I'm all in Larrivee . I have the first quarter cut Chilowac maple OOO OM Jean built in North Vancouver . It's 32 years old and the sound is amazing as is the play ability . The 2 guitars I have forever are my 2 Larrivees . Canadian eh
Wow, the sound is so different. Great demo. To my ears the Martin prefers picking but the Larrivee is a perhaps a better allrounder. The Martin has a sweeter sound to me. I got a Larrivee OM because they're such good allrounders.
they are both great guitars, but right now I have my eyes on a Furch GC/SR ( Grand auditorium Cutaway/ Sitka Top and Rosewood Back & Sides) I played one and was instantly stunned !
Finally the right comparison... between similar offerings. So many videos compare the Om-28 against a lower end Larrivee with satin finish...like the Om-40r or Om-03r. This is apples to apples between brands. I like the Martin for strumming but the Larrivee for fingerstyle. Would be very interesting to add the Collings and Bourgeois Om's to the video as well.
A similar spec'd Collings or Bourgeios (non-touchstone) acoustic would far more costly than the Larrivee and maybe even the Martin. Collings acoustics prices (new) have gone thru the roof. Larrivee acoustics will hold their own against the others and are still less costly than any of them. The Larrivee name is just not as well known and has fewer distributors. Would agree that the Martin sound probably works better for strumming and the Larrivee will do as well or better for fingerstyle.
@@harryharris1619 True, they are much more expensive probably $5,000 for the Collings and $8,000-10,000 for the Bourgeois. That's what makes it interesting to see how the Martin and Larrivee compare with the boutique builders.
@@Baci302 I believe the OM60 is priced higher than the OM28 - FWIW Ive owned two similar models related to the Martin and Larrivee. Currently own a 2019 HD28 and used to own a 2014 D-60. Obviously different bodies from this video but very similar in terms of construction from their respective builders. Owning both, I prefer the HD28 by a mile. I actually returned the D-60 within a week of owning. It’s a very even sounding guitar and didn’t have the Larrivee tone I was used to hearing - also used to own a L-09 model previously. The D60 had no overtones and a lack of depth when it comes to tone. The 50 and 60 series from Larrivee actually have different bracing than the 05/09/10 series - more Martin leaning. It didn’t work for me, but the 05-10 series, I’d have no problem owning again.
I have to say this is the first Larrivee rosewood that I thought sounded fantastic (I prefer their mahogany guitars). How does the OM60 compare to the 40 series?
The 60 series will have more bling, better wood, etc. and Jean Larrivee's Symmetrical bracing. The 40 series has what Larrivee calls scalloped/hybrid bracing which is closer to a Martin guitars bracing. This bracing allows the top to vibrate more giving it more volume and bass. If I ever buy another Larrivee it will be with the 40 series bracing. In my opinion the Symmetrical bracing takes way too long to open up and creates a very quiet guitar. Something I have struggled with over the years with my Larrivee L-05. ***correction*** I believe now Larrivee is using the scalloped hybrid bracing on their 50 and 60 series guitars, at least according to their website.
Thanks for the reply! I was unaware the 60 used 40 series bracing. I hate to say but I'm the opposite (but it's good we have choices!). I feel the 40 bracing imbalances the guitar (too much bass) and some of the Larrivee sound & sparkle is lost. I also don't like the sharper edges on the 40 series. Agree the normal bracing takes time to open up but when it does it's a sound I prefer. And my poor ears can't handle loud bass heavy guitars. I also have an L05 which is glorious but even that has too much bass for me. ToneRites definitely work to open them up. Done it on 4 of mine now
Larrivee ALL day!! I have a 22 year old OM10 it's just the best guitar I've ever laid hands on... I've owned and played quite a few... and secretly, half your inventory and 90% of the guitars in the Hugh days... Truly remarkable instruments for the price.
I really want to try an OM10... Though I'm typically a mahogany guy. I did get a "soft rosewood" called Bhilwara recently and that thing is AMAZING. Do you have any clips of your OM10?
I prefer the Larrivee. It has a much fuller sound, more presence, and is a louder instrument also. On the fingerstyle section, the Larrivee was much warmer sounding than the Martin. A recommendation I might make is that on these videos in place of all this strumming, how about some slow chords that are let out to ring their full value so we can see which instrument as more sustain. Lastly, it isn't mentioned which Martin OM-28 this is, the Standard, Modern Deluxe, etc.
I listened to this carefully with headphones. I give it to the Martin. There's a depth to the tone of the OM-28, both when strumming and finger style, that is more pleasing to me. I have 4 Martins and a Larrivee and all are fine guitars but the Martins always get more play.
nice guitars- while they are both 'OM' in nomenclature - the size difference is significant- Larrivee being a larger guitar.- generally more volume and punch along with the clarity/balance Larrivee brings...
@@tommysixstring5094Interesting. I own and-05. The L series is one inch larger (lower bout) than the Martin OM and almost an inch deeper so it’ll give a nice deep, full sound. Great guitar. L-03’s are highly sought after. Enjoy!
@@michael4930 Ah, me too.... I find that the bass is so much better than the OM but as you say, it has dreadnought power, which for my ears isn't good. I keep thinking about selling but it's so good..
The Martin : more high ends and lows, also with more sustain.. Larrivée more compressed, but not in a bad way, more like focus, we hear the different note more separately more mediums..
Between these two specific guitars - Martin for me, although I think you could get a similar sound from Larrivee just by moving the mic a little bit to the left + some eq
Thanks for the video. Still very much a conundrum though. A lot comes down to the mic and the recording. The Larrivee sounds a bit muffled, bass heavy but much warmer and voluminous on the higher strings on my system. The Martin pleasantly crisp but rather thin. If the recording is leaning more on one side (treble vs bass response) that would have a huge impact on which conclusions to draw from this video.
I own a 2 yr old om28. The om28 has a better balance of highs, mids and lows.. just more mature sounding. Larrivee sounds beautiful as well but a bit brighter.
I like the comparisons - but could you play the same tunes to do comparison. I understand you don't want to repeat everything, but maybe just a minute of the same tune, to allow like for like. Appreciate the videos! Thanks
To my ears, the Larrivee sounds dry with a more forward fundamental, while the Martin surrounds notes with a bit more harmonic complexity. I'm biased, but the Martin sounds to me like what a guitar "should" sound like. The Larrivee is too sterile for my tastes.
I'm all in Larrivee . I have the first quarter cut Chilowac maple OOO OM Jean built in North Vancouver . It's 32 years old and the sound is amazing as is the play ability . The 2 guitars I have forever are my 2 Larrivees . Canadian eh
What's your other one?
The Larrivee has a beautiful present singing tone while the martin is bright, rich, and full.
Wow, the sound is so different. Great demo. To my ears the Martin prefers picking but the Larrivee is a perhaps a better allrounder. The Martin has a sweeter sound to me. I got a Larrivee OM because they're such good allrounders.
Ok Larrivee, you have my attention 😮
I'll take both any day!😊
Can't go wrong either way. Truth. Both fantastic
they are both great guitars, but right now I have my eyes on a Furch GC/SR ( Grand auditorium Cutaway/ Sitka Top and Rosewood Back & Sides) I played one and was instantly stunned !
Finally the right comparison... between similar offerings. So many videos compare the Om-28 against a lower end Larrivee with satin finish...like the Om-40r or Om-03r. This is apples to apples between brands. I like the Martin for strumming but the Larrivee for fingerstyle. Would be very interesting to add the Collings and Bourgeois Om's to the video as well.
A similar spec'd Collings or Bourgeios (non-touchstone) acoustic would far more costly than the Larrivee and maybe even the Martin. Collings acoustics prices (new) have gone thru the roof. Larrivee acoustics will hold their own against the others and are still less costly than any of them. The Larrivee name is just not as well known and has fewer distributors. Would agree that the Martin sound probably works better for strumming and the Larrivee will do as well or better for fingerstyle.
@@harryharris1619 True, they are much more expensive probably $5,000 for the Collings and $8,000-10,000 for the Bourgeois. That's what makes it interesting to see how the Martin and Larrivee compare with the boutique builders.
The Larrivee definitely has more let's say... sophisticated sound.
Like them both but would go with the Martin.
If you have the extra cash, sure. But for the money?
@@Baci302
I believe the OM60 is priced higher than the OM28 - FWIW
Ive owned two similar models related to the Martin and Larrivee.
Currently own a 2019 HD28 and used to own a 2014 D-60. Obviously different bodies from this video but very similar in terms of construction from their respective builders.
Owning both, I prefer the HD28 by a mile. I actually returned the D-60 within a week of owning. It’s a very even sounding guitar and didn’t have the Larrivee tone I was used to hearing - also used to own a L-09 model previously. The D60 had no overtones and a lack of depth when it comes to tone.
The 50 and 60 series from Larrivee actually have different bracing than the 05/09/10 series - more Martin leaning. It didn’t work for me, but the 05-10 series, I’d have no problem owning again.
I have to say this is the first Larrivee rosewood that I thought sounded fantastic (I prefer their mahogany guitars). How does the OM60 compare to the 40 series?
The 60 series will have more bling, better wood, etc. and Jean Larrivee's Symmetrical bracing. The 40 series has what Larrivee calls scalloped/hybrid bracing which is closer to a Martin guitars bracing. This bracing allows the top to vibrate more giving it more volume and bass. If I ever buy another Larrivee it will be with the 40 series bracing. In my opinion the Symmetrical bracing takes way too long to open up and creates a very quiet guitar. Something I have struggled with over the years with my Larrivee L-05. ***correction*** I believe now Larrivee is using the scalloped hybrid bracing on their 50 and 60 series guitars, at least according to their website.
Thanks for the reply! I was unaware the 60 used 40 series bracing. I hate to say but I'm the opposite (but it's good we have choices!). I feel the 40 bracing imbalances the guitar (too much bass) and some of the Larrivee sound & sparkle is lost. I also don't like the sharper edges on the 40 series. Agree the normal bracing takes time to open up but when it does it's a sound I prefer. And my poor ears can't handle loud bass heavy guitars. I also have an L05 which is glorious but even that has too much bass for me. ToneRites definitely work to open them up. Done it on 4 of mine now
Btw I read the other change is that due to larger soundhole, 60 series also shifts the bracing
Larrivee ALL day!! I have a 22 year old OM10 it's just the best guitar I've ever laid hands on... I've owned and played quite a few... and secretly, half your inventory and 90% of the guitars in the Hugh days... Truly remarkable instruments for the price.
I really want to try an OM10... Though I'm typically a mahogany guy. I did get a "soft rosewood" called Bhilwara recently and that thing is AMAZING. Do you have any clips of your OM10?
The only definitive claim I can make after this video is that Thys Nortje is amazing
I prefer the Larrivee. It has a much fuller sound, more presence, and is a louder instrument also. On the fingerstyle section, the Larrivee was much warmer sounding than the Martin. A recommendation I might make is that on these videos in place of all this strumming, how about some slow chords that are let out to ring their full value so we can see which instrument as more sustain. Lastly, it isn't mentioned which Martin OM-28 this is, the Standard, Modern Deluxe, etc.
Damn it right when I was about to buy a larrivee. The OM28 won every example easily for me.
in this case I stay with Martin OM-28
I listened to this carefully with headphones. I give it to the Martin. There's a depth to the tone of the OM-28, both when strumming and finger style, that is more pleasing to me. I have 4 Martins and a Larrivee and all are fine guitars but the Martins always get more play.
nice guitars- while they are both 'OM' in nomenclature - the size difference is significant- Larrivee being a larger guitar.- generally more volume and punch along with the clarity/balance Larrivee brings...
Larrivee makes great guitars but I'm in love with my OM-28, and I'm a Larrivee owner!
I tried one of these yesterday but a Larrivee L03 blew it out of the water. The Guatemalan rosewood Martins were interesting TBF
@@tommysixstring5094Interesting. I own and-05. The L series is one inch larger (lower bout) than the Martin OM and almost an inch deeper so it’ll give a nice deep, full sound. Great guitar. L-03’s are highly sought after. Enjoy!
Sorry it's an OM-05 or L-05 you've got? Yes the L sounds amazing.. very deep. Almost too powerful for my poor ear drums :)
@@tommysixstring5094I own an L-05. Much more like a dreadnought than an OM.
@@michael4930 Ah, me too.... I find that the bass is so much better than the OM but as you say, it has dreadnought power, which for my ears isn't good. I keep thinking about selling but it's so good..
The Martin : more high ends and lows, also with more sustain..
Larrivée more compressed, but not in a bad way, more like focus, we hear the different note more separately more mediums..
Between these two specific guitars - Martin for me, although I think you could get a similar sound from Larrivee just by moving the mic a little bit to the left + some eq
Larrivée for me ✌🏻
Thanks for the video. Still very much a conundrum though. A lot comes down to the mic and the recording. The Larrivee sounds a bit muffled, bass heavy but much warmer and voluminous on the higher strings on my system. The Martin pleasantly crisp but rather thin. If the recording is leaning more on one side (treble vs bass response) that would have a huge impact on which conclusions to draw from this video.
I own a 2 yr old om28. The om28 has a better balance of highs, mids and lows.. just more mature sounding. Larrivee sounds beautiful as well but a bit brighter.
I like the comparisons - but could you play the same tunes to do comparison. I understand you don't want to repeat everything, but maybe just a minute of the same tune, to allow like for like. Appreciate the videos! Thanks
Larrivee
To my ears, the Larrivee sounds dry with a more forward fundamental, while the Martin surrounds notes with a bit more harmonic complexity. I'm biased, but the Martin sounds to me like what a guitar "should" sound like. The Larrivee is too sterile for my tastes.
Martin OM-28
Martin crushed the dull Larrivee.
Complete opposite