9 early next week. I haven't actually seen or even heard a Larrivee in real life yet. But am excited to own one. I currently own a Yamaha FS 800, Martin dreadnaught Junior and a Sigma 00m-15 S.

L is the Larrivee signature body style.
The -09 is a grading of wood and ornamentation.
So it is both larger than the OM and somewhat more tricked out, visually.
A bit smaller than the D; dreadnaught, and (did I say) larger than the OM.
Check eBay SOLD prices on Larrivee L guitars for pricing but that certainly sounds fair to me assuming g it is in good condition and doesn't need a neck reset or refret after 40 years.
I believe you said you're going to get to see/play this in a few days. Check the action up the neck and see how much saddle you've got.
5/64 at the octave is pretty good, particularly on the 6the string. If not, have you got enough saddle to lower it?
If not, you're looking at a neck reset. Expect to pay $700 give or take for a dovetail reset.
Others here will have more (and better) advice.
Welcome and good luck.

If my exchange rate is accurate, $1400 CDN is about $1100 USD,  which is a great price for a vintage Larrivee L09.  If it really is in good condition, I wouldn't hesitate.  That is a Victoria era guitar, which many people highly prize.  As far as being a 40 year old guitar, you have to do your due diligence as you would on any guitar.  Check neck angle, look for cracks, worn frets etc. But Larrivees have always been well built, I have a couple that are close to 25 years old with absolutely no issues.  

Yeah. I was pretty excited about it until I found out it's age. Now I'm kind of leery about purchasing some thing that old. I guess I will wait until I play it to make a decision. Maybe I will be pleasantly surprised. Thanks for your input!

Quote from: Craig P on December 27, 2020, 06:15:19 PM
Yeah. I was pretty excited about it until I found out it's age. Now I'm kind of leery about purchasing some thing that old. I guess I will wait until I play it to make a decision. Maybe I will be pleasantly surprised. Thanks for your input!

Old guitars are nice.
I have one that dates back to 1937 and another late 1800s.
(Shall we talk about violins from Cremona?)
But for sure - don't make a decision before you see it and play it.

 :welcome: :donut :donut :donut :donut2 :donut2 :donut2 :coffee

As others have said, check it out, if all is fine and you decide against an OM then go for it.

I would think it would have a very nice tone.  :thumb

L bodies are my favorite.

With that kind of age, a lot of things can go wrong so you have to know what to look for. If you don't, it's better to pass. That price could be fair, if it's in excellent condition. Used Larrivees don't sell for a lot.

The advantages of an old one are that they can sound incredibly sweet and articulate, responding to the most subtle expressions. This is why I mostly buy well used instruments. However, there's a number of cosmetic and structural things you have to watch out for and repairs these days are very expensive. Even then, you have to hope the tech was good (which they often aren't). Like I say, if you don't know what to look for, pass. There's an art to it as it's not just looking. It's inspecting, playing, measuring, etc.

As others have pointed out, with an almost forty year old guitar, the up side is probably really nice tone, ample projection, and good playability. The downside is the potential
for lots of fret wear and the potential for a necessary neck reset. If you're buying the guitar sight unseen online, this is where some pics of the right things is paramount. Have the seller photograph the fingerboard from above looking down and from the side with the intent being to show the string action, the height of the saddle and the angle of the neck. Include a few shots of the bridge from several angles. You're looking to make sure the neck is straight with an acceptable string relief making a straight line from the nut to the bridge. You'll want plenty of available saddle height. From the right photos, you should be able to assess the condition of the frets. While mild fret wear is expected, really worn frets is not. That will ultimately cost you the fee for a re-fret. Bottom line is, if you feel that the guitar is just going to cost more than you're willing to pay to make it right, you can always walk away. Their are a lot of guitars out there and you're sure to find one that'll bring you happiness for year's to come. This is where a little bit of patience can go a really long way.

After he's taken this pics, you now want to look at the overall condition of the guitars. Close-ups of the top, back, and sides while pointing out the bigger flaws. You'll want to pour over these pics to make sure that no cracks or irregularities in the finish are evident.

These are the things you ask of any seller during a private sale.

Of course, getting to play the guitar and handle it in person is far preferred to an internet sale. OTOH, for an experienced buyer, an internet sale isn't quite so daunting.

Excellent info. Thanks everyone! I will be inspecting/playing it in person so this info is very helpful. I'm very intrigued by this guitar but am by no means an experienced buyer.
Another way to look at it...what is the better move for the same money, a 40 year old L09 or an brand new Om-02. Hmmm. 🤔

Quote from: Craig P on December 27, 2020, 10:57:07 PM
Excellent info. Thanks everyone! I will be inspecting/playing it in person so this info is very helpful. I'm very intrigued by this guitar but am by no means an experienced buyer.
Another way to look at it...what is the better move for the same money, a 40 year old L09 or an brand new Om-02. Hmmm. 🤔

No simple answer.
Personally, I'd go with the older instrument if I found the condition to be very good. But, again, you have to know how to detect structural issues. What indicates that the neck block has shifted. Bridge structure changes. Etc. If I didn't know how to inspect for those things I'd buy the new one.

Quote from: Craig P on December 27, 2020, 10:57:07 PM
Another way to look at it...what is the better move for the same money, a 40 year old L09 or an brand new Om-02. Hmmm. 🤔

The one that feels and sounds best in your hands.  Folks have pointed out what to look for, fret wear, neck angle and joint, cracks, etc.  Another question that comes to mind is when Larrivee started using truss rods...  maybe someone will remind me.  It seems to me some of the real early ones didn't, but I could be wrong.  That they are (basically) the same money tells me neither is a "sight unseen gem"...  I'm sure they are both great guitars.

Ed

I don't believe they had an adjustable truss rod in these models. The description says a mahogany neck with metal bar reinforcement. The ad says in new condition, barely used. I guess I will find out tomorrow.

To get a better feel on pricing, here are a few screenshots of L-09's currently listed on Reverb. There are just thirteen. IMO, the forty year old L-09 is the better buy IF it meets the structural criteria posted in this thread. Ed mentioned just seeing how they feel in your hands. Always good advice. I'm tall so Larrivee's L-shape fits me well and an OM feels small. But that's just me. OM's are the favorite size and shape of many accomplished players...guys like Eric Clapton,John Meyer, and many people on this forum. A lot of players are going with mid-size guitars these days. Much greater selection to choose from than when guitar shops primarily carried dreadnoughts.

You'll note that the majority of L-09's listed on Reverb have asking prices between $1,900 and well over $3,000. There's just one at the low end at $1,299. IME, at $1,500, if the guitar is solid and needs nothing, you will have made a very good buy. Should come with Larrivee L-model case.

Great that you'll have the chance for a hands-on assessment. Let us know what you decide.

Eric(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201228/6bd339fc73ef5d1a78bea34d9bf1e470.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201228/9c3eae6d1d564498c0d70c2a6d934b6a.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201228/043a55dfba6b6e8fa65c3b8856779602.jpg)

Quote from: eded on December 28, 2020, 09:02:39 AM

Another question that comes to mind is when Larrivee started using truss rods...  maybe someone will remind me.

Larrivee started using adjustable truss rods in 1985 - ironically, the same year that Martin started using adjustable truss rods.

Before '85, both companies' guitars did have truss rods, but they weren't adjustable.

I've heard less about Larrivees needed neck resets than Martins, BUT - there are a lot less Larrivees out there, and the earliest Larrivees are from the late 1960's (and very rare); Martins have been around since 1833, and the "golden ear" of Martins that everyone chases are from the late 1920's through WWII, so they're much older (although age doesn't necessarily translate to needing a neck reset; some guitars that are almost new need one for various reasons).

My '79 L-19 needed some neck work, but when I finally decided to commit to that, the luthier was able to use compression fretting to address the neck's issues, rather than a full neck reset. YMMV.

I would personally choose the older Larrivee over a newer 03 or lower series Larrivee, and - in most cases - if it were a newer Larrivee, I'd still try to buy used and get an 05 or 09 up series instrument. There IS a difference in tone to my years between satin and gloss instruments, and I prefer the tone of gloss (it has more clarity and focus, IMHO).

I'll add: new 05 and 09 up Larrivees sound excellent; my 2015 L-05 Custom is an excellent sounding/playing/woods/quality guitar. Don't be afraid to look for a newer L-09 at a good price; they're out there.

:coffee :donut

Quote from: Manothemtns on December 28, 2020, 11:22:32 AM
To get a better feel on pricing, here are a few screenshots of L-09's currently listed on Reverb.

I've always felt that Reverb pricing was out of wack. Very much on the high side...from the small amount of browsing I've done. Mind you, I've never spent a large amount of time there. This guitar does come with the original case though. Thanks for the info!

Thanks for all your great info. I will let you know how things play out. Might end up buying a Recording King...who knows. LOL.

I have a 40 year old, 1980, well played L and the neck hasn't budged a bit. Hopefully neither has this one in which case I would jump on it.

Quote from: flatlander on December 28, 2020, 01:15:40 PM
I have a 40 year old, 1980, well played L and the neck hasn't budged a bit. Hopefully neither has this one in which case I would jump on it.

Good to hear!  :thumbsup

Quote from: Mikeymac on December 28, 2020, 12:16:34 PM
Larrivee started using adjustable truss rods in 1985 - ironically, the same year that Martin started using adjustable truss rods.

Thanks.  That's what I thought.

Ed

Quote from: Craig P on December 28, 2020, 12:48:24 PM
I've always felt that Reverb pricing was out of wack. Very much on the high side...from the small amount of browsing I've done. Mind you, I've never spent a large amount of time there. This guitar does come with the original case though. Thanks for the info!

You're correct. It's dangerous to go with listing prices as any yahoo can (and does) list them for fantasy prices because it costs them nothing but a few minutes time. What they ACTUALLY sell for is another story. EBay is good for researching real world prices but reverb is not as their price history feature is very incomplete and seems to only let you view listings that went for high prices.

The amount you listed sounds about right to me. Possibly a little high unless it really happens to be in immaculate condition. I've seen newer 09's, in great shape, go for less. There's great demand this year though so I'd expect to pay a hundred dollars more than usual.

Craig-

First, remember that what you're seeing on Reverb are asking prices, not sales prices. And, yes, right now, guitar prices across the board are outta whack due, in large part, to COVID.

Also, the high prices on this particular set of L-09's includes several Brazilian rosewood examples. Others on that same search are customs, made using exotic tonewoods and expensive inlay details. Obviously, not all L-09's are created the same. Nor are their prices. Several also have high-end electronics... pickups. Add to that that sellers tend to think the holiday season will bring higher sales prices and you've got some pretty staggering numbers. OTOH, it's still good information.

Cutting through it all, if your L-09 is $1,500 cash, out the door, you'd be getting a substantial bargain.

I believe someone else addressed your truss rod question.

Eric

Well. Saw it. Played it. Loved it. But walked away. Was probably a good deal but had issues I didn't want to deal with. Action was quite high. Saddle was very low, not much room to lower. Has a slight bow in the fret board. No adjustable truss rod. A few small cracks in top, (maybe just in the finish). A couple of larger cracks (4"?) in top below bridge. Full gloss neck which I don't care for. Sounded great. Body size is nice! First time holding an L body.  Didn't feel like it was "the one". Maybe I'll regret it later. But I think I might have found " the one"

Quote from: Craig P on December 30, 2020, 10:33:15 PM
Well. Saw it. Played it. Loved it. But walked away. Was probably a good deal but had issues I didn't want to deal with. Action was quite high. Saddle was very low, not much room to lower. Has a slight bow in the fret board. No adjustable truss rod. A few small cracks in top, (maybe just in the finish). A couple of larger cracks (4"?) in top below bridge. Full gloss neck which I don't care for. Sounded great. Body size is nice! First time holding an L body.  Didn't feel like it was "the one". Maybe I'll regret it later. But I think I might have found " the one"

No regrets... you were smart to walk away considering the work it needed at that price.

The good news is that Larrivee's are very consistent over the years, so new Larrivees sound excellent compared to older Larrivees (I'm comparing newer L-05 and L-09 up instruments to the older Larrivees). Unlike Martins, which have a perceived "golden era," Larrivees continue to be built quite similarly (though not exactly in all dimensions) to the ones from the '70's (which would be considered "early" Larrivees, made in a small shop by a few hands).

If you can find a newer used L-09 (or 05 - the Larrivee Mahogany L's are wonderful guitars, too), get it in your hands and play it. You will likely be very impressed and pleased. Good luck!

:coffee :donut :coffee :donut2

Sometimes an old guitar is just an old guitar.

Quote from: ST on December 31, 2020, 12:23:55 PM

Sometimes an old guitar is just an old guitar.

Yes. And Jean will tell you that his new (current) guitars are BETTER than his old ones.

You might think that's just marketing poo, but in Jean's case, I think he is being totally honest.

Quote from: Mikeymac on December 31, 2020, 12:28:27 PM
Yes. And Jean will tell you that his new (current) guitars are BETTER than his old ones.

You might think that's just marketing poo, but in Jean's case, I think he is being totally honest.

Mikeymac, you have real world experience with your collection dating from 1979 to the 2020 C03TE.
I have never had the pleasure of playing a 70's era Larrivee. But when I picked up my 2007 JCL 40th model right from Jean's hands at the Oxnard shop he told me the same thing.   He took it out of the case and looked at it admiringly and said "this is the best I can do."  I know it was modeled after the original L, with hand shaped bracing and a few tweaks.  That guitar continues to amaze me.  I think when Jean says his newest are better, he is referring to improved manufacturing techniques such as the catalyzed finish, CNC neck carving and other precise methods.  I will say the JCL is among the sweetest sounding guitars I have ever played,  holding its own against my Goodall as well as  Ryans and Olson's I have played.

Quote from: Craig P on December 30, 2020, 10:33:15 PM
Well. Saw it. Played it. Loved it. But walked away. Was probably a good deal but had issues I didn't want to deal with. Action was quite high. Saddle was very low, not much room to lower. Has a slight bow in the fret board. No adjustable truss rod. A few small cracks in top, (maybe just in the finish). A couple of larger cracks (4"?) in top below bridge. Full gloss neck which I don't care for. Sounded great. Body size is nice! First time holding an L body.  Didn't feel like it was "the one". Maybe I'll regret it later. But I think I might have found " the one"

Sometimes you just know whether it's right or not.

No Regerts  (from the bad tattoo pic that shows up now and then)

Ed

Quote from: ST on December 31, 2020, 12:23:55 PM
Sometimes an old guitar is just an old guitar.

Don't get me wrong. For it's age, it probably was a great guitar. I just didn't want to put down the money on one that I wouldn't want to play everyday. It sounded great...

I did end up putting down the money on a Halcyon NL-00 though. :) And over twice the money at that! This will be my remembrance guitar bought with some $$ left behind from my mom and dad that recently passed away. I figured I will probably always have a chance to get a great used Larrivee from time to time, but probably not a Halcyon on the used market very often. I will be picking it up next week. :)

Quote from: 247hoopsfan on December 31, 2020, 01:48:05 PM
Mikeymac, you have real world experience with your collection dating from 1979 to the 2020 C03TE.
I have never had the pleasure of playing a 70's era Larrivee. But when I picked up my 2007 JCL 40th model right from Jean's hands at the Oxnard shop he told me the same thing.   He took it out of the case and looked at it admiringly and said "this is the best I can do."  I know it was modeled after the original L, with hand shaped bracing and a few tweaks.  That guitar continues to amaze me.  I think when Jean says his newest are better, he is referring to improved manufacturing techniques such as the catalyzed finish, CNC neck carving and other precise methods.  I will say the JCL is among the sweetest sounding guitars I have ever played,  holding its own against my Goodall as well as  Ryans and Olson's I have played.

I have lusted after a JCL 40th Anniversary L, and have thought seriously about ordering a custom with most of those specs someday. Beautiful guitars, and I'm sure they do sound fantastic!

Very happy for you. With all that you had to think on, you made a very good choice. Play it in good health.

Happy New Year!

Between neck warping and cracks, it sounds like it was just in terrible shape. There's a lot of older Larrivees that are fantastic. The best one I've owned is over 20 years old. I feel they generally age well, as an instrument. So, I hope this experience doesn't sour you on the brand.

Quote from: B0WIE on January 01, 2021, 04:41:23 PM
Between neck warping and cracks, it sounds like it was just in terrible shape. There's a lot of older Larrivees that are fantastic. The best one I've owned is over 20 years old. I feel they generally age well, as an instrument. So, I hope this experience doesn't sour you on the brand.

Nope. I am still a big fan of Larrivee guitars. Would love to own an OM or L body one day. 🙂