I have had my Larrivee for 14 years and it just keeps sounding better and better. I play it everyday for a few hours and once a week for about 4 hours straight with a band. The guys I jam with have Martins and mine is a favorite. But it's personal preference. If you have the money get what you want because they bring happiness for years and years.
I'm far from being an expert, or guitar aficionado, but about 20 years ago I wanted to upgrade. I went to a store with full intent of buying a Martin. I ended up with a custom D10 Larrivee. I kept coming back to it because the sound was so beautiful. Deep rich tones. Beautiful mother of pearl inlays, Brazilian rosewood back and sides, spruce top. I paid much less than I would have, for a Martin with all the added features.
Larrivee guitars give good value and great tone. They are great performance guitars. I had Larrivee dread D-11 that my friend used for five cds and James Taylor played a concert set with it. He just grabbed from its stand without asking and took it on stage, played the set. He said as he handed it back, its the real deal. Next time watch it better. I may not return it. He was right it was a killer guitar. True story. Thanks!
I had never heard of Larivee guitars up until a couple years ago. I was looking for a high quality guitar that suited my vocal tone, so I decided to spend a day playing virtually every guitar in the local Long and Mcquade. The showdown ended up coming down to two guitars, and they were both Larivees. There was no comparison, even from Gibsons with double the price tag. I'm now playing a Larivee LV-03e, and couldn't be happier with it!
Agree.....I have a Larrivee as well as a Boucher......the Larrivee is a sweet guitar........the Boucher cost twice as much. and i love them both.....is it twice as good? No, it's different. They both do what they're supposed to do very well.
The Bourg has much more mids and sparkly highs , the Larrivee is definitely warmer sounding much deeper bottom end yet still retaining adequate highs .. Personally I prefer the sound of the Larrivee, but for cosmetic appointments, the Bourg takes the cake 😉
One thing to note is that Larrivee guitars, due to their bracing, can take years to open up. That Larrivee will sound even more responsive when it’s fully opened up.
@@HeartbreakerGuitarsLarrivee's are designed and built for longevity and therefore take longer than many others to open up. I have a L-09 which is now 17 years old and sounds much sweeter now than when it was new. Hopefully I will be around to experience it in 17 years from now.
The best things in life are worth stretching for. That stretch is different for everyone. Sometimes the stretch is to a 2k guitar, sometimes that stretch is to a 12k guitar. At the end of the day, think about the one you LOVE and then think about what it will do when you let it get away. I've wasted so much money buying the more "responsible" choice, only to sell it down the road, at a loss, to try and find the one that never left my head. You live once in this world. Chances are, you will end up spending the SAME amount of money on a guitar. You can bite the bullet now and never have the need to trade up, or you can spend the money down the road and go through the headache and mind games. To each their own but I know what I'm doing now. It took several decades of mistakes to figure it out!
Yes. And if you have more than one grandchild that plays, that good guitar will go farther than you think. I lost my Mom young, my first wife to brest cancer. Dad to bladder cancer last year & wife to leukemia weeks ago. Life is fragile. Does a more expensive guitar mean you'll play better? You sorta work up to it. But yes, I think it does in my case. And with comparisons like this, it provides lower cost options that in 30 years will sound great. Now if I had BOTH, and someone starting reallly liked the Larrivee, I could see making it a present. That's how I got my first guitar, a present from a stranger. Internment messes up the people connections to an extent. But Toby can tell which is which .
Tex Haines brother sorry about your loss, I’ve got a p09 Larrivee and 322 Taylor. Both 12 fret.....Love both, music sure does take the edge off life especially sitting and doing some good ole pickin’
It probably comes down to the knockout beauty of the higher end guitar. But even though plain looking, I do like the satin finish on the Larrivee. The thinner finish may aid in the sound and the aging process.
Both are great guitars, but I would never spend $6600 on the Bourgeois. There is very little sonic difference between the 2. I own 3 Larrivees and a Goodall. There is very little difference in the sound or quality. Larrivees definitely are incredible values, impeccable quality and compete well against any boutique guitars. Jean Larrivee travels the world sourcing his tone woods, and has been for 50+ years. Thanks for the great demo.
I will be purchasing a 98 model Larrivee C10 in just a few weeks. It was hand built in Canada and that adds so much more in terms of value to me. It is an absolutely beautiful guitar with that Larrivee tone that's all its own, that's what drew me to wanting one in the first place I cannot wait to get it. Been wanting a Larrivee as long as I've been playing and this C10 has top quality woods and inlays. I know there are other quality hand made guitars out there, but it's Larrivee for me.
The Bourgeois sounds fabulous. I have a 62 Martin D28 and it's the sweetest sounding guitar I've ever owned but that Bourgy sounds r3wlltngood. Larrivees are nice too but I preferred the Bourgy in this comparison.
Larrivees are great guitars, but I disagree about there being very little sonic difference. I could tell a big difference. Again, this isn't a knock on Larrivee as much as it's a praise for Bourgeois. I think Bourgeois is the best american made acoustic out there. IMO
No ways first time i listened on my phone I could clearly hear that the Bourgeois was much better and I like Larivee alot but there is a big difference. Is it a $4k difference? I don't think so but that is the law of diminishing returns. Larivee punches above its weight and price but there is a clear difference in sound, volume, clarity and quality if you ever get the privilege of handling one you will immediately notice the difference in craftsmanship.
An addi top also makes a huge difference in tone. You can usually get the Larrivee at a steep discount on the used market. I could buy the Larrivee of my choice , a Martin HD 28, and a Taylor 500 series all for $6000.
hard to argue with cork sniffers...they've already made up their minds.....the Bourg sounded better but they didn't really get into why it costs 3 or 4 times as much....and worth it, to who? Fact is they are comparing two quite different things, And an aged addi top as well!
Larrivee probably builds the tightest guitars on the planet - literally! I've owned two of them in the past ( L-09, D-60 ) and its the only guitar where I can tune certain strings and all the others stay perfectly in tune.
@@macstil585 I have just sourced an LV-03R and it is a wonderful guitar. I can't put it down! I already have a D-05 and it is a great guitar too. The difference is it's a mahogany back & sides and the LV is rosewood. I'm loving both!
The Adirondack/sitka difference counts for a lot into this. Also Larrivee are cutting cost on the finish which is the reason for the huge price difference between their models. Bourgeois sounds awesome but half the time it took to build was on finishing the instrument, hence the price tag difference.
They have high end models too. Their LV-10 50th Anniversary model is going for nearly $10k on reverb right now- used. They just also have more affordable models like this one starting around $2k. I would argue they are not cutting corners. You still get a hand made guitar with a dove-tail joint- not bolted like some of the big, mass production marketing- excuse me, I mean guitar companies. A hand fitted and glued neck joint can offer more stability and better sustain. Regarding the finish, less poly or other finish provides a better, more accurate tone...all things being equal. It's the tone woods and bracing/construction and strings that make the biggest difference- not the inlays.
@@MOAB-UT yes indeed, I'm very aware of all their models, being an owner of a fine Larrivée instrument for many years. The Satin finish choice is one that allows builders to save time and therefore money on things like pore filling and fine sanding. Glossy finish require a perfect surface. Weather it make the instrument sound better or not is very subjective, I never heard of any actual scientific proof of that. Regarding Larrivée's marketing strategies (about the satin finish entry level models), you can find online many videos where J-C Larrivée himself explain the cost saving approach while keeping ( as you well pointed out) high end building specs. I guess I was just trying to justify the price difference being the great Larrivee fan that I am.
@@cafassiticul Understood. I guess you caught me on a sensitive day as I just bought one yesterday. It's my first ever high end acoustic and I have been playing over 30 years. It was not inexpensive so I really hate the thought that they "cut corners" by skipping pore filling and fine sanding. It is a satin finish. I would hope some preparation goes into it before applying the satin. I still don't think they cut many corners. Yes, it saves money not to gloss and add fancy inlays (that I don't need) but when you consider what you do get, it is an incredible value. Mine will be here on Sat. It is a LV-03e (MOH.) It comes with the L.R. Baggs pup/tuner/EQ, which I plan to immediately upgrade with Anthem. It easily swaps right in (10 minute job) and Larrivee will give it to me near cost. Swapping to Anthem is not an option on the Taylor or Martin without major surgery. So for right around $2k, it seemed like a pretty good deal. Yes, I could have gotten a slightly more finished Taylor (314ce $1,999) or Martin (GPC-16- Fishman Matrix VT Enhance NT2) but this one actually looks like the better value and to me. Most important, it sounds better. Martin comes close but the electronics were not as good. Also, it's a minor point but do they really only screen print their logo on the neck? I find that disappointing. I know my snark tuner will wear that off in a month. That is really cutting corners IMO. Why not just use a Martin sticker (no gloss finish either.) A sticker would actually be better because I could replace that. For around the same price, I strongly considered the Martin GPC-16e but it's smaller (4 1/8" deep vs 4.75" on the Larrivee.) Martin is very tricky because they refer to it as a GP which is a decent size, yet the depth is OOO- and actually to cut corners they shaved the GPC's down from the typical 4.5" to 4 1/8." I suppose across 1 million units, that will add up to cost savings and larger shareholder returns. They market it as a way to "reign in the base." Give us a break- that size is never going to need to do that. That small detail alone tells me that Jean is running a reputable company and truly cares about making quality products with a balanced tone. I will get a lot more mids and lows with a 4.75" depth- all things being equal. Mine is all solid wood, solid neck joint, for ~$200 more, a clean and seamless Anthem electronics install seems hard to beat. That combination could easily be around $3000+ with other premium brands. Taylor necks are also bolt on. To my ears the new V bracing is not good- all treble. Fun at first but after 10 minutes I wanted to put it down- all of them 314ce, 414ce and the beautiful 714ce. Their guitars are like art. I guarantee you in a few years or less, they will upgrade their bracing and bring back the base. I heard in the factory they don't even talk about it anymore. It was very aggressively marketed and people bought them. I heard they make (sell) 800 every day. New does not not equal better. I appreciate that Larrivee is a small USA shop that takes pride in what they make. Their warranty beats just about everyone as well- limited LIFETIME. When you build things right you can do this. I agree that the finish would not have a major impact on tone but some for sure. The woods, type of woods, bracing and construction all matter more. From what I researched, that is all top notch with this company. Do you think I will get on with the neck. I've heard it is bigger and flatter than other brands. For comparison, I currently play a Godin xTSA (16" radius) and a Strat. I guess it helps that I have biggish hands. I just notice your skiing picture and your bird video- check out my similar vid. th-cam.com/video/oxxYQtXgzBY/w-d-xo.html
@@MOAB-UT thank you for the reply. I believe you made a great choice. Aside from looks and cosmetics, there are no real difference in tone or playability between top of the line and entry level at Larrivée. There lies the magic with that brand. It is true that the fretboard is somewhat flatter, a feature I appreciate given it suits my style of playing. I do think larrivee offer the best value for money in the market . Wishing you great fun and inspiration with your new guitar, All the best. L-P
@@cafassiticul Thanks. I am looking forward to it. Hopefully the neck works for me, otherwise, it will go back and I'll continue my search for a pre-2018 714ce or 414ce Taylor.
Very nice guys , beautiful playing , the Bourgeois is stunning , just a beautiful guitar sight and sound. With that said , Larrivee makes beautiful guitars for the value , all comes down to price point and how the guitar feels in ones hands. I do love that Master Grade Rosewood , just beautiful . Thank you guys , appreciate your insight , play on !
I bought a Larrivee new in 1981 (L28 cutaway). Still have it. Got it signed by Tommy, who made me promise not to sell it to anybody but him if I ever had the crazy idea to sell it (over-the-top compliment, but I took it). It is louder than my J200, with a very deep ring in all ranges, and it seems to always get better as years roll on and my hearing gets worse.
You are having too much fun guys.🙃Envy your job. Playing beautiful guitars in every price point! Spectacular Rosewood back on the Bourgeois (do I get a discount for also being a Dana?). In the end how does the guitar sound to me and feel in my hands. That would be my deciding factors. If you can’t be with the guitar you love; love the guitar you’re with.
Get the Larrivee! Tone wise it punches up so much! I've compared side to side to Collings and Santacruz that cost double and the diff was so small on tone but you can feel the quality and craftsmanship
I have a 2019 D-40r that I purchased new. I love it although I did have to roll over the edge of the fretboard binding because it was too sharp. Also there was a little bit of a hip where the binding met the neck. A light sanding of the finish took care of that. Otherwise I'm very pleased.I think it's the best guitar in it's price range. I only paid around 1550$ for mine.
The big difference between those two are the visual grades of the woods and the fact that the Larrivee has a satin polyester finish. Beside that, Jean Larrivee is every bit the master luthier that Dana Bourgeoise (sp) is. If you wanted to make a more even comparison then I would compare a Larrivee OM-10 with a moon spruce top and rosewood with a higher visual grade, along with a full gloss finish and some custom inlay hand fitted by Jean’s wife Wendy Larrivee. The thing is though, under the hood all Larrivee guitars are boutique grade with all solid woods and hand fitting with the 03 series having the same construction as the higher end 09/10 series and the 40 series as the 50/60 “traditionally braced” series. FWIW after 40 years of playing my personal holy grail guitar is the Larrivee OM-03R that I acquired 16 years ago. A friend had a Bourgeois “poor boy” (basically a rosewood/sitka 00) that was nice but not $4k nicer than my $1K Larrivee.
Great notes, Mr. W - The goal was definitely not to provide an "even" comparison, but to provide any notable differences for our audience between these two price points, at least the best that can be taken in via video. While some may say it's not a fair comparison, there are also many that have stories like your last comment, assuring us that even lower priced guitars can have a sound that can compete with those with 2 more zeros in the price tag. We appreciate you watchin!
B 1:19 , L 2:45 for me the larrivee is the winner here. The bourgeois is very nice sounding, but there was much more to hear across the spectrum on the Larrivee. Goes to show you, you can build hype around a name, but quality will always shine in the hands of a competent player
I love the Bourgeois, beautiful, top quality & sound. But at $2,100. for the Larrivée, I would pick it hands down. Larrivée equals fantastic playability & neck action & great sound. Actually you said the Bourgeois was $6,600. so actually $4,500. more. The $2,100. Larrivée provides 95% of the sound at less than 1/3rd the cost. However, if Molly Tuttle had played and signed the Bourgeois, I would pay up immediately in order to own an instrument she had craddled and caressed with her talented fingers. Voilà!
Took the opportunity to listen to some of Tuttle's work - what a talent! If we can coax her into a visit, we'll see if we can't get a Bourgeois in her hands ;) Thanks for watching Mr. M!
That Bourgeois Vts top sounds better in person than the video. I'd spend the extra and add a pick up. Main thing is I sing or lead songs solo, so the better sound WITHOUT a pick is what's best. And makes for a better heirloom. Go Toby!
I just left a guitar store full of Taylor's and Matin's I took in my Larrivee OM-03 Vine. I've had the Larrivee a couple of years now. My wife said you can walk out with any guitar you want, but only one. They had a couple of 6500+ 914's some & series and a couple of 5 series and a tone of 3 series. and a wall full of matin's I made up my mind after a couple of hours and went with the one one that sounded most open and balanced, It was rich in harmonics and rang so long you would swear it was plugged in. Just to be sure I had the guy play 5 of them at random will I stood 10 feet away with my eyes closed. that Larrivee is just unreal. and I took it back home. I will say that in the video that Bourgeois leaves the larrivee in the dust.
A subjective discussion, for sure - but there are times when the Bourgeois shines, for sure. The Larrivee, however, does stand tall and in many applications has a better sound for what's being performed. Two lovely guitars.
$4k is a lot of cork sniffing...the comparative value of the Larrivee is mind blowing. Why not do a blind test of the two guitars and find out if that $4k difference can be heard?
Over many years of playing I now judge the true value of guitar in two principal ways, irrespective of price. 1. How much will you take it out of its case because you know you love playing it at home or out of the house? 2. How much time will it remain in its case unplayed?
A good way to look at it. There are others who treat their instruments more like a work of art, and we don't discriminate! If you'd like to seal your guitar in epoxy and put it on display, we won't put up a fuss... but we sure do like hearing that our customers are playing their guitars!
Sample 1 1:18 (Bourgeois) 2:45 (Larrivee) Sample 2 3:09 (Bourgeois) 1:36 (Larrivee) I've been casually playing my Larrivee guitar for 10 years, but I must admit, the Bourgeois one sounds clearly better!
If you notice my profile picture, you'll see that I'm a Bourgeois owner and huge fan!! I'd take the Bourgeois in a heartbeat because Dana just has the look, feel and TONE for me!! His Aged Tone models are hard to beat!! I have a Reimagined Ambertone D41 that is a FANTASTIC guitar and it isn't in the same league as my AT Vintage Deluxe D Banjo Killer!
Bourgeois is leaps and bounds above the Larrivee. I would keep saving and buy the Bourgeois. Have you guys ever tried a Boucher guitar? If not, you should.
I've never seen a nicer guitar than a Santa Cruz I saw in a shop (Folkways?) in Guelph, Ontario. It was expensive. That Bourgeois looks great too, and I love Larivee's. Couldn't go wrong with either. I particularly like the way the back of the neck/head transitions on the Borgeois. That Santa Cruz had that detail. too.
hmm, a bit strange comparance 2.1 vs 6.6 k :) Its probably easy to decide- depending on buyer's budget. But the fact that you compare these 2 guitars means larrivee somewhere close acoustically .
$4k is a “different” amount of money from one person to the next. It depends on one’s circumstances in life, and possibly on one’s stage in the guitar buying odyssey. The argument I don’t get is the “buy the best and you will never want another guitar.” GAS doesn’t just go away, at least for me...
Larrivee for the win. Imo and I live five minutes from the bourgeois factory in Lewiston maine. I wouldn't mind working there lol Dana bourgeois knows his stuff but there's just something about a larrivee. Iv played both and larivee have upper level guitars like Heartbreakers omv-10 moon and walnut that just IMO is one of the best sounding guitars I've ever heard.
Unfair! Mike & Juan John could both make a washtub with a string sound good ... but really, to me there is very little difference sonically between these guitars. Actually there are parts where I think the Larrivee is better (full disclosure: I own a Larry SD-40). The Bourgeois is a better appointed guitar with that gorgeous rosewood back. Does that justify and extra $4500 ? Not for me at this point in my financial life, but maybe it does for someone else. Afterall, my Larrivee isn't 7x better than the $300 Seagull I started out with, but the overall value is there for me right now ... as John15333 pointed out earlier, I had to learn that the hard way to get to the one I love. Thanks again Mike & Juan John & HBG.
Sure can. If you mean in this video, featured is the Larrivee OM-40E and the Bourgeois OM DB Signature. Our inventory has changed quite a bit since the shooting of this video, but we'd be happy to share our current list of both Larrivee and Bourgeois guitars! Thanks for watching, David!
I love Larrivee from the first sight when I see Aaron Terrapin playing with that guitar. In terms of quality and design, the body shape is very elegant and luxurious. I so want to buy it. Is there a guitar manufacturer Larrivee available in Indonesia?
You guys should have a disclaimer...that these guitars may cause excessive drooling. Great video! Is it just me or does the Bourgeois look like Brazilian Rosewood back and sides?
@@HeartbreakerGuitars I was not questioning your expertise by any means when I said that the Bourgeois guitar looks like it has Brazilian back and sides. But is it common for Master Grade EIR to look more like Brazilian where the grain is more swirled than straight?
Good demo...Yes you are being a pair of “cork sniffers”, but that’s your job. The real question is: does the Bourgeois sound three times as good as the Larrivee? Of course not. It’s not just the sound, it’s the total experience. Higher grade materials and finish do not necessarily result in overwhelming better tone. The Bourgeois is visually more appealing, but the law of diminishing returns is at work here. An extra four grand does not get you a corresponding increase in tone or even playability. They both sound great...period!
Yes you are right... its the whole playing experience isn't it? These Larrivees are tone machines and stand up to the "elite" boutique brands no doubt... thanks for your insight.
Tex Haines I’d love to go in person and play both side-by-side if possible. No doubt both will sound better than thru headphones. I gotta disagree with four times better for the Bourgeois. Already own a Larrivee. It is also made in USA: Oxnard, CA.
@@texhaines9957 Both are American made guitars. The Bourgeois was a boutique instrument made from master-grade tonewoods. The Larrivee was a stock model. Of course it sounded better…this is how you fix a competition. Jean Larrivee is the world’s greatest living luthier. This video is an insult to him.
I wish you were comparing apples and apples. Why not see what a Larrivee OM-10 sounds against that Bourgeois? Much better comparison, and I'd argue you'd both be eyeing the Larrivee (who not only has master grade woods, but Jean Larrivee is renowned as a master wood grader.
A common response. The idea of the video is not to compare two guitars of the same price, quality, build, etc. The purpose of this video is to provide you with a "$2k vs $6k" comparison, on video, from where we are to where you are.
its like the difference between a well made cabinet or table and an Ikea one , the Ikea one is nice and is great value for the money but the other premium one has the great details and finishes , and for guitars a little better tone so you pay a real premium ,like the man said if you have the money well worth it !
We won't tell them that you compared them to Ikea :) But you're absolutely right! Are the appointments, details and finish worth the extra investment? Each have their own opinion, for sure!
@@HeartbreakerGuitars okay then thanks , I actually own a Larrivee guitar for 10 years and its nice and better with age , but its by no means a bourgeois guitar so I would pick it over the Larrivee for sure
There is a difference in what you are doing with the guitar as well. Both are made with quality wood. Obviously the Bourgeois is a higher quality and there a a greater time spent with one luthier building it. But the consistent high quality work done by makers like Larrivee, Taylor and Martin plus the warrantee is important to people as well. What is the deciding factor is for me, am I playing in a roadside honky tonk that may have drunk people doing stupid stuff close to my $6000 custom built instrument or am I playing on a major stage through hundreds of thousands of dollars of equipment who paid for a ticket to see me and my stage show. Although drunk people are at those events too the distance and the chance of my $6000 custom guitar getting damages is far less. I am a simple guy in certain terms and the work horse from Larivvee works fine for me. Bucket list and money is no object I would own the Bourgeois, a high end Collings, and Olsen and a Santa Cuz and I cover all the bucket list bases
Maybe it’s because I am a Larrivee owner... but I think that the Larrivee sounds much better. To me, I hear more wood. When he started hitting those Bluegrass lines the Larrivee sounded more like a Dread.
We can't blame you for possibly having just a bit of favoritism. Both great guitars, but there are parts where the Larrivee pulls ahead of other brands. Hard to judge between these two!
I think an added consideration, for myself, is that if I chose the Bourgeois as a "lifelong achievement" gift to myself or another musician as a symbol of the time dedicated to the art, then I'd go for the higher end sound and appointments. For a musician, a $2k instrument isn't overly expensive, and some might call it a mid-range guitar(whereas if you're not so far invested in music, then $2k is a tough ask). To put it another way, if I invested 10 or 20 years into learning guitar, then a luthier made instrument isn't so out of the ordinary.
🔵 i can tell you from experience , as a private collector , Bourgeois is NOT worth three times the Larrivee.... i) first off , you're stating over inflated selling prices , especially if you're talking US dollars , and selling to someone who knows what a guitar can actually be purchased for ii) you used a less expensive Larrivee build and compared it to an even higher end Bourgeois build iii) I own a few of each of these builders ; I'll give you from experience the better of the builder models I own , Bourgeois OO-150B BrzRw vs Larrivee L-10C custom cut BrzRw , both purchased like new resale ; price differential at tops 2:1 ie. $7.5K CAD vs $4K CAD dollars iii) fit , finish , wood selections , both were of superior builds and equal quality , the Bourgeois had better tuners and bone pins , the Larrivee had some excess but very beautiful abalone inlay bling iv) the guitar tones , well nothing that would even suggest a 2:1 price differential ; my personal preference , I like the tone and feel of the Larrivee better ; the Bourgeois is a superior tone guitar too , but the super tight build of the Bourgeois , for me , feels like it deminishes the overtones in favour of the fundamental tone v) I love 'em both , they're great small shop builders , and small shop builders do it the best ~ tone per pound £$€¥ ❕❕💙 🌹 😍
Other than price, they seem comparable, the Bourgeois has pricier woods of course. A fool and his money are soon parted. It all depends on if you buy a guitar based on the looks rather than the sound and playability. To my ear, the Larivee is warmer and fuller sound.
My credentials. I've played and owned guitars for 32 years. Video does not always do justice, but from what I heard they sound equal. If I had to pick one on sound alone, the Larrivee seemed to have a bit more clarity and the Bourgeois seemed a bit muddier sounding.
A sound explanation. We do, however, see quite a few opinions change when a guitar makes it into a players hands. From the video alone, however, you've got a point!
@@HeartbreakerGuitars That's a valid point. I've had that very thing happen to me on numerous occasions. You just never know until you've actually played them. Both are Awesome guitars!
I disagree. I stopped the video and skipped to side by side comparisons with them playing the same thing and the Bourgeois was much better. Not $4k better but still better.
To echo what so many people have said; what matters is that you love it and it inspires you to play it. Personally, I have an OM-09 that is still the best guitar I’ve ever played (IMHO) after playing plenty of high-end acoustics. I would be curious to see how a higher-end Larrivee compares to a Bourgeois such as this.
The comparison is a little bit unfair because Larrivee has the OM-60 for around $4900. This is kind of like comparing a Martin OM-18 vs another brands version of a D-28 - not equivalent withim the same range
You've nailed it. The idea is to hear the difference between the prices, including the subjective upgrades to woods, bracing, finishes, etc. Definitely just an informative video for our viewers who'd like to see and hear a quick difference. Thanks for watching!
Trying to figure out why Heartbreaker guitars would compare the lower end Larrivee to a Bourgeois unless you were deliberately trying to create a large comparison and unfavorable criticism. I think a more favorable comparison, for Larrivee, would be am OM-10 against the Bourgeiois, don't you Heartbreaker?
Sorry for the confusion, Michael! I'll see what I can do to help. The question comes up often: 'What makes a guitar worth double or triple another inside the same shop?' Those not fully familiar with the complications of harvesting rare woods, for example, might have a hard time accepting a large price difference between two guitars with a nearly identical sound, but made of woods from completely different parts of the world. We hear this questions so often (What makes this one worth so much?) that we felt it would be worth making a video about. Trying to figure out why Michael isn't part of the over 14,000 people that enjoyed this video. ;) Hope you're able to find value in some of our other videos, Michael!
I find it a little strange when you two play together... It's like you guys are playing two different incompatible songs. You are both great players by yourselves though.
It mostly takes listening to the other player and adapting your style to theirs. If you can't break out of your box of licks, it's not going to work out.
Of course you don't. They're plenty of really excellent guitars around 500 to 2000 that kick A!!! I love Bourgeois, Santa Cruz, Collings, Froggy bottom etc. too of course. Though you don't have to spend 6-10 k to get a killer guitar. If you're able to afford and want it go for it. Everybody just get what you can afford and just fricken play your ass off everyday!!! Nuff said! Cheers!
A more accurate comparison would be to compare the Bourg with something like a Boucher or Collings that cost less, eh? You're kinda comparing an F1 car with a high performance street car......is that "fair'?
The question we're helping answer, Mr. Selinger, is "What makes this guitar worth three times the price?" If you're completely clear as to how these two models differ in sound and build quality, perhaps an F1 video would be a great next stop. We appreciate your feedback, never-the-less. Thanks!
You're basically making a commercial for Bourgeois dudes....be honest.....as they say at the roulette table, it's rigged in favour of the house. Yep, I call you out......"cork sniffers!" lol. And if, as you say in your reply to me the question your answering is " what makes this guitar worth three times the price?" you didn't really dive into that in any depth. You didn't talk about the construction, feel of the neck, action, type of strings, nor anything else. Just pointing that out, eh! IS IT REALLY WORTH THREE TIMES THE PRICE? To whom, and why? I think anyone would agree a Rausch mustang with 600 bhp will eat a Ford fiesta for lunch, eh!
There's one more important thing to consider, and that is Larrivee fuitars are all built to last. That has been proven and the proof is in the pudding.
The Bourg is easily the better sounding and cosmetically better guitar..I play a custom 20 year old Vancouver made hand chosen wood and inlaid Larrivee C09 ... yes I’m a larrivee dealer.. .But my Martin D18 gokden era has replaced my larrivee in my stage backline
The Golden Eras are absolutely fantastic guitars as well, and often quite snug in between the price of these two guitars. Most agree with you, though when you switch from a solo guitar performance to a multi-track performance, Larrivee can quickly make up a lot of ground. Thanks for watching Mr. Law!
Larrivee best acoustic in the world for the $.Tried Gibson valued at $25 k, terrible, Martin is better than Taylor in most models, Larrivee secret is the binding inside, plus more
They have some incredible guitars, we'd have to agree with you. Dana Bourgeois does put a lot into his line of guitars as well, making it very hard to answer the question of which is better value. Thanks for watching, Mark!
I don't think, sonically it is 3 times better, to my ear the Bourgeois is fuller and better balanced overall. Visually, there is no comparison, the Bourgeois is stunning. All that said, the Larrivee is a great sounding guitar and is quality built in its own right and certainly punching far above it's price point. Would love to own the Bourgeois but I personally can't justify it for my skill level and the fact that I'd be rubbing it with a diaper all the time. If I had the dough, I want both...in fact I want all the guitars. Good video gentlemen.
For four grand more it better be good.... and better...is it worth it? Only if you're rich and can play. Yeah the Bourg sounds better.....you should compare it with something cheaper made of the same grade woods, maybe? Like a $4000 guitar that would still be 2 grand less but have an adi top and rosewood back and sides. And a torrified adirondack top should sound better than a sitka top, so it's a rigged comparison methinks! You take any guitar and compare it with one that costs 3 times as much it better sound better, unless it's a Martin, Gibson or Taylor.....there are many cheaper guitars that sound better than those overpriced three lol. Compare
Good day, Randall! First, we thank you for watching. By no means are we suggesting that these two guitars would likely be the final two choices for any player's next purchase. They are, indeed, two entirely different guitars. The comparison we were hoping the view would recognize, is the value of a guitar closer to the lower average price (in our shop) to a guitar close to our higher priced guitars. While your opinion is strongly in favor of what some might say is obvious, not everyone prefers the sounds of the higher priced guitar, even in more extreme situations. Playing style, application and the fact of which is better is entirely subjective is why we made this video for you, Mr. Selinger. We appreciate your feedback!
@@HeartbreakerGuitars I get it.....it just didn't seem clear in your "discussion" of the guitars, and the focus was obviously on the Bourgeois....that is and was obvious!
This comparison is flawed, in that a Larrivee that would be truly comparable to the Bourgeois would have to be either a Larrivee C-09, a C-10 or a D-60, not the one in the video. Tone woods are different. Might as well compare a Chevy to a BMW. Having both a high-end Bourgeois and a high-end Larrivee, the Larrivee wins every time in most every respect, hands down. Ask Tommy Emmanuel, Pete Anderson or Brad Paisely.
We're glad you were able to watch the video :) Part of the reason this video has been viewed so many times is for the basic question that it helps some to answer: "Is a 6k guitar comparable to a 2k guitar?" We'll put you down for a fan of the Larrivee, Mr. Reagan.
@@HeartbreakerGuitars You're right, now that I watched the video again. It's not about comparing Larrivee to Bourgeois, but what one gets for a wide gap in purchase price---in this case $2K vs $6K. IMHO, the Larrivee $2K holds its own in this comparison, and my experience is most others can't. Thanks for correcting me.
Elitism looks good on nobody. These guys work in a guitar store, and, trust me. they cannot even come close to affording the Larrivee. Maybe the Godin...so long as they aren't paying rent in a major City, that is.
Standard procedure would be to remove a comment like this, as little sense as it makes. But, we'll let it sit here just beyond your name so people know what you had to say. Cheers, Robert. An incredible perspective you've got.
I have had my Larrivee for 14 years and it just keeps sounding better and better. I play it everyday for a few hours and once a week for about 4 hours straight with a band. The guys I jam with have Martins and mine is a favorite. But it's personal preference. If you have the money get what you want because they bring happiness for years and years.
To be fair, any guitar sounds better and better with age.
I'm far from being an expert, or guitar aficionado, but about 20 years ago I wanted to upgrade. I went to a store with full intent of buying a Martin. I ended up with a custom D10 Larrivee. I kept coming back to it because the sound was so beautiful. Deep rich tones. Beautiful mother of pearl inlays, Brazilian rosewood back and sides, spruce top. I paid much less than I would have, for a Martin with all the added features.
A common occurrence here as well - The result of "what else would you recommend" has opened up eyes to new models and sometimes entirely new brands.
How ironic: I entered a famed NYC guitar store looking to purchase a Taylor. I walked out with a Larrivee L-09. No greats. Love that Larrivee!
Larrivee guitars give good value and great tone. They are great performance guitars. I had Larrivee dread D-11 that my friend used for five cds and James Taylor played a concert set with it. He just grabbed from its stand without asking and took it on stage, played the set. He said as he handed it back, its the real deal. Next time watch it better. I may not return it. He was right it was a killer guitar. True story. Thanks!
I had never heard of Larivee guitars up until a couple years ago. I was looking for a high quality guitar that suited my vocal tone, so I decided to spend a day playing virtually every guitar in the local Long and Mcquade. The showdown ended up coming down to two guitars, and they were both Larivees. There was no comparison, even from Gibsons with double the price tag. I'm now playing a Larivee LV-03e, and couldn't be happier with it!
Agree.....I have a Larrivee as well as a Boucher......the Larrivee is a sweet guitar........the Boucher cost twice as much. and i love them both.....is it twice as good? No, it's different. They both do what they're supposed to do very well.
I have LV03 e as well lovely sounding instrument big neck tho but I love her
I have a 17 year old L-09 and every year it sounds sweeter.
The Bourg has much more mids and sparkly highs , the Larrivee is definitely warmer sounding much deeper bottom end yet still retaining adequate highs .. Personally I prefer the sound of the Larrivee, but for cosmetic appointments, the Bourg takes the cake 😉
$4000 more to be a bit prettier, naw I'll take the Larrivee.
Would be interesting to hear a slightly higher end/closer Larrivee.
Larrivee for the win
One thing to note is that Larrivee guitars, due to their bracing, can take years to open up. That Larrivee will sound even more responsive when it’s fully opened up.
Appreciate the feedback. Quite a few guitars do in fact take months or years to "develop". Thanks for watching, Scott!
@@HeartbreakerGuitarsLarrivee's are designed and built for longevity and therefore take longer than many others to open up. I have a L-09 which is now 17 years old and sounds much sweeter now than when it was new. Hopefully I will be around to experience it in 17 years from now.
The best things in life are worth stretching for. That stretch is different for everyone. Sometimes the stretch is to a 2k guitar, sometimes that stretch is to a 12k guitar.
At the end of the day, think about the one you LOVE and then think about what it will do when you let it get away. I've wasted so much money buying the more "responsible" choice, only to sell it down the road, at a loss, to try and find the one that never left my head.
You live once in this world. Chances are, you will end up spending the SAME amount of money on a guitar. You can bite the bullet now and never have the need to trade up, or you can spend the money down the road and go through the headache and mind games. To each their own but I know what I'm doing now. It took several decades of mistakes to figure it out!
Excellent points John! Thanks for sharing...
Yes. And if you have more than one grandchild that plays, that good guitar will go farther than you think. I lost my Mom young, my first wife to brest cancer. Dad to bladder cancer last year & wife to leukemia weeks ago. Life is fragile. Does a more expensive guitar mean you'll play better? You sorta work up to it. But yes, I think it does in my case. And with comparisons like this, it provides lower cost options that in 30 years will sound great. Now if I had BOTH, and someone starting reallly liked the Larrivee, I could see making it a present. That's how I got my first guitar, a present from a stranger. Internment messes up the people connections to an extent. But Toby can tell which is which .
Tex Haines brother sorry about your loss, I’ve got a p09 Larrivee and 322 Taylor. Both 12 fret.....Love both, music sure does take the edge off life especially sitting and doing some good ole pickin’
It probably comes down to the knockout beauty of the higher end guitar. But even though plain looking, I do like the satin finish on the Larrivee. The thinner finish may aid in the sound and the aging process.
Thanks for watching!
Bourgeois is definitely worth the 4K difference in price. Thanks guys another marvelous vid.
We appreciate ya Robert! Thanks for the feedback!!
this is just a free commercial for Dana Bourgoise and rich people lol!
Both are great guitars, but I would never spend $6600 on the Bourgeois. There is very little sonic difference between the 2. I own 3 Larrivees and a Goodall. There is very little difference in the sound or quality. Larrivees definitely are incredible values, impeccable quality and compete well against any boutique guitars. Jean Larrivee travels the world sourcing his tone woods, and has been for 50+ years. Thanks for the great demo.
And thank you for watching, Keith!
I will be purchasing a 98 model Larrivee C10 in just a few weeks. It was hand built in Canada and that adds so much more in terms of value to me. It is an absolutely beautiful guitar with that Larrivee tone that's all its own, that's what drew me to wanting one in the first place I cannot wait to get it. Been wanting a Larrivee as long as I've been playing and this C10 has top quality woods and inlays. I know there are other quality hand made guitars out there, but it's Larrivee for me.
The Bourgeois sounds fabulous. I have a 62 Martin D28 and it's the sweetest sounding guitar I've ever owned but that Bourgy sounds r3wlltngood. Larrivees are nice too but I preferred the Bourgy in this comparison.
Larrivees are great guitars, but I disagree about there being very little sonic difference. I could tell a big difference. Again, this isn't a knock on Larrivee as much as it's a praise for Bourgeois. I think Bourgeois is the best american made acoustic out there. IMO
No ways first time i listened on my phone I could clearly hear that the Bourgeois was much better and I like Larivee alot but there is a big difference. Is it a $4k difference? I don't think so but that is the law of diminishing returns. Larivee punches above its weight and price but there is a clear difference in sound, volume, clarity and quality if you ever get the privilege of handling one you will immediately notice the difference in craftsmanship.
An addi top also makes a huge difference in tone. You can usually get the Larrivee at a steep discount on the used market. I could buy the Larrivee of my choice , a Martin HD 28, and a Taylor 500 series all for $6000.
Adirondack spruce is just an industry term for red spruce from the Adirondack region. What makes it special is that its torrefied/artificially aged
hard to argue with cork sniffers...they've already made up their minds.....the Bourg sounded better but they didn't really get into why it costs 3 or 4 times as much....and worth it, to who? Fact is they are comparing two quite different things, And an aged addi top as well!
Why not compare the Larrivee OM-50 or OM-60? They’d still be thousands less and actually compete.
yeah....this is a rigged commercial for Dana Bourgoise lol!
Larrivee probably builds the tightest guitars on the planet - literally!
I've owned two of them in the past ( L-09, D-60 ) and its the only guitar where I can tune certain strings and all the others stay perfectly in tune.
Craftsmanship kings!
I have 3 Larrivee and could not agree more..the Vancouver LV 03R is the best
@@macstil585 I have just sourced an LV-03R and it is a wonderful guitar. I can't put it down! I already have a D-05 and it is a great guitar too. The difference is it's a mahogany back & sides and the LV is rosewood. I'm loving both!
The Adirondack/sitka difference counts for a lot into this. Also Larrivee are cutting cost on the finish which is the reason for the huge price difference between their models. Bourgeois sounds awesome but half the time it took to build was on finishing the instrument, hence the price tag difference.
They have high end models too. Their LV-10 50th Anniversary model is going for nearly $10k on reverb right now- used. They just also have more affordable models like this one starting around $2k.
I would argue they are not cutting corners. You still get a hand made guitar with a dove-tail joint- not bolted like some of the big, mass production marketing- excuse me, I mean guitar companies. A hand fitted and glued neck joint can offer more stability and better sustain.
Regarding the finish, less poly or other finish provides a better, more accurate tone...all things being equal. It's the tone woods and bracing/construction and strings that make the biggest difference- not the inlays.
@@MOAB-UT yes indeed, I'm very aware of all their models, being an owner of a fine Larrivée instrument for many years. The Satin finish choice is one that allows builders to save time and therefore money on things like pore filling and fine sanding. Glossy finish require a perfect surface. Weather it make the instrument sound better or not is very subjective, I never heard of any actual scientific proof of that. Regarding Larrivée's marketing strategies (about the satin finish entry level models), you can find online many videos where J-C Larrivée himself explain the cost saving approach while keeping ( as you well pointed out) high end building specs. I guess I was just trying to justify the price difference being the great Larrivee fan that I am.
@@cafassiticul Understood. I guess you caught me on a sensitive day as I just bought one yesterday. It's my first ever high end acoustic and I have been playing over 30 years. It was not inexpensive so I really hate the thought that they "cut corners" by skipping pore filling and fine sanding. It is a satin finish. I would hope some preparation goes into it before applying the satin. I still don't think they cut many corners. Yes, it saves money not to gloss and add fancy inlays (that I don't need) but when you consider what you do get, it is an incredible value.
Mine will be here on Sat. It is a LV-03e (MOH.) It comes with the L.R. Baggs pup/tuner/EQ, which I plan to immediately upgrade with Anthem. It easily swaps right in (10 minute job) and Larrivee will give it to me near cost. Swapping to Anthem is not an option on the Taylor or Martin without major surgery.
So for right around $2k, it seemed like a pretty good deal. Yes, I could have gotten a slightly more finished Taylor (314ce $1,999) or Martin (GPC-16- Fishman Matrix VT Enhance NT2) but this one actually looks like the better value and to me. Most important, it sounds better. Martin comes close but the electronics were not as good. Also, it's a minor point but do they really only screen print their logo on the neck? I find that disappointing. I know my snark tuner will wear that off in a month. That is really cutting corners IMO. Why not just use a Martin sticker (no gloss finish either.) A sticker would actually be better because I could replace that. For around the same price, I strongly considered the Martin GPC-16e but it's smaller (4 1/8" deep vs 4.75" on the Larrivee.) Martin is very tricky because they refer to it as a GP which is a decent size, yet the depth is OOO- and actually to cut corners they shaved the GPC's down from the typical 4.5" to 4 1/8." I suppose across 1 million units, that will add up to cost savings and larger shareholder returns. They market it as a way to "reign in the base." Give us a break- that size is never going to need to do that. That small detail alone tells me that Jean is running a reputable company and truly cares about making quality products with a balanced tone. I will get a lot more mids and lows with a 4.75" depth- all things being equal.
Mine is all solid wood, solid neck joint, for ~$200 more, a clean and seamless Anthem electronics install seems hard to beat. That combination could easily be around $3000+ with other premium brands. Taylor necks are also bolt on. To my ears the new V bracing is not good- all treble. Fun at first but after 10 minutes I wanted to put it down- all of them 314ce, 414ce and the beautiful 714ce. Their guitars are like art. I guarantee you in a few years or less, they will upgrade their bracing and bring back the base. I heard in the factory they don't even talk about it anymore. It was very aggressively marketed and people bought them. I heard they make (sell) 800 every day. New does not not equal better. I appreciate that Larrivee is a small USA shop that takes pride in what they make. Their warranty beats just about everyone as well- limited LIFETIME. When you build things right you can do this.
I agree that the finish would not have a major impact on tone but some for sure. The woods, type of woods, bracing and construction all matter more. From what I researched, that is all top notch with this company.
Do you think I will get on with the neck. I've heard it is bigger and flatter than other brands. For comparison, I currently play a Godin xTSA (16" radius) and a Strat. I guess it helps that I have biggish hands.
I just notice your skiing picture and your bird video- check out my similar vid. th-cam.com/video/oxxYQtXgzBY/w-d-xo.html
@@MOAB-UT thank you for the reply. I believe you made a great choice. Aside from looks and cosmetics, there are no real difference in tone or playability between top of the line and entry level at Larrivée. There lies the magic with that brand.
It is true that the fretboard is somewhat flatter, a feature I appreciate given it suits my style of playing. I do think larrivee offer the best value for money in the market . Wishing you great fun and inspiration with your new guitar,
All the best.
L-P
@@cafassiticul Thanks. I am looking forward to it. Hopefully the neck works for me, otherwise, it will go back and I'll continue my search for a pre-2018 714ce or 414ce Taylor.
Very nice guys , beautiful playing , the Bourgeois is stunning , just a beautiful guitar sight and sound. With that said , Larrivee makes beautiful guitars for the value , all comes down to price point and how the guitar feels in ones hands. I do love that Master Grade Rosewood , just beautiful . Thank you guys , appreciate your insight , play on !
Thanks for watching!
I bought a Larrivee new in 1981 (L28 cutaway). Still have it. Got it signed by Tommy, who made me promise not to sell it to anybody but him if I ever had the crazy idea to sell it (over-the-top compliment, but I took it). It is louder than my J200, with a very deep ring in all ranges, and it seems to always get better as years roll on and my hearing gets worse.
I have a Larrivee OM40-R. Love her. Would I love to have the Bourgeois also? You bet! But with my bitty budget, the Larrivee works just fine for me!
Sometimes we have to stretch the budget just a wee bit! But Larrivee is a great brand with great guitars!
You are having too much fun guys.🙃Envy your job. Playing beautiful guitars in every price point! Spectacular Rosewood back on the Bourgeois (do I get a discount for also being a Dana?). In the end how does the guitar sound to me and feel in my hands. That would be my deciding factors. If you can’t be with the guitar you love; love the guitar you’re with.
Thanks Dana! Yes, we do love our jobs here! Thanks for watching, we really appreciate the feedback!
Kicking around the idea of a $1500 dollar guitar. Like a Martin 00-15. Larrivee is now on my radar. Bourgeois will have to wait for a lottery win.
Thanks for watching Ron!
Get the Larrivee !
Get a Larrivee...for $1,500 the L-03 is an outstanding value and an unbelievably great instrument...
Get the Larrivee! Tone wise it punches up so much! I've compared side to side to Collings and Santacruz that cost double and the diff was so small on tone but you can feel the quality and craftsmanship
I have a 2019 D-40r that I purchased new. I love it although I did have to roll over the edge of the fretboard binding because it was too sharp. Also there was a little bit of a hip where the binding met the neck. A light sanding of the finish took care of that. Otherwise I'm very pleased.I think it's the best guitar in it's price range. I only paid around 1550$ for mine.
Nice choice, VR! Sounds like you've made your D-40 your very own.
The big difference between those two are the visual grades of the woods and the fact that the Larrivee has a satin polyester finish. Beside that, Jean Larrivee is every bit the master luthier that Dana Bourgeoise (sp) is. If you wanted to make a more even comparison then I would compare a Larrivee OM-10 with a moon spruce top and rosewood with a higher visual grade, along with a full gloss finish and some custom inlay hand fitted by Jean’s wife Wendy Larrivee.
The thing is though, under the hood all Larrivee guitars are boutique grade with all solid woods and hand fitting with the 03 series having the same construction as the higher end 09/10 series and the 40 series as the 50/60 “traditionally braced” series.
FWIW after 40 years of playing my personal holy grail guitar is the Larrivee OM-03R that I acquired 16 years ago. A friend had a Bourgeois “poor boy” (basically a rosewood/sitka 00) that was nice but not $4k nicer than my $1K Larrivee.
Great notes, Mr. W - The goal was definitely not to provide an "even" comparison, but to provide any notable differences for our audience between these two price points, at least the best that can be taken in via video. While some may say it's not a fair comparison, there are also many that have stories like your last comment, assuring us that even lower priced guitars can have a sound that can compete with those with 2 more zeros in the price tag. We appreciate you watchin!
i would choose the bourgeois if i had that kind of money for guitar , but pound for pound the larivee wins by a mile
Lots to consider, for sure. Appreciate ya watchin!
B 1:19 , L 2:45 for me the larrivee is the winner here. The bourgeois is very nice sounding, but there was much more to hear across the spectrum on the Larrivee. Goes to show you, you can build hype around a name, but quality will always shine in the hands of a competent player
I love the Bourgeois, beautiful, top quality & sound. But at $2,100. for the Larrivée, I would pick it hands down. Larrivée equals fantastic playability & neck action & great sound. Actually you said the Bourgeois was $6,600. so actually $4,500. more. The $2,100. Larrivée provides 95% of the sound at less than 1/3rd the cost. However, if Molly Tuttle had played and signed the Bourgeois, I would pay up immediately in order to own an instrument she had craddled and caressed with her talented fingers. Voilà!
Took the opportunity to listen to some of Tuttle's work - what a talent! If we can coax her into a visit, we'll see if we can't get a Bourgeois in her hands ;) Thanks for watching Mr. M!
I have 25 year old Larrrivee, never replace it, superb and sound gets better and better
We love our Larrivee Guitars! Thanks for watching, Mr. Hunter
That Bourgeois Vts top sounds better in person than the video. I'd spend the extra and add a pick up. Main thing is I sing or lead songs solo, so the better sound WITHOUT a pick is what's best. And makes for a better heirloom. Go Toby!
Thanks Tex!
I just left a guitar store full of Taylor's and Matin's I took in my Larrivee OM-03 Vine. I've had the Larrivee a couple of years now. My wife said you can walk out with any guitar you want, but only one. They had a couple of 6500+ 914's some & series and a couple of 5 series and a tone of 3 series. and a wall full of matin's I made up my mind after a couple of hours and went with the one one that sounded most open and balanced, It was rich in harmonics and rang so long you would swear it was plugged in. Just to be sure I had the guy play 5 of them at random will I stood 10 feet away with my eyes closed. that Larrivee is just unreal. and I took it back home. I will say that in the video that Bourgeois leaves the larrivee in the dust.
A subjective discussion, for sure - but there are times when the Bourgeois shines, for sure. The Larrivee, however, does stand tall and in many applications has a better sound for what's being performed. Two lovely guitars.
$4k is a lot of cork sniffing...the comparative value of the Larrivee is mind blowing.
Why not do a blind test of the two guitars and find out if that $4k difference can be heard?
absolutely not, because higher end guitars are meant to be respected as an art. sound is personal when you have the best solid tonewoods available.
I've seen blind tests done with Larrivees and they almost always are preferred.
Over many years of playing I now judge the true value of guitar in two principal ways, irrespective of price.
1. How much will you take it out of its case because you know you love playing it at home or out of the house?
2. How much time will it remain in its case unplayed?
A good way to look at it. There are others who treat their instruments more like a work of art, and we don't discriminate! If you'd like to seal your guitar in epoxy and put it on display, we won't put up a fuss... but we sure do like hearing that our customers are playing their guitars!
Sample 1
1:18 (Bourgeois)
2:45 (Larrivee)
Sample 2
3:09 (Bourgeois)
1:36 (Larrivee)
I've been casually playing my Larrivee guitar for 10 years, but I must admit, the Bourgeois one sounds clearly better!
Even those with loyalty find it hard not to acknowledge that noticeable change. Both still great!
Now at least i know where the heartbreaker at heartbreaker guitars is, its the baby posted up on the couch behind them!
Our CEO. Toby the Beagle.
If you notice my profile picture, you'll see that I'm a Bourgeois owner and huge fan!! I'd take the Bourgeois in a heartbeat because Dana just has the look, feel and TONE for me!! His Aged Tone models are hard to beat!! I have a Reimagined Ambertone D41 that is a FANTASTIC guitar and it isn't in the same league as my AT Vintage Deluxe D Banjo Killer!
Thanks Brad! Appreciate the feedback!
Bourgeois is leaps and bounds above the Larrivee. I would keep saving and buy the Bourgeois. Have you guys ever tried a Boucher guitar? If not, you should.
We definitely have some that share your opinion, and some others that wouldn't ever leave their Larrivee's side. Thanks for watching!
I've never seen a nicer guitar than a Santa Cruz I saw in a shop (Folkways?) in Guelph, Ontario. It was expensive.
That Bourgeois looks great too, and I love Larivee's. Couldn't go wrong with either. I particularly like the way the back of the neck/head transitions on the Borgeois. That Santa Cruz had that detail. too.
You've got great taste! There's good reason behind us carrying all three of these brands, and quality is at the top of the list. Thanks for watching!
hmm, a bit strange comparance 2.1 vs 6.6 k :) Its probably easy to decide- depending on buyer's budget. But the fact that you compare these 2 guitars means larrivee somewhere close acoustically .
$4k is a “different” amount of money from one person to the next. It depends on one’s circumstances in life, and possibly on one’s stage in the guitar buying odyssey. The argument I don’t get is the “buy the best and you will never want another guitar.” GAS doesn’t just go away, at least for me...
Oh my gosh, you hit the nail on the head my friend... GAS never leaves a true guitar junkie (like me) LOL. Thanks for watching !!
GAS is a lifelong illness my friend. I'm also afflicted by the disease.
bourgeois is just the next level of guitar building , once you play it you can't go back.
Larrivee for the win. Imo and I live five minutes from the bourgeois factory in Lewiston maine. I wouldn't mind working there lol Dana bourgeois knows his stuff but there's just something about a larrivee. Iv played both and larivee have upper level guitars like Heartbreakers omv-10 moon and walnut that just IMO is one of the best sounding guitars I've ever heard.
Being such close neighbors to Dana, we'll keep your opinion between us :) Thanks for watching Brian!
Unfair! Mike & Juan John could both make a washtub with a string sound good ... but really, to me there is very little difference sonically between these guitars. Actually there are parts where I think the Larrivee is better (full disclosure: I own a Larry SD-40). The Bourgeois is a better appointed guitar with that gorgeous rosewood back. Does that justify and extra $4500 ? Not for me at this point in my financial life, but maybe it does for someone else. Afterall, my Larrivee isn't 7x better than the $300 Seagull I started out with, but the overall value is there for me right now ... as John15333 pointed out earlier, I had to learn that the hard way to get to the one I love. Thanks again Mike & Juan John & HBG.
Ain't that the truth!
I would put my 2019 furch limited up. Against them. For the money😁
Bourgeois is the better McPherson tops that so nice to have all these choices. Today
But if you had been blind folded which one would you have picked?
We tried that video before, and made the mistake of blindfolding everyone. Thank goodness for insurance.
Love the demo. Could you tell us what model Larrivee and Bourgeois you have???
Sure can. If you mean in this video, featured is the Larrivee OM-40E and the Bourgeois OM DB Signature. Our inventory has changed quite a bit since the shooting of this video, but we'd be happy to share our current list of both Larrivee and Bourgeois guitars! Thanks for watching, David!
Bourgeois sounds more tinny? same guage strings on both?
First time hearing that. Not sure we still have these models around, but we can do some digging and let you know!
Recently bought a new Larrivee L05 which sounds better than my midrange Martins and cost less.
Not the first time we've heard this. Jean Larrivee is a living legend for a reason... fantastic guitars!
The different is I will take a Larrivee to BBQ and beach, but I wont take the Bourgeois DB signature out to complicated environment easily !
Now that is true! Thanks for commenting!
IMO the Bourgeois has the edge here, not just visually, but sonically.
definitely
I prefer the sound of the Larrivee, but the other one has nice looking woods.🐰🎸🎵🤝✌️
I love Larrivee from the first sight when I see Aaron Terrapin playing with that guitar. In terms of quality and design, the body shape is very elegant and luxurious. I so want to buy it. Is there a guitar manufacturer Larrivee available in Indonesia?
Not sure about manufacturing, but we are sure that we ship worldwide!
nothing sounds better than a Larrivee
Makes it easy to pick your next guitar! Thanks for watchin'
That's a lot of extra money but a beautiful guitar to see and play
True, and true!
You guys should have a disclaimer...that these guitars may cause excessive drooling. Great video! Is it just me or does the Bourgeois look like Brazilian Rosewood back and sides?
LOL! Thanks Markion!
@@HeartbreakerGuitars I was not questioning your expertise by any means when I said that the Bourgeois guitar looks like it has Brazilian back and sides. But is it common for Master Grade EIR to look more like Brazilian where the grain is more swirled than straight?
Good demo...Yes you are being a pair of “cork sniffers”, but that’s your job. The real question is: does the Bourgeois sound three times as good as the Larrivee? Of course not. It’s not just the sound, it’s the total experience. Higher grade materials and finish do not necessarily result in overwhelming better tone. The Bourgeois is visually more appealing, but the law of diminishing returns is at work here. An extra four grand does not get you a corresponding increase in tone or even playability. They both sound great...period!
Yes you are right... its the whole playing experience isn't it? These Larrivees are tone machines and stand up to the "elite" boutique brands no doubt... thanks for your insight.
Go in person. I bet the Bourgeois sounds better than over these earphones. Yes maybe 4x better. Then play it & see how it feels to you. Made in USA
Tex Haines I’d love to go in person and play both side-by-side if possible. No doubt both will sound better than thru headphones. I gotta disagree with four times better for the Bourgeois. Already own a Larrivee. It is also made in USA: Oxnard, CA.
@@texhaines9957 Both are American made guitars. The Bourgeois was a boutique instrument made from master-grade tonewoods. The Larrivee was a stock model. Of course it sounded better…this is how you fix a competition. Jean Larrivee is the world’s greatest living luthier. This video is an insult to him.
Maybe a Larrivee OM-10 Deluxe next time
We'll see what we can do!
I wish you were comparing apples and apples. Why not see what a Larrivee OM-10 sounds against that Bourgeois? Much better comparison, and I'd argue you'd both be eyeing the Larrivee (who not only has master grade woods, but Jean Larrivee is renowned as a master wood grader.
A common response. The idea of the video is not to compare two guitars of the same price, quality, build, etc. The purpose of this video is to provide you with a "$2k vs $6k" comparison, on video, from where we are to where you are.
its like the difference between a well made cabinet or table and an Ikea one , the Ikea one is nice and is great value for the money but the other premium one has the great details and finishes , and for guitars a little better tone so you pay a real premium ,like the man said if you have the money well worth it !
We won't tell them that you compared them to Ikea :) But you're absolutely right! Are the appointments, details and finish worth the extra investment? Each have their own opinion, for sure!
@@HeartbreakerGuitars okay then thanks , I actually own a Larrivee guitar for 10 years and its nice and better with age , but its by no means a bourgeois guitar so I would pick it over the Larrivee for sure
I dream of getting one day larrivée D03 its all I want 😜
A great choice. They've got a wide variety of models to choose from - hope you're able to see our entire Larrivee Video Demo collection!
There is a difference in what you are doing with the guitar as well. Both are made with quality wood. Obviously the Bourgeois is a higher quality and there a a greater time spent with one luthier building it. But the consistent high quality work done by makers like Larrivee, Taylor and Martin plus the warrantee is important to people as well.
What is the deciding factor is for me, am I playing in a roadside honky tonk that may have drunk people doing stupid stuff close to my $6000 custom built instrument or am I playing on a major stage through hundreds of thousands of dollars of equipment who paid for a ticket to see me and my stage show. Although drunk people are at those events too the distance and the chance of my $6000 custom guitar getting damages is far less. I am a simple guy in certain terms and the work horse from Larivvee works fine for me. Bucket list and money is no object I would own the Bourgeois, a high end Collings, and Olsen and a Santa Cuz and I cover all the bucket list bases
Maybe it’s because I am a Larrivee owner... but I think that the Larrivee sounds much better. To me, I hear more wood. When he started hitting those Bluegrass lines the Larrivee sounded more like a Dread.
We can't blame you for possibly having just a bit of favoritism. Both great guitars, but there are parts where the Larrivee pulls ahead of other brands. Hard to judge between these two!
I think an added consideration, for myself, is that if I chose the Bourgeois as a "lifelong achievement" gift to myself or another musician as a symbol of the time dedicated to the art, then I'd go for the higher end sound and appointments. For a musician, a $2k instrument isn't overly expensive, and some might call it a mid-range guitar(whereas if you're not so far invested in music, then $2k is a tough ask). To put it another way, if I invested 10 or 20 years into learning guitar, then a luthier made instrument isn't so out of the ordinary.
🔵 i can tell you from experience , as a private collector , Bourgeois is NOT worth three times the Larrivee....
i) first off , you're stating over inflated selling prices , especially if you're talking US dollars , and selling to someone who knows what a guitar can actually be purchased for
ii) you used a less expensive Larrivee build and compared it to an even higher end Bourgeois build
iii) I own a few of each of these builders ; I'll give you from experience the better of the builder models I own , Bourgeois OO-150B BrzRw vs Larrivee L-10C custom cut BrzRw , both purchased like new resale ; price differential at tops 2:1 ie. $7.5K CAD vs $4K CAD dollars
iii) fit , finish , wood selections , both were of superior builds and equal quality , the Bourgeois had better tuners and bone pins , the Larrivee had some excess but very beautiful abalone inlay bling
iv) the guitar tones , well nothing that would even suggest a 2:1 price differential ; my personal preference , I like the tone and feel of the Larrivee better ; the Bourgeois is a superior tone guitar too , but the super tight build of the Bourgeois , for me , feels like it deminishes the overtones in favour of the fundamental tone
v) I love 'em both , they're great small shop builders , and small shop builders do it the best ~ tone per pound £$€¥ ❕❕💙 🌹 😍
Other than price, they seem comparable, the Bourgeois has pricier woods of course. A fool and his money are soon parted. It all depends on if you buy a guitar based on the looks rather than the sound and playability. To my ear, the Larivee is warmer and fuller sound.
There is a noticeable difference in the superior sound of the Bourgeois but there is nothing wrong with the Larrivee.
Well said. Very different sounding guitars, but each may shine brighter in their own element. Thanks for watching KM!
My credentials. I've played and owned guitars for 32 years. Video does not always do justice, but from what I heard they sound equal. If I had to pick one on sound alone, the Larrivee seemed to have a bit more clarity and the Bourgeois seemed a bit muddier sounding.
A sound explanation. We do, however, see quite a few opinions change when a guitar makes it into a players hands. From the video alone, however, you've got a point!
@@HeartbreakerGuitars That's a valid point. I've had that very thing happen to me on numerous occasions. You just never know until you've actually played them. Both are Awesome guitars!
I disagree. I stopped the video and skipped to side by side comparisons with them playing the same thing and the Bourgeois was much better. Not $4k better but still better.
To echo what so many people have said; what matters is that you love it and it inspires you to play it. Personally, I have an OM-09 that is still the best guitar I’ve ever played (IMHO) after playing plenty of high-end acoustics. I would be curious to see how a higher-end Larrivee compares to a Bourgeois such as this.
A great choice, RR. That'd be a great comparison, perhaps an upcoming video. Thanks for watching :)
Nobody picks better wood than Jean. Master grade or whatever you call it.
Can't argue with that. He sends us some BEAUTIES!
Hi
The differences are subtle. The Larrivee seems stiffer. The Bourgeois sounds dreamy. I'm not sure that it's $4K dreamier than the Larrivee.
You might be right - two great guitars!
The comparison is a little bit unfair because Larrivee has the OM-60 for around $4900. This is kind of like comparing a Martin OM-18 vs another brands version of a D-28 - not equivalent withim the same range
You've nailed it. The idea is to hear the difference between the prices, including the subjective upgrades to woods, bracing, finishes, etc. Definitely just an informative video for our viewers who'd like to see and hear a quick difference. Thanks for watching!
You guys should compare a high end Larrivee like the Om-60 with the Bourgeois and Martin equivalents
Trying to figure out why Heartbreaker guitars would compare the lower end Larrivee to a Bourgeois unless you were deliberately trying to create a large comparison and unfavorable criticism. I think a more favorable comparison, for Larrivee, would be am OM-10 against the Bourgeiois, don't you Heartbreaker?
Sorry for the confusion, Michael! I'll see what I can do to help. The question comes up often: 'What makes a guitar worth double or triple another inside the same shop?' Those not fully familiar with the complications of harvesting rare woods, for example, might have a hard time accepting a large price difference between two guitars with a nearly identical sound, but made of woods from completely different parts of the world. We hear this questions so often (What makes this one worth so much?) that we felt it would be worth making a video about. Trying to figure out why Michael isn't part of the over 14,000 people that enjoyed this video. ;)
Hope you're able to find value in some of our other videos, Michael!
Put the Bourgeois up against an OM10 Larrivee and it will be a dead heat.
You might be on to something here, Mr. Robson! Thanks for watching :)
@@HeartbreakerGuitars love the videos! Watching all the way from Australia.
I find it a little strange when you two play together... It's like you guys are playing two different incompatible songs. You are both great players by yourselves though.
Seems like they just threw something together and chemistry takes time and lots of practice
It mostly takes listening to the other player and adapting your style to theirs. If you can't break out of your box of licks, it's not going to work out.
World class players- just having fun. I doubt you could do better with no practice?
Of course you don't. They're plenty of really excellent guitars around 500 to 2000 that kick A!!! I love Bourgeois, Santa Cruz, Collings, Froggy bottom etc. too of course. Though you don't have to spend 6-10 k to get a killer guitar. If you're able to afford and want it go for it. Everybody just get what you can afford and just fricken play your ass off everyday!!! Nuff said! Cheers!
A more accurate comparison would be to compare the Bourg with something like a Boucher or Collings that cost less, eh? You're kinda comparing an F1 car with a high performance street car......is that "fair'?
The question we're helping answer, Mr. Selinger, is "What makes this guitar worth three times the price?" If you're completely clear as to how these two models differ in sound and build quality, perhaps an F1 video would be a great next stop. We appreciate your feedback, never-the-less. Thanks!
You're basically making a commercial for Bourgeois dudes....be honest.....as they say at the roulette table, it's rigged in favour of the house. Yep, I call you out......"cork sniffers!" lol. And if, as you say in your reply to me the question your answering is " what makes this guitar worth three times the price?" you didn't really dive into that in any depth. You didn't talk about the construction, feel of the neck, action, type of strings, nor anything else. Just pointing that out, eh! IS IT REALLY WORTH THREE TIMES THE PRICE? To whom, and why? I think anyone would agree a Rausch mustang with 600 bhp will eat a Ford fiesta for lunch, eh!
There's one more important thing to consider, and that is Larrivee fuitars are all built to last. That has been proven and the proof is in the pudding.
Another good point - Both have quite the reputation for their build quality, so which would last longer? Time will tell.
I would personally buy the Bourgeois, it sounded better to me. It’s worth the extra $4500
Tough call for that much money, but you may be right!
Heartbreaker Guitars Sure it’s a lot of money. But the craftsmanship and tone are worth every penny. If i had the scratch i’d buy it right now.
I've had a D-03 for 20 years that handles mediums with ease. I can play it at any position on the neck. I like mahogany.
The Bourg is easily the better sounding and cosmetically better guitar..I play a custom 20 year old Vancouver made hand chosen wood and inlaid Larrivee C09 ... yes I’m a larrivee dealer..
.But my Martin D18 gokden era has replaced my larrivee in my stage backline
The Golden Eras are absolutely fantastic guitars as well, and often quite snug in between the price of these two guitars. Most agree with you, though when you switch from a solo guitar performance to a multi-track performance, Larrivee can quickly make up a lot of ground. Thanks for watching Mr. Law!
If my ex ever saw me with a Bourg.guitar shed drag me back to ct and want half of it🤪🤬
We can ship it in a Yamaha box and sign an NDA if you like...
I honestly think the Larrivee sounds better… but it’s hard to tell when you aren’t in the same room with the instrument….
Definitely a different experience. Thanks for watching!
What model is the Larrivee please?
The Bourgeois has more projection and midrange
1:19 versus 2:45 ...
More to come!
This is like putting a Porsche 911 next to a Mazda Miata. They are both fun, but......
How about a Porche next to a Lambo?
@@HeartbreakerGuitars I mean, I like Mazda Miatas, but I like your analogy too :)
Larrivee best acoustic in the world for the $.Tried Gibson valued at $25 k, terrible, Martin is better than Taylor in most models, Larrivee secret is the binding inside, plus more
They have some incredible guitars, we'd have to agree with you. Dana Bourgeois does put a lot into his line of guitars as well, making it very hard to answer the question of which is better value. Thanks for watching, Mark!
Bourgeois wins hands down. Pay $4.5k more. Probably
Bourgeois is 3 times as much as L'arrivee but is it 3 time better? Maybe not.......
Good point! Is it?
I don't think, sonically it is 3 times better, to my ear the Bourgeois is fuller and better balanced overall. Visually, there is no comparison, the Bourgeois is stunning. All that said, the Larrivee is a great sounding guitar and is quality built in its own right and certainly punching far above it's price point. Would love to own the Bourgeois but I personally can't justify it for my skill level and the fact that I'd be rubbing it with a diaper all the time. If I had the dough, I want both...in fact I want all the guitars. Good video gentlemen.
Silly comparison. One is legendary heirloom quality…. There’s no price on that nor an equivalent.
To my ear it's not even close. The Bourgeois is far superior. You can buy them used around 3500.
Thanks for watching, Mr. Skinner!
Bourgui is better ofcourse
Thanks for watching!
For four grand more it better be good.... and better...is it worth it? Only if you're rich and can play. Yeah the Bourg sounds better.....you should compare it with something cheaper made of the same grade woods, maybe? Like a $4000 guitar that would still be 2 grand less but have an adi top and rosewood back and sides. And a torrified adirondack top should sound better than a sitka top, so it's a rigged comparison methinks! You take any guitar and compare it with one that costs 3 times as much it better sound better, unless it's a Martin, Gibson or Taylor.....there are many cheaper guitars that sound better than those overpriced three lol. Compare
Good day, Randall! First, we thank you for watching. By no means are we suggesting that these two guitars would likely be the final two choices for any player's next purchase. They are, indeed, two entirely different guitars. The comparison we were hoping the view would recognize, is the value of a guitar closer to the lower average price (in our shop) to a guitar close to our higher priced guitars. While your opinion is strongly in favor of what some might say is obvious, not everyone prefers the sounds of the higher priced guitar, even in more extreme situations. Playing style, application and the fact of which is better is entirely subjective is why we made this video for you, Mr. Selinger. We appreciate your feedback!
@@HeartbreakerGuitars I get it.....it just didn't seem clear in your "discussion" of the guitars, and the focus was obviously on the Bourgeois....that is and was obvious!
This comparison is flawed, in that a Larrivee that would be truly comparable to the Bourgeois would have to be either a Larrivee C-09, a C-10 or a D-60, not the one in the video. Tone woods are different. Might as well compare a Chevy to a BMW. Having both a high-end Bourgeois and a high-end Larrivee, the Larrivee wins every time in most every respect, hands down. Ask Tommy Emmanuel, Pete Anderson or Brad Paisely.
We're glad you were able to watch the video :) Part of the reason this video has been viewed so many times is for the basic question that it helps some to answer: "Is a 6k guitar comparable to a 2k guitar?" We'll put you down for a fan of the Larrivee, Mr. Reagan.
@@HeartbreakerGuitars You're right, now that I watched the video again. It's not about comparing Larrivee to Bourgeois, but what one gets for a wide gap in purchase price---in this case $2K vs $6K. IMHO, the Larrivee $2K holds its own in this comparison, and my experience is most others can't. Thanks for correcting me.
Elitism looks good on nobody. These guys work in a guitar store, and, trust me. they cannot even come close to affording the Larrivee. Maybe the Godin...so long as they aren't paying rent in a major City, that is.
Standard procedure would be to remove a comment like this, as little sense as it makes. But, we'll let it sit here just beyond your name so people know what you had to say. Cheers, Robert. An incredible perspective you've got.
@@HeartbreakerGuitars It's not even well formulated enough to be a decent burn...just lame...