1982 L-09

[B0WIE]

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.

[Manothemtns]

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

[Craig P]

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"

[Mikeymac]

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!

[ST]

Sometimes an old guitar is just an old guitar.

[Mikeymac]

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.

[247hoopsfan]

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.

[eded]

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

[Craig P]

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. :)

[Mikeymac]

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!

[Manothemtns]

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!

[B0WIE]

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.

[Craig P]

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. 🙂