Full disclosure, we are a Larrivee dealer. We've carried Larrivee for about 7 years and we love them. More importantly, the customers love them. Tone: clear, bright, articulate and rich. Playability: great neck, low action, perfect set up straight from the factory. Visual: Unique, understated and beautiful. Value: incredible! I would put Larrivee up against some of our boutique brands that cost 40% more. Safe to say... we are fans! Thanks for the video Jeremy. Great content.... HB
This is simply not true in Australia. Larrivee are some of the worst setup guitars I have ever played or owned. 25/30 will need to have the saddle or nut modified to get anywhere near an acceptable action. It's only the L 10 series guitars I'd have any confidence in straight from the factory - the rest are a crap shoot at best.
Full Disclosure: I work for a local Larrivee dealer. They are some of the most consistent, brilliant sounding guitars I have played, and easily stack up to guitars that cost 1-2k more. I got to buzz by the factory in Oxnard last year for a tour and thought they’d churn me through in less than 30 mins. Instead, Jean Larrivee himself showed me, my wife, and my 6mo the entire place and process start to finish, including his private wood library. He knew every employees name, how long they’d been working there, how many kids they had, etc. FANTASTIC company, excellent guitars!
Yeah buddy. Larrivee is awesome. I've bought 2 directly from the mother ship. I've never had a better experience during a transaction. Very, very, very awesome crew and phenomenal guitars. I won't buy anything else. My OO-40 is such a sweet living room instrument.
Oh I think I remember seeing you guys, yes he's a really great guy who greets all his employees in the morning and always ask how we are doing, I'm glad that I was able to get to work with him
I don’t know if it’s just PR or what, but it’s awesome to see the owner and his family members actually harvesting the wood that is used to make the guitars. I haven’t seen that from another manufacturer.
After playing my new Larrivee LV10 for one week, the vibes that come off that Guitar literally shifted my Depression. Its resonation and sustain is so powerful. I haven't felt this great in over a Decade. I can't say that my Martin ever made me feel this way.
My wife wanted to buy me an acoustic guitar after some inheritance from her Grandmother. Being Canadian, I wanted to get a Canadian-made guitar, which were also in my budget. I tried countless Seagulls, Norman's, Simon and Patrick's, which were all very similar (the Godin familt), then came across a Larrivee L-02 ( made in Vancouver where her Gradma lived).The price was higher but picked it up anyway. I strummed one G chord and was sold. It was that much better than the dozens I played that day. Everyone that's played it has fallen in love with it and cannot believe the price. I'll never sell it, and play it until I can't.
I got a great OM 2 from David at Acustic Corner in Black Mountain NC. The workmanship on my OM is outstanding. The sound is full and you all should try one.
I’m old enough to remember how big Larrivee was in Toronto in the late 1970’s and early 80’s. Larrivee spawned great builders like Laskin, Wren and of course Manzer. We were really proud on all the great Canadian luthiers at the time. Now of course Larrivee has become an American company.
But the thing is, those same luthiers that learned from Larivee have brought on another generation under them. Canada has an incredible amount of world-class luthiers, now more than ever.
I was there for 18 years. Started pushing broom, (well, level sanding actually) and ended as the production manager until they pulled the plug here in Canada…
I love the old Toronto built Larrivee guitars. A friend of mine has one from 1978 that I will buy if he ever decides to sell. In the mean time, I need to settle with my 1983 Marc Beneteau Rosewood cutaway, 1994 Laskin small body Koa, and 1988 Laskin 12-string jumbo. I have had them all since new.
Greetings! I received my Larivee L -03R last year from our friends in Ft. Wayne. I love it! I try to spread the word when I have the opportunity. Keep up the good work.
I've got 5 incredible Larrivee Blackwood guitars that I would NEVER give up! I've owned Martins, Gibsons and that other brand dipped in plastic... oh yeah Taylors. EVERY Larrivee I've ever played has the most consistent build quality, tone and more tone! To me there is no comparison, Larrivee!
I worked for a Larivee dealer over a decade ago. At the time a new 03 model was a bit over $1k Canadian - which made them great guitars for gigging musicians and I sold a ton of them. But now those same guitars are almost $2.5k now. I get prices have gone crazy, but I think there's just so much competition at that price point from brands with more name recognition.
Jerry. I share you passion for this brand. I received mine a couple of months ago that I special ordered through Sweetwater. Can’t put it down. It took a year and a half after we ordered it. It’s now a one of a kind. 12:39
I’ve owned two Larrivee’s. An L-09 and a D-60. The 9 was made in Canada and the 60 was made in the US. The 9 was a great sounding guitar but I found a Santa Cruz that I eventually traded in for. The 60 on the other hand was ordered online and was returned within a few days. They definitely have their own thing going but in my experience, their easy to fall out of love with. The resale value isn’t that great as well. For me, Larrivee is a great additional guitar to have but it was hard for me to be a primary guitar. YMMV
I used to work at a acoustic guitar store, we carrie Everett, Thompson,larivee,kenny hill, Breedlove,Goodall, the list goes on..Larrivee guitars were easy to sell because they sounded great and the price was really competitive....I see a lot of people with Larrivee guitars. They record well to !!
I first heard a guy play a Larivee guitar in Nashville TN back in 2006. I remember thinking to myself at that moment, I gotta have one! The next week I bought a used D40 and still own and play it to this day. I have many upper end acoustic guitars but this one, well it’s a keeper. It sounds better every year (not my ability to play better, the guitar almost plays its self) 😊
Learned lf Larrivee guitars around 1990 at an open mike in Tacoma, wa. There were every kind of guitar there, Martin, guild, Gibson, fender, takamine, epiphone. When a fellow got up with his Larrivee cutaway accoustic, and the Larrivee was lower, brighter, even sound quality. I determined to own one. A few years later I purchased an L09 dreadnaught. 30 years it has been my go to guitar, the only maintenance was string changes and a Fishman pickup. I'm playing it tommorrow on the street where I live. I own a taylor t5 and other assorted instruments. My Larrivee is the best. I don't sell guitars. And am not affiliated with Larrivee in any manner. I just love it.❤
I first came across the name Larrivee guitars online back around 2002 when I was looking to upgrade from an old hand me down Takamine that suffered years of abuse in college. It took a little searching to find a dealer but it was love at first strum. It took a couple of years and some crowd funding but eventually I came to be the proud own of an OM-03R. Despite years of hard knocks thanks to a life focused around family, its voice has aged like a fine wine. I am one of the rare people apparently who would never sell mine, but only because it was a gift and it feels like part of me when I play it. On this guitar I am more of a fingerpicker and this is the niche that Larrivee excels at because it was designed by somebody who used to play folk music and was schooled by someone with classical guitar building experience. Those who say they're too quiet or too fragile are likely too aggressive with them but under the right conditions these guitars "shimmer." If I want to strum hard I have a lower end Martin dread , but (as much as it pains me as a Pennsylvania native to say) my Larrivee is a superior guitar with regards to materials, construction and workmanship.
I totally agree, I own a D03 studio model. It's fabulous and here's the thing, regardless of the model you choose the workmanship and the quality of the materials are second to none. I found Larrivee guitars as a young man and have wanted one since the 70's. I could finally afford one in my old age unfortunately arthritis has been slowly affecting my ability to play but hey I got a Larrivee.
What I did for wrist, finger, and grip strength? I went to a store and bought different sizes of sponges. I squezze them to work out my muscles while watching TV. Give this idea a try.
I first played a Larivee in 1978 or 79. I lived in Buffalo, NY and spent a day in Toronto. I had to check out this not-well-known luthier's shop. At that time I was planning a Gurian S-3r, another guitar that was underappreciated when it was produced. Some 35 years later, the Gurian had been traded away and I was playing a Martin M-38. I located a minimally used Larivee 09K and this has been my main acoustic guitar ever since. I've polished it enough that the stain finish has become brushed semi-gloss and it looks great and sounds great.
I just bought the exact Guitar you featured - the LV 10 RW. I found it when I took my Martin in town to a Classical Instrument Luthier for a little "Spa Treatment" overhaul. I had been wanting to get a new Guitar (just cause I LOVE them) but also one that commemorated my Dad who passed away. When I saw the outrageous beauty and sound of the LV10, it was a no brainer what to chose for a Guitar that is to be passed down in the Family, never Sold. It is incredible to play, the action is low and the acceleration fast - whether hard strumming or finger picking a song like Blackbird, this Guitar has a personality and life like no other. I have a fantastic little Stand so it reigns in my Living Room like a piece of Art - If I'm not playing it I'm staring at it! I know I probably could have found a better deal but I wanted to support my local Guitar Store and simply couldn't leave this LV10 behind!
I have an early Martin D-42, a Collings OM , and a Taylor Builders Edition 912ce.... I have others but I play my Larrivee 00-40R exclusively. It's the perfect combination for me of body size and full range of sound. Most of all it's a $2500 guitar and replaceable if something were to happen to it. Larrivee has flown under the radar for years. I dealt directly with the factory during my purchase and the service is wonderful. I agree, look into Larrivee. You wont be disappointed.
Jean Larrivee is a genius and knows wood as well as, or better, than Bob Taylor, Dana Bourgeois or anybody else in the business. When he was based here in British Columbia he had a very close relationship with the logging industry. I have proudly owned two Larrivees and currently play a 2003 OMV-60, a splendid fingerstyle guitar.
I have an LV 03. I can't remember exactly what model but it's a maple back and sides model. It's simply the best steel string guitar I have ever played. And that's including my vintage Martin D-35.
Larrivee owner here since 2016. Love it!!! It's a limited edition with beautiful maple leaf inlays on the headstock and fingerboard to commemorate the Canadian heritage after they moved production to the USA. Mine is signed by Jean Larrivee himself!
I've owned my Larrivee for 30 years now. Both my children grew to it's sound. To this day they can tell it when they here it and will come from the other room drawn to the sound. Thanks for high lighting this faithful company and singing it's praises. Bless you bro!
THANK YOU. I've had a custom-shop Larrivee L-10 for about 20 years. It is my TREASURE. Truly. I mostly play finger style so I went for the wider nut, but now I'm wanting a larger body that's meant for heavier strumming. So I'm currently looking at a D-09.
I discovered Larrivees 20 years ago. I was amazed at the beautiful woods, obvious quality and attention to detail. And the tone and sustain was so much better than the Martins and Taylors I had been considering. I currently own 4 of them. Two are Brazilian rosewood which are simply stunning. I also own a Goodall which cost thousands more, but the Larrivees are in the same league. And actually, many are now buying Larrivees as evidenced by their recent move to larger facilities in Oxnard, CA. They are a true family run business with Jean and his wife and sons all fully involved. I met all of them in 2008 at the California factory and they are great folks. They make boutique quality guitars at very reasonable prices.
I played a Larrivee in a guitar shop, and was overwhelmingly pleased with everything about it. The down side was that it was really out of my budget, so I ended up with a very nice Blueridge with an Adirondack top. I like the Blueridge, but I still drool over Larrivees on the interweb.
Blueridge are lovely guitars. I once owned the 180 with the ablone around the edge. Lovely tone and the bass was incredible. I noticed too how very light are. The only gripe I have with them is their skinny looking headstock which is barely wider than the neck but that's just down to personal taste. I had to sell it due to being skint at the time.
I finally got a Larrivee after wanting one for years. I bought a 1997 D-03 which I think is from the very first batch of the model. On the one hand it sucks that used ones go for so little because they are great and on the other hand it’s really nice to get something so nice for under a thousand dollars.
I have Larrivee D-44 with a torch inlay. It's a great guitar. I have noticed that it seems to be a little thinner than my D-18, My Huss and Dalton DS, or my Guild D-55. It sounds great but doesn't project quite like any of the others. Plugged it, it's amazing with my Baggs Anthem DS. The neck is amazing to play. It's truly great.
Fantastic guitars. I have high-end Martins, Taylors, and nice but more basic Yamahas and Seagulls…all great guitars. But for some reason I mostly reach for my Larrivee OM-03re. The spruce top is unbelievable and the rosewood is almost a deep purple. It plays and sounds fantastic. Not sure why they aren’t more popular….I think they are not so much under-rated as much as they are under-known.
I have a D-02 that I bought used. It's 23 years old now and sounds better than ever! I just purchased a brand new D03E . I'm a Larrivee man! Great guitars!!! I have people come up to me at my shows and either say, "What kind of guitar is that?" Or they say, " Man, I love Larrivee guitars, they're awesome!" To these folks I say "Right On man!"
Larrivee all the way! As a Canadian living on the west coast I was all over these guitars years ago. I wanted a Martin and kept comparing them to Taylor and Larrivee, every time the Larrivee sounded, played better and cost less. Im the proud owner of an OM10MR, L09 and a D09B, had them for a solid decade and they only get better
Recently acquired an OM-09 from the mid-90s. Some artists I admired played Larrivees, so I’m not sure why they weren’t on my radar. This Om-09 is a terrific guitar. Count me as a convert-way under appreciated and under valued.
I've been shopping around for another guitar and have tried out several Martins, Gibsons, luthier made etc. every time I keep circling back to my Larrivee OMV 03 because it is far more playable and responsive. They are really great.
I have a Larrivee OM (40-R) and I love it. Big fan. I have to say that mine has no pickup. I am not a fan of that kind of pickup. Prefer the soundhole controls instead of the holes in the sides of the guitar.
So, so true, Jeremy. I own an LV-05 and an OM-40A that I got at killer prices several years ago and I love them both. The rosewood sounds great, but as one person said, Jean Larrivee does something incredible with mahogany. My LV-05 has incredible overtones almost like rosewood. Thanks for the great review!
I think part of the problem, at the moment, is that people who love high-end guitars -- think bling -- have the classic Larrivee headstocks in their memories. There are very few of those being made now and the price has really gone up. They used to have some mid-priced headstocks, such as the Eagle, the Seahorse, etc., that were more affordable. There are buyers who simply do not want the L-10 level trim without a classic Angel, Dancer, Jester, etc. inlay on the headstock. That's my take, as a guy who gave his daughter his L-10 Seahorse. Very balanced. More muscle than Taylors of the same size.
I know this is hard to believe but i bought a Larrive bass around 1989 for about 120 bucks. I has a jackson type neck and active emg pickups. To this day i still wonder why they sold it so cheap at that pawn shop in hollywood. My son has it now and plays it all the time, it still sounds and looks good after all this time.
Just picked up a 2022 D44 mahogony last week. Really had no intentions of buying a guitar that day, but I fell in love instantly. The tone, design, esthetics, and full bass sound was tremendous. Also, the overall build quality is unbelievable. This is coming from a Martin guy.. buy one of these guitars, they're hidden gems nobody talks about.
Lot's of my musician friends have/play Larrivee's . Personally, can't find them in our location outside of ordering online (which I hate to do.....like to try before buy)
I own two. I may add a 3rd (OM style). The value is arguably unbeatable. An in-law is a professional, touring Musician, who is also a luthier. He loves playing my DO-3R, and is impressed with the intonation. He commented on how even it is and said it would great for recording.
I have a D-03M that I bought used over 15 years ago. It’s a great sounding guitar and was my first really nice acoustic. I always wanted a D-28 though. I argued that there wasn’t enough difference between my Larivee and Martin to justify the difference. I just got a 2017 D-28 and in comparison…the Larrivee just sounds muffled. Maybe it’s the difference between the mahogany vs the rosewood or the fact my larrivee has 12s and the d-28 13s. But my Martin definitely sounds heads and shoulders above my Larrivee.
Jean Larrivée was trained in the 1960’s in Toronto by Edgar Mönch from Germany. Edgar Mönch had been trained by, Marcello Barbero in Spain, who had been trained by Jose Ramirez II, who had been taught by his father Jose Ramirez. Jose began his apprenticeship at 12 years old with the master builder Francisco Gonzales in 1860. Here’s a list of Jean Larrivée’s early apprentices: Sergei De Jonge, Grit Laskin, David Wren, George Gray, Tony Duggan-Smith, Michael Jones, Michael Schriener, Linda Manzer, Gorden G. W. Barry, David Iannone.
I have owned a Larrivee for 20 years, and loved it when I found it here in Texas… has a good tone, easy to play neck, and beautiful wood ( did develop small cracks, dry here) but also noticed a friends Martin had also developed cracks….
Heartbreaker ordered me my custom.. all American walnut top, back and sides.. OMV40. I have had 2 Larrivee so far. A 2011 DV03 , and sold it for my 2018 OMV40. and will sell it when i get my custom
I bought a D10E in 2008. Still have it. None of the low E and A boominess of Martins, but you can order the standard X bracing to “simulate” that sound. Works best with 80/20 bronze strings. As others said , lack of dealers and a lower ad budget is the problem. I see Sweetwater is now a dealer. All made in USA and no laminates.
I own a C-10 that I absolutely love. It is my favorite all-time guitar. Living in Seattle, 3 hrs south of Vancouver, I knew a lot about the brand. Jean Larrivee trained an entire generation of Canadian luthiers. Nobody is prying this baby out of my hands. 😉
I have about a dozen acoustic guitars after buying, selling and trading for many years. One is a Larivee and it is excellent. Great sounding and easy playing. Perfect construction.
@@MashaT22 Thanks for that! The other factor is that I just retired, and my wife and I will soon embark on a leisurely sightseeing / open mic 🎤 road trip of the lower 48… I needed a guitar that I can throw, and leave in the SUV, and not worry about it being 120 degrees Fahrenheit. I would not subject a Larrivee, or any other fine wood guitar to such abuse, so went with the carbon fiber RainSong, which is impervious to temperature and humidity… maybe when all of our travels are finished, I will get my Larrivee!
@@jed1166 good point! By the way, have you ever checked out KLOS Guitars? That’s my one and only guitar that I got as a gift on super discount when the brand was new. Mine is a full sized Hybrid Deluxe model. They make travel models that would be perfect for your purpose and they sound amazing. You can plug them into an amp or mic them nicely. Both full size and hybrid have bolt on necks if you want to make them fit into a tight space. The hybrids are less money because they have wood necks that have CF rods (and truss rod) instead of a CF neck. The non deluxe and deluxe models are very highly rated (4-5 stars) and well reviewed on their site and other retailer sites. I’ve actually never seen a bad review for them. Their customer service is incredible and they bend over backwards to please everyone. They also have some customization options if you want something beyond the stock model (like requesting a specific pickup/pre-amp). They give discounts and often have sales (join their email list!). They have a live Kickstarter right now for a new concert sized ukulele (they sell a variety of stringed instruments!) - you’ll always get the best discounts on their Kickstarters (that’s how my guitar was gotten). You can trust their Kickstarters because they’ve always delivered and have done a lot of model launches that way. They sell B-Stock. I’ve also seen used models pop up on Reverb that are in great condition for a fraction of the price (some are beat to hell but still play great - just cosmetic things from going mountain climbing and doing adventure sports with them). But even at full price, they cost half of what a bidirectional CF guitar would cost from McPherson, Emerald Guitars, etc. There are dealers that have them in stock to try and buy, but if you order one, you have 30 days to return it or try another model without any risk. Oh and there’s a lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects! I also love their noiseless amp cable, which also has a lifetime warranty. It’s really durable and makes zero noise/pops. Anyway, feel free to ask me more. I love my KLOS. It’s super durable and sounds great. I have no complaints about it. My service dog often strums on it and I’m not one bit worried about damaged or humidity/dryness issues. I live in a NYC apartment that gets both humid and very dry depending on the day, and I live near a highway with all sorts of dust and debris. The maintenance is minimal- when I change strings, I just polish the fretboard and fret wire, and quickly wipe the rest of the guitar down with rubbing alcohol as per their recommendation for cleaning the body. Paired with D’addario XT strings, I’m usually good for up to 3 months (though I just found out KLOS now ships their Deluxe guitars with Cleartone Phosphor Bronze instead of the D’addario XT that I’m going to try next). The guitar literally needed to go to a shop once for a good setup since I got it in 2018. I hope you’ll check out this company if you’re ever looking for another CF guitar. I’m sure you love your RainSong, but please be careful with it. They can very easily break - and even shatter. They are mostly a plastic material mixed with ground up CF material. The Agufish channel once showed an unboxing this past summer with a totally shattered Lava 3 guitar that was sent for him to review. It didn’t survive shipping. People often see the word composition or carbon fiber and don’t realize there are different types and they drastically vary. The Chinese/Asian CF guitars are all made from the same material as RainSong except for one brand (I forget which) that has a unidirectional CF top. Many have veneers that make it look like real bidirectional CF material. You have to know how to identify each type (kind of like wood) since these brands don’t disclose what they’re using and know consumers generally are unaware that there’s different types and grades of CF/composite. I only mention this because you’re traveling. Your guitar will survive the humidity and temperature changes well, but try to be careful with it like a wood guitar - don’t drop it, don’t pack heavy bags on top of it, don’t try to smash it at the end of an open mic set . . . because it will break. Some wood guitars are actually stronger than the composite RainSong and other such brands use. So please just use caution. They sound lovely, but it would be horrible if you had an accident with the guitar and no way to repair them. Guitar techs and luthiers generally don’t have the materials or ability to repair these guitars and in most case they’re just unfixable go to the nature of the way the material breaks. Be careful! (P.S. KLOS uses the strongest type of bidirectional CF material that is used for airplanes and spaceships - check out their TH-cam channel where they drove a 4x4 over it, played baseball with it, took a hammer to it, went swimming in a pool with it, used it as a canoe oar, etc.) Sorry I rambled on a bit here, but it’s just because I love my guitar and want others who are interested in CF to know that this brand exists. I hope the info helps. Safe travels! I’ve road tripped through nearly every state and through most of eastern Canada during most of my childhood and adulthood. Haven’t been able to do it in the last few years due to long term illness but hope to do it again sometime. Enjoy the open road . . . and open mics with your RainSong and wife!
I worked for jean for almost 10 years. Yes, he/they make just about the best acoustics ever. Every part is hand made there in oxnard. Ive played every model jcl makes. It bugs me that nobody realy knows about these amazing guitars. I think its because john ( he prefers to be called john) does not advertise. Never realy has. Anyway, you will never regret buying a jcl guitar. My fav is the 000-60.
Larrivees are some of the greatest value guitars on the used market. Multiple times I’ve played every acoustic in a respectable vintage shop and found that this or that sub-$2k Larrivee was the best sounding of the lot. I’ve sadly never had my hands on an OG gitfiddle from the early days of the workshop though. Larrivee also apprenticed a lot of now-legends back in the day, like Sergei De Jonge.
I have two Larrivee’s. A D-50 and an OM-05 MT. Absolutely love them. I’m surprised more people don’t know about them and play them. Most of the time I’m convinced people get caught up in the “I’ve got to have a (big brand name here)” and that’s why people don’t play them. Absolutely incredible guitars! Get one. You won’t regret jt.
Picked up my first “real” acoustic a few years ago - a Larrivee OM-40R - after a bunch of research. What I discovered was what you said in this video - they truly are a fantastic brand of guitars on par with the big names for a price point that is far below what the big name equivalent guitars cost. I absolutely love mine and hope more people jump on the Larrivee train. I also love how dedicated they are to sustainability and they just seem like super down-to-earth people. Watch their videos.
I think it’s the price because they price so close to Martin, people will gravitate to the Martin and buy the Martin instead. I personally love them, would buy a used if it was available a Dreadnought for sure.
About 25 years ago I went to Elderly Instruments in Lansing, Michigan. It's about an hour away. I think I went to get some strings. I came home with a Larrivee parlor guitar. I still have it. I play it at home more than any of my other guitars. (Martin, Taylor, Loar, etc.)
None of the above. The hang tag says LPG Maple. I saw and bought this about a year before the model was introduced. I have often wondered if it was a preproduction model sent to Elderly as a test market. $455.
We have a little shop with Larrivees nearby but last time there the L-03 was a lighter build with new bracing that reminded me of the Taylor V bracing tone which I don't care for as much as traditional X bracing....should've snagged the L-03 rosewood i tried several years ago. The tone imho was better then.
I think you are absolutely right. I love the Larrivee I bought in Biloxi during the Katrina hurricane recovery my company sent me there for. I actually bought the guitar new, but in a pawn shop. I can't believe I waited 2 weeks to come back for it and it was still there. This is the only guitar I ever named. Katrina. What a blessing this guitar has been. Its a OM-01 that I got for $1100 at the time and I would never sell this guitar. Lord willing, will break out a song in church tomorrow night featuring a different lead in to a common song than people are used to, but this little guitar with a big sweet voice will deliver, no doubt. I understand this video. Larrivee is a great guitar. I bought another for my son and he gets it too!
Heres my take, and maybe it's the same reason they don't sell, assuming they don't as you say. I bought a OM-09 around 2000-2005 i guess. Memory isn't too good but somewhere in there. They seem to sound phenomenal. But after owning it a year or 2 i noticed i rarely wanted to pick it up. Somehow it bored me and i wasn't sure why. I finally sold it and bought an eastman and thats when it hit me what it was because i heard in the eastman what i was missing in the larrivee....DYNAMICS ! It sounded compressed so i wasn't able to play very dynamically which was great with the eastman. Anyways, maybe players have come to notice the same thing about them. Just a thought.
When I 1st started playing & repairing guitars in the early 70's, they were almost unheard of in SW LA. I had their original catalogs & lusted after them.They were also all over $1k & had amazing build quality & more intricate inlay work. I had no idea that they were now a US company & lowered prices.
I have two Larrivees and they are certainly quality guitars. A LV-10E custom and a L-03-12E and they are both a delight to play. Beautiful tone and wonderful to play.
Full disclosure. I just bought a Larrivee D40 used at GC recently, and it blows every other guitar away, including the $4-5K G's, M's, and T's. It's a special guitar I got for $1500. It plays amazingly. I have some great Takamine handmade originals and still, the D40 is beyond! Perhaps that is the new slang. Why buy a GMT when you can get a Larrivee?
Unlike other more widely available guitar brands, Larrivee has not engaged in market flooding with sub-$500 guitars made in the far east, with streaky A grade tops and laminate back and sides. You don't see many Larrivees in shops for the same reason you don't find R.C.Cola at the grocery store. Limited shelf space and licensing agreements lock dealers into McGuitar type offerings. There were NO Larrivee dealers within 100 miles of my rural midwest home when I hunted down my first one and bought it sight-unseen from a dealer 2 states over ... I listened to dozens of sound samples on a professional music site that did "shoot out" type reviews and decided to my ears the Larrivee L-09 was the guitar I had to have. It's a 40th anniversary Sam Ash edition model and sounds and plays wonderfully. In the years since, I've bought 2 other used high-end Larrivees. One involved a trip to Victoria to buy from a private seller in Canada where I bargained with the wife and took her to Butchart Gardens, the other required a train ride to Chicago where I met the owner, took him to lunch and played the guitar in Union Station before buying it. With a dozen + guitars in my stable, the 3 Larrivees will remain with me to the grave. The 4th, oddly enough, is a Crafter GAE 648 CD/N that rivals a Taylor 514CE. It was $500 ish new in 2003 and is as nice and stable as the day I bought it, less the divot (repaired) my wife put in the top when she dropped something on it. I decided to keep the wife, repaired the guitar with resin and named her "Nicky" - the guitar, not the wife. The Larrivees are Rosie, Victoria, and Windy.
I spent an afternoon in a guitar shop trying out guitars and I came away with a Larrivee. If you are looking for a good quality acoustic it would be a big mistake not to try Larrivees before you make your choice.
Had a Sam Ash here and they closed, Two Guitar Centers within 40 miles one north other south, and a couple nice boutique guitar stores and I’ve never seen a single Larrivee at any of them. I had a great friend that played in some really nice bands who swore by his that he bought in the late 70s but I’ve never played one and really would love to. Great video… thank you !!
I've played a few. They sound great plugged in. They are underwhelming acoutically in comparison to other guitars at their price point. That's why I haven't bought one. Just my opinion. Still very good guitars though.
For me, I never had the opportunity to try one. I try NOT to buy new, and haven’t found one locally. I would love to try one and will keep a look out. Thank you
I own a Larivee L-03 Mahogany , built in Canada, have owned it for years. Love it, will never sell or trade it. It is an awesome guitar and more than reasonably priced when I got it.
I have an OM-02 (with the clear pickguard) that I bought new from Guitar Center for $400 in 1999. It’s been the only acoustic I’ve kept. It sounds better than guitars I’ve owned that cost 10-12x more, all of which I sold and kept this one. A year and a half ago I had a neck reset and new frets and it sounds better than ever. It’s loud, has a lot of depth, and is just a brilliant sounding guitar. Sometimes I think about buying a higher end one, but honestly I don’t see how it could sound better than what I have already and don’t have interest in paying a lot more just for aesthetics.
When I was playing a lot and buying guitars (2001-2008), I was spending a lot of time in guitar shops trying all the guitars. Martins were - and still are - my favorite mass-produced guitars because they are consistently warmer than other brands. Taylors were my least favorite because to my ears, they were too bright and jangly. The Larrivees were on the warm side but significantly less expensive than Martins. I don't know how they are priced today compared to other quality all-wood guitars, but back then, there were total bargains. Buffalo Brothers in Carlsbad, CA was the only place around that carried Larrivess.
I have owned 2 Larrivee's and sold them on. They were good guitars and sounded okay but ultimately I prefer a gloss finish and wouldn't spend the massive hike in price to get one with a gloss finish.
Nevermind the fact that Jean Larrivee was mentor to some of the most renowned guitar builders in the world today. Laskin and Manzer among them. Probably my favorite out of the factory finish on a production guitar.
I've had 3 Larrivees. A super-budget L-01 that cost about US$500 brand new (about 15 years ago) and was one of the best-sounding guitars I've ever had. I had an L-09 that was stellar. And I currently have an OM-03R that is superb (bought used about 10 years ago for about $500).
Sold my Martin after I bought my larivee d40r with the moon wood top. Just didn’t have a use for the Martin anymore. My larivee is the Best dreadnaught I have ever played. I played every guitar at Gruhns in nashville and left with it. Truly underrated. They sound as if every note is perfectly balanced. Perfect intonation and playability.
Full disclosure, we are a Larrivee dealer. We've carried Larrivee for about 7 years and we love them. More importantly, the customers love them. Tone: clear, bright, articulate and rich. Playability: great neck, low action, perfect set up straight from the factory. Visual: Unique, understated and beautiful. Value: incredible! I would put Larrivee up against some of our boutique brands that cost 40% more. Safe to say... we are fans! Thanks for the video Jeremy. Great content.... HB
Question: what's the smallest cut away with the most bling? A female I know wants one but needs help
This is simply not true in Australia. Larrivee are some of the worst setup guitars I have ever played or owned. 25/30 will need to have the saddle or nut modified to get anywhere near an acceptable action. It's only the L 10 series guitars I'd have any confidence in straight from the factory - the rest are a crap shoot at best.
I never heard of them until now! Sounds awesome. Send a few to Guitar Center Honolulu, HI. Thanks
Send the one you demonstrated.
How much for this model
Good shout, Heartbreaker - Larrivee is brilliant and have been well known for a long time now
Full Disclosure: I work for a local Larrivee dealer.
They are some of the most consistent, brilliant sounding guitars I have played, and easily stack up to guitars that cost 1-2k more.
I got to buzz by the factory in Oxnard last year for a tour and thought they’d churn me through in less than 30 mins. Instead, Jean Larrivee himself showed me, my wife, and my 6mo the entire place and process start to finish, including his private wood library. He knew every employees name, how long they’d been working there, how many kids they had, etc.
FANTASTIC company, excellent guitars!
Yeah buddy. Larrivee is awesome. I've bought 2 directly from the mother ship. I've never had a better experience during a transaction. Very, very, very awesome crew and phenomenal guitars. I won't buy anything else. My OO-40 is such a sweet living room instrument.
@@czgunner that’s one of our favorites at the shop I’m at, we just got a few in with some gorgeous vine inlays on the fretboard 😍
that is rare to find in a company...
Oh I think I remember seeing you guys, yes he's a really great guy who greets all his employees in the morning and always ask how we are doing, I'm glad that I was able to get to work with him
I don’t know if it’s just PR or what, but it’s awesome to see the owner and his family members actually harvesting the wood that is used to make the guitars. I haven’t seen that from another manufacturer.
After playing my new Larrivee LV10 for one week, the vibes that come off that Guitar literally shifted my Depression. Its resonation and sustain is so powerful. I haven't felt this great in over a Decade. I can't say that my Martin ever made me feel this way.
Good vibes help but you probably also need to improve your diet- healthy fats and fermented foods like KIMCHI can help make you happier.
Fart daily - it helps dude
there is a $2200 Larrivee D-09 on charlotte/cary craigslist right now.
My wife wanted to buy me an acoustic guitar after some inheritance from her Grandmother. Being Canadian, I wanted to get a Canadian-made guitar, which were also in my budget. I tried countless Seagulls, Norman's, Simon and Patrick's, which were all very similar (the Godin familt), then came across a Larrivee L-02 ( made in Vancouver where her Gradma lived).The price was higher but picked it up anyway. I strummed one G chord and was sold. It was that much better than the dozens I played that day. Everyone that's played it has fallen in love with it and cannot believe the price. I'll never sell it, and play it until I can't.
I constantly find other players, who have NEVER heard of Larrivee. After i let them play it, they will never forget.
“Find yourself a Larrivee and prepare your heart, your mind, and your wallet.” Priceless quote! So true!
Not expensive for what you get, relative to other great brands
My cousin bought s Larrivee dreadnought in the late 90s. It has grown quite few top cracks and a few other issues. He got a Taylor 314ce-LTD.
If it’s an older instrument then it’s not a quality issue. Does he monitor its humidity?
IMHO, it is more probably marketing than anything else. Larrivee's have a superior tone, no question. Quality, no question.
I got a great OM 2 from David at Acustic Corner in Black Mountain NC. The workmanship on my OM is outstanding. The sound is full and you all should try one.
I’m old enough to remember how big Larrivee was in Toronto in the late 1970’s and early 80’s. Larrivee spawned great builders like Laskin, Wren and of course Manzer. We were really proud on all the great Canadian luthiers at the time. Now of course Larrivee has become an American company.
But the thing is, those same luthiers that learned from Larivee have brought on another generation under them. Canada has an incredible amount of world-class luthiers, now more than ever.
I was there for 18 years. Started pushing broom, (well, level sanding actually) and ended as the production manager until they pulled the plug here in Canada…
In Canada
I love the old Toronto built Larrivee guitars. A friend of mine has one from 1978 that I will buy if he ever decides to sell. In the mean time, I need to settle with my 1983 Marc Beneteau Rosewood cutaway, 1994 Laskin small body Koa, and 1988 Laskin 12-string jumbo. I have had them all since new.
@@MCC1E11AND wow those are some nice guitars you have. I have a 1980 David Wren cutaway since new and Grit Laskin 1977 that I bought used.
Thank you brother ... I am grateful for you letting us in on this ... i will look out for one ...
Greetings! I received my Larivee L -03R last year from our friends in Ft. Wayne. I love it! I try to spread the word when I have the opportunity. Keep up the good work.
Yeah. Unbelivable intruments. OM-09, OM-10, and L-O3 Delux edition (last guitar built in Vancouver). Amzing, indescribable quality. Sonic cannons, yet balanced. HUGE Larrivee fan!
I've got 5 incredible Larrivee Blackwood guitars that I would NEVER give up! I've owned Martins, Gibsons and that other brand dipped in plastic... oh yeah Taylors. EVERY Larrivee I've ever played has the most consistent build quality, tone and more tone! To me there is no comparison, Larrivee!
Got any demo videos of your Larrivee Blackwood?
I worked for a Larivee dealer over a decade ago. At the time a new 03 model was a bit over $1k Canadian - which made them great guitars for gigging musicians and I sold a ton of them. But now those same guitars are almost $2.5k now. I get prices have gone crazy, but I think there's just so much competition at that price point from brands with more name recognition.
Jerry. I share you passion for this brand. I received mine a couple of months ago that I special ordered through Sweetwater. Can’t put it down. It took a year and a half after we ordered it. It’s now a one of a kind. 12:39
I’ve owned two Larrivee’s. An L-09 and a D-60. The 9 was made in Canada and the 60 was made in the US.
The 9 was a great sounding guitar but I found a Santa Cruz that I eventually traded in for.
The 60 on the other hand was ordered online and was returned within a few days.
They definitely have their own thing going but in my experience, their easy to fall out of love with. The resale value isn’t that great as well.
For me, Larrivee is a great additional guitar to have but it was hard for me to be a primary guitar.
YMMV
Just got a OM-03E in today and oh how I’m blown away at the pristine sound it delivers. Thanks for the advice on giving Larrivee a try
Every Larrivee guitar I tried was pretty awesome. This includes one electric. I think it's s lack of local dealers.
Agree. Can't find them in my location.
I used to work at a acoustic guitar store, we carrie Everett, Thompson,larivee,kenny hill, Breedlove,Goodall, the list goes on..Larrivee guitars were easy to sell because they sounded great and the price was really competitive....I see a lot of people with Larrivee guitars. They record well to !!
I first heard a guy play a Larivee guitar in Nashville TN back in 2006. I remember thinking to myself at that moment, I gotta have one! The next week I bought a used D40 and still own and play it to this day. I have many upper end acoustic guitars but this one, well it’s a keeper. It sounds better every year (not my ability to play better, the guitar almost plays its self) 😊
Learned lf Larrivee guitars around 1990 at an open mike in Tacoma, wa. There were every kind of guitar there, Martin, guild, Gibson, fender, takamine, epiphone. When a fellow got up with his Larrivee cutaway accoustic, and the Larrivee was lower, brighter, even sound quality. I determined to own one. A few years later I purchased an L09 dreadnaught. 30 years it has been my go to guitar, the only maintenance was string changes and a Fishman pickup. I'm playing it tommorrow on the street where I live. I own a taylor t5 and other assorted instruments. My Larrivee is the best. I don't sell guitars. And am not affiliated with Larrivee in any manner. I just love it.❤
I think it’s the price because they price so close to Martin, people will gravitate to the Martin and buy the Martin instead. Resale is not the best.
I first came across the name Larrivee guitars online back around 2002 when I was looking to upgrade from an old hand me down Takamine that suffered years of abuse in college. It took a little searching to find a dealer but it was love at first strum. It took a couple of years and some crowd funding but eventually I came to be the proud own of an OM-03R. Despite years of hard knocks thanks to a life focused around family, its voice has aged like a fine wine. I am one of the rare people apparently who would never sell mine, but only because it was a gift and it feels like part of me when I play it. On this guitar I am more of a fingerpicker and this is the niche that Larrivee excels at because it was designed by somebody who used to play folk music and was schooled by someone with classical guitar building experience. Those who say they're too quiet or too fragile are likely too aggressive with them but under the right conditions these guitars "shimmer." If I want to strum hard I have a lower end Martin dread , but (as much as it pains me as a Pennsylvania native to say) my Larrivee is a superior guitar with regards to materials, construction and workmanship.
I totally agree, I own a D03 studio model. It's fabulous and here's the thing, regardless of the model you choose the workmanship and the quality of the materials are second to none. I found Larrivee guitars as a young man and have wanted one since the 70's. I could finally afford one in my old age unfortunately arthritis has been slowly affecting my ability to play but hey I got a Larrivee.
What I did for wrist, finger, and grip strength? I went to a store and bought different sizes of sponges. I squezze them to work out my muscles while watching TV. Give this idea a try.
I first played a Larivee in 1978 or 79. I lived in Buffalo, NY and spent a day in Toronto. I had to check out this not-well-known luthier's shop. At that time I was planning a Gurian S-3r, another guitar that was underappreciated when it was produced. Some 35 years later, the Gurian had been traded away and I was playing a Martin M-38. I located a minimally used Larivee 09K and this has been my main acoustic guitar ever since. I've polished it enough that the stain finish has become brushed semi-gloss and it looks great and sounds great.
I had a d 09 it was a alright guitar , Really hard to resale , so I traded it
After that always stuck with Martin’s or Gibsons
I just bought the exact Guitar you featured - the LV 10 RW. I found it when I took my Martin in town to a Classical Instrument Luthier for a little "Spa Treatment" overhaul. I had been wanting to get a new Guitar (just cause I LOVE them) but also one that commemorated my Dad who passed away.
When I saw the outrageous beauty and sound of the LV10, it was a no brainer what to chose for a Guitar that is to be passed down in the Family, never Sold. It is incredible to play, the action is low and the acceleration fast - whether hard strumming or finger picking a song like Blackbird, this Guitar has a personality and life like no other.
I have a fantastic little Stand so it reigns in my Living Room like a piece of Art - If I'm not playing it I'm staring at it! I know I probably could have found a better deal but I wanted to support my local Guitar Store and simply couldn't leave this LV10 behind!
I have an early Martin D-42, a Collings OM , and a Taylor Builders Edition 912ce.... I have others but I play my Larrivee 00-40R exclusively. It's the perfect combination for me of body size and full range of sound. Most of all it's a $2500 guitar and replaceable if something were to happen to it. Larrivee has flown under the radar for years. I dealt directly with the factory during my purchase and the service is wonderful. I agree, look into Larrivee. You wont be disappointed.
Jean Larrivee is a genius and knows wood as well as, or better, than Bob Taylor, Dana Bourgeois or anybody else in the business. When he was based here in British Columbia he had a very close relationship with the logging industry. I have proudly owned two Larrivees and currently play a 2003 OMV-60, a splendid fingerstyle guitar.
I have an LV 03. I can't remember exactly what model but it's a maple back and sides model. It's simply the best steel string guitar I have ever played. And that's including my vintage Martin D-35.
Same here. This Larrivee is so sweet. I'm glad it's not just me! haha
Larrivee owner here since 2016. Love it!!! It's a limited edition with beautiful maple leaf inlays on the headstock and fingerboard to commemorate the Canadian heritage after they moved production to the USA. Mine is signed by Jean Larrivee himself!
I've owned my Larrivee for 30 years now. Both my children grew to it's sound. To this day they can tell it when they here it and will come from the other room drawn to the sound. Thanks for high lighting this faithful company and singing it's praises. Bless you bro!
THANK YOU. I've had a custom-shop Larrivee L-10 for about 20 years. It is my TREASURE. Truly. I mostly play finger style so I went for the wider nut, but now I'm wanting a larger body that's meant for heavier strumming. So I'm currently looking at a D-09.
I discovered Larrivees 20 years ago. I was amazed at the beautiful woods, obvious quality and attention to detail. And the tone and sustain was so much better than the Martins and Taylors I had been considering. I currently own 4 of them. Two are Brazilian rosewood which are simply stunning. I also own a Goodall which cost thousands more, but the Larrivees are in the same league. And actually, many are now buying Larrivees as evidenced by their recent move to larger facilities in Oxnard, CA. They are a true family run business with Jean and his wife and sons all fully involved. I met all of them in 2008 at the California factory and they are great folks. They make boutique quality guitars at very reasonable prices.
I played a Larrivee in a guitar shop, and was overwhelmingly pleased with everything about it. The down side was that it was really out of my budget, so I ended up with a very nice Blueridge with an Adirondack top. I like the Blueridge, but I still drool over Larrivees on the interweb.
Blueridge are lovely guitars. I once owned the 180 with the ablone around the edge. Lovely tone and the bass was incredible. I noticed too how very light are. The only gripe I have with them is their skinny looking headstock which is barely wider than the neck but that's just down to personal taste. I had to sell it due to being skint at the time.
I finally got a Larrivee after wanting one for years. I bought a 1997 D-03 which I think is from the very first batch of the model. On the one hand it sucks that used ones go for so little because they are great and on the other hand it’s really nice to get something so nice for under a thousand dollars.
I have Larrivee D-44 with a torch inlay. It's a great guitar. I have noticed that it seems to be a little thinner than my D-18, My Huss and Dalton DS, or my Guild D-55. It sounds great but doesn't project quite like any of the others. Plugged it, it's amazing with my Baggs Anthem DS. The neck is amazing to play. It's truly great.
Fantastic guitars. I have high-end Martins, Taylors, and nice but more basic Yamahas and Seagulls…all great guitars. But for some reason I mostly reach for my Larrivee OM-03re. The spruce top is unbelievable and the rosewood is almost a deep purple. It plays and sounds fantastic. Not sure why they aren’t more popular….I think they are not so much under-rated as much as they are under-known.
What model is this? One of the best sounding acoustics I’ve ever heard south of, say, an Olson or Santa Cruz.
I have a D-02 that I bought used. It's 23 years old now and sounds better than ever! I just purchased a brand new D03E . I'm a Larrivee man! Great guitars!!! I have people come up to me at my shows and either say, "What kind of guitar is that?" Or they say, " Man, I love Larrivee guitars, they're awesome!" To these folks I say "Right On man!"
Larrivee all the way! As a Canadian living on the west coast I was all over these guitars years ago. I wanted a Martin and kept comparing them to Taylor and Larrivee, every time the Larrivee sounded, played better and cost less. Im the proud owner of an OM10MR, L09 and a D09B, had them for a solid decade and they only get better
Recently acquired an OM-09 from the mid-90s. Some artists I admired played Larrivees, so I’m not sure why they weren’t on my radar. This Om-09 is a terrific guitar. Count me as a convert-way under appreciated and under valued.
I've been shopping around for another guitar and have tried out several Martins, Gibsons, luthier made etc. every time I keep circling back to my Larrivee OMV 03 because it is far more playable and responsive. They are really great.
I have a Larrivee OM (40-R) and I love it. Big fan. I have to say that mine has no pickup. I am not a fan of that kind of pickup. Prefer the soundhole controls instead of the holes in the sides of the guitar.
So, so true, Jeremy. I own an LV-05 and an OM-40A that I got at killer prices several years ago and I love them both. The rosewood sounds great, but as one person said, Jean Larrivee does something incredible with mahogany. My LV-05 has incredible overtones almost like rosewood. Thanks for the great review!
I think part of the problem, at the moment, is that people who love high-end guitars -- think bling -- have the classic Larrivee headstocks in their memories. There are very few of those being made now and the price has really gone up. They used to have some mid-priced headstocks, such as the Eagle, the Seahorse, etc., that were more affordable. There are buyers who simply do not want the L-10 level trim without a classic Angel, Dancer, Jester, etc. inlay on the headstock. That's my take, as a guy who gave his daughter his L-10 Seahorse. Very balanced. More muscle than Taylors of the same size.
I love them. They're very resilient here in the southwest. They put up with a lot of dry
I know this is hard to believe but i bought a Larrive bass around 1989 for about 120 bucks. I has a jackson type neck and active emg pickups. To this day i still wonder why they sold it so cheap at that pawn shop in hollywood. My son has it now and plays it all the time, it still sounds and looks good after all this time.
Just picked up a 2022 D44 mahogony last week. Really had no intentions of buying a guitar that day, but I fell in love instantly. The tone, design, esthetics, and full bass sound was tremendous. Also, the overall build quality is unbelievable. This is coming from a Martin guy.. buy one of these guitars, they're hidden gems nobody talks about.
Lot's of my musician friends have/play Larrivee's . Personally, can't find them in our location outside of ordering online (which I hate to do.....like to try before buy)
I own two. I may add a 3rd (OM style). The value is arguably unbeatable. An in-law is a professional, touring Musician, who is also a luthier. He loves playing my DO-3R, and is impressed with the intonation. He commented on how even it is and said it would great for recording.
I have a D-03M that I bought used over 15 years ago. It’s a great sounding guitar and was my first really nice acoustic. I always wanted a D-28 though. I argued that there wasn’t enough difference between my Larivee and Martin to justify the difference. I just got a 2017 D-28 and in comparison…the Larrivee just sounds muffled. Maybe it’s the difference between the mahogany vs the rosewood or the fact my larrivee has 12s and the d-28 13s. But my Martin definitely sounds heads and shoulders above my Larrivee.
Jean Larrivée was trained in the 1960’s in Toronto by Edgar Mönch from Germany.
Edgar Mönch had been trained by, Marcello Barbero in Spain, who had been trained by Jose Ramirez II, who had been taught by his father Jose Ramirez. Jose began his apprenticeship at 12 years old with the master builder Francisco Gonzales in 1860.
Here’s a list of Jean Larrivée’s early apprentices: Sergei De Jonge, Grit Laskin, David Wren, George Gray, Tony Duggan-Smith, Michael Jones, Michael Schriener, Linda Manzer, Gorden G. W. Barry, David Iannone.
I have owned a Larrivee for 20 years, and loved it when I found it here in Texas… has a good tone, easy to play neck, and beautiful wood ( did develop small cracks, dry here) but also noticed a friends Martin had also developed cracks….
Heartbreaker ordered me my custom.. all American walnut top, back and sides.. OMV40. I have had 2 Larrivee so far. A 2011 DV03 , and sold it for my 2018 OMV40. and will sell it when i get my custom
I bought a D10E in 2008. Still have it. None of the low E and A boominess of Martins, but you can order the standard X bracing to “simulate” that sound. Works best with 80/20 bronze strings. As others said , lack of dealers and a lower ad budget is the problem. I see Sweetwater is now a dealer. All made in USA and no laminates.
I own a C-10 that I absolutely love. It is my favorite all-time guitar. Living in Seattle, 3 hrs south of Vancouver, I knew a lot about the brand. Jean Larrivee trained an entire generation of Canadian luthiers. Nobody is prying this baby out of my hands. 😉
Stopped in fuller music new Bern, NC last week and my son played d40 larivee, and it sounded really good
I have about a dozen acoustic guitars after buying, selling and trading for many years. One is a Larivee and it is excellent. Great sounding and easy playing. Perfect construction.
Because I moved to super-arid Phoenix… I almost bought a Larrivee jumbo, but chose a RainSong instead, so I didn’t have to worry about humidification…
Someone else just commented that they put up with the dry southwest weather extremely well! 😉 👍🏻
@@MashaT22 Thanks for that! The other factor is that I just retired, and my wife and I will soon embark on a leisurely sightseeing / open mic 🎤 road trip of the lower 48… I needed a guitar that I can throw, and leave in the SUV, and not worry about it being 120 degrees Fahrenheit. I would not subject a Larrivee, or any other fine wood guitar to such abuse, so went with the carbon fiber RainSong, which is impervious to temperature and humidity… maybe when all of our travels are finished, I will get my Larrivee!
@@jed1166 good point! By the way, have you ever checked out KLOS Guitars? That’s my one and only guitar that I got as a gift on super discount when the brand was new. Mine is a full sized Hybrid Deluxe model. They make travel models that would be perfect for your purpose and they sound amazing. You can plug them into an amp or mic them nicely. Both full size and hybrid have bolt on necks if you want to make them fit into a tight space. The hybrids are less money because they have wood necks that have CF rods (and truss rod) instead of a CF neck.
The non deluxe and deluxe models are very highly rated (4-5 stars) and well reviewed on their site and other retailer sites. I’ve actually never seen a bad review for them. Their customer service is incredible and they bend over backwards to please everyone. They also have some customization options if you want something beyond the stock model (like requesting a specific pickup/pre-amp). They give discounts and often have sales (join their email list!). They have a live Kickstarter right now for a new concert sized ukulele (they sell a variety of stringed instruments!) - you’ll always get the best discounts on their Kickstarters (that’s how my guitar was gotten). You can trust their Kickstarters because they’ve always delivered and have done a lot of model launches that way. They sell B-Stock. I’ve also seen used models pop up on Reverb that are in great condition for a fraction of the price (some are beat to hell but still play great - just cosmetic things from going mountain climbing and doing adventure sports with them). But even at full price, they cost half of what a bidirectional CF guitar would cost from McPherson, Emerald Guitars, etc. There are dealers that have them in stock to try and buy, but if you order one, you have 30 days to return it or try another model without any risk. Oh and there’s a lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects!
I also love their noiseless amp cable, which also has a lifetime warranty. It’s really durable and makes zero noise/pops.
Anyway, feel free to ask me more. I love my KLOS. It’s super durable and sounds great. I have no complaints about it. My service dog often strums on it and I’m not one bit worried about damaged or humidity/dryness issues. I live in a NYC apartment that gets both humid and very dry depending on the day, and I live near a highway with all sorts of dust and debris. The maintenance is minimal- when I change strings, I just polish the fretboard and fret wire, and quickly wipe the rest of the guitar down with rubbing alcohol as per their recommendation for cleaning the body. Paired with D’addario XT strings, I’m usually good for up to 3 months (though I just found out KLOS now ships their Deluxe guitars with Cleartone Phosphor Bronze instead of the D’addario XT that I’m going to try next). The guitar literally needed to go to a shop once for a good setup since I got it in 2018. I hope you’ll check out this company if you’re ever looking for another CF guitar.
I’m sure you love your RainSong, but please be careful with it. They can very easily break - and even shatter. They are mostly a plastic material mixed with ground up CF material. The Agufish channel once showed an unboxing this past summer with a totally shattered Lava 3 guitar that was sent for him to review. It didn’t survive shipping. People often see the word composition or carbon fiber and don’t realize there are different types and they drastically vary. The Chinese/Asian CF guitars are all made from the same material as RainSong except for one brand (I forget which) that has a unidirectional CF top. Many have veneers that make it look like real bidirectional CF material. You have to know how to identify each type (kind of like wood) since these brands don’t disclose what they’re using and know consumers generally are unaware that there’s different types and grades of CF/composite. I only mention this because you’re traveling. Your guitar will survive the humidity and temperature changes well, but try to be careful with it like a wood guitar - don’t drop it, don’t pack heavy bags on top of it, don’t try to smash it at the end of an open mic set . . . because it will break. Some wood guitars are actually stronger than the composite RainSong and other such brands use. So please just use caution. They sound lovely, but it would be horrible if you had an accident with the guitar and no way to repair them. Guitar techs and luthiers generally don’t have the materials or ability to repair these guitars and in most case they’re just unfixable go to the nature of the way the material breaks. Be careful! (P.S. KLOS uses the strongest type of bidirectional CF material that is used for airplanes and spaceships - check out their TH-cam channel where they drove a 4x4 over it, played baseball with it, took a hammer to it, went swimming in a pool with it, used it as a canoe oar, etc.)
Sorry I rambled on a bit here, but it’s just because I love my guitar and want others who are interested in CF to know that this brand exists. I hope the info helps. Safe travels! I’ve road tripped through nearly every state and through most of eastern Canada during most of my childhood and adulthood. Haven’t been able to do it in the last few years due to long term illness but hope to do it again sometime. Enjoy the open road . . . and open mics with your RainSong and wife!
I worked for jean for almost 10 years. Yes, he/they make just about the best acoustics ever. Every part is hand made there in oxnard. Ive played every model jcl makes. It bugs me that nobody realy knows about these amazing guitars. I think its because john ( he prefers to be called john) does not advertise. Never realy has. Anyway, you will never regret buying a jcl guitar. My fav is the 000-60.
They also make extremely fantastic electric guitars. I have several electric guitars by different makers but my Larrivees are my favorites.
@macgruff69 they are very good. Matt makes great pups
Larrivees are some of the greatest value guitars on the used market. Multiple times I’ve played every acoustic in a respectable vintage shop and found that this or that sub-$2k Larrivee was the best sounding of the lot. I’ve sadly never had my hands on an OG gitfiddle from the early days of the workshop though. Larrivee also apprenticed a lot of now-legends back in the day, like Sergei De Jonge.
I have two Larrivee’s. A D-50 and an OM-05 MT. Absolutely love them. I’m surprised more people don’t know about them and play them. Most of the time I’m convinced people get caught up in the “I’ve got to have a (big brand name here)” and that’s why people don’t play them. Absolutely incredible guitars! Get one. You won’t regret jt.
Picked up my first “real” acoustic a few years ago - a Larrivee OM-40R - after a bunch of research. What I discovered was what you said in this video - they truly are a fantastic brand of guitars on par with the big names for a price point that is far below what the big name equivalent guitars cost. I absolutely love mine and hope more people jump on the Larrivee train. I also love how dedicated they are to sustainability and they just seem like super down-to-earth people. Watch their videos.
I think it’s the price because they price so close to Martin, people will gravitate to the Martin and buy the Martin instead. I personally love them, would buy a used if it was available a Dreadnought for sure.
My absolute favorite play every gig with last 22 years
Working on my custom
I have two Larrivee guitars...A "Simple 6" from Heartbreaker Guitars and a limited addition L-09 bought new from a dealer on Reverb.
I love them both!
I own and play a 1979 L28, a Florentine , love it .I bought the guitar new, picked it over a Martin, Gibson and Gretch..
About 25 years ago I went to Elderly Instruments in Lansing, Michigan. It's about an hour away. I think I went to get some strings. I came home with a Larrivee parlor guitar. I still have it. I play it at home more than any of my other guitars. (Martin, Taylor, Loar, etc.)
Which model, p-03 hog, p-09 rosewood?
None of the above. The hang tag says LPG Maple. I saw and bought this about a year before the model was introduced. I have often wondered if it was a preproduction model sent to Elderly as a test market. $455.
We have a little shop with Larrivees nearby but last time there the L-03 was a lighter build with new bracing that reminded me of the Taylor V bracing tone which I don't care for as much as traditional X bracing....should've snagged the L-03 rosewood i tried several years ago. The tone imho was better then.
I've had my Larrivee L-09 for 30 years this month. Awesome guitars!
I think you are absolutely right. I love the Larrivee I bought in Biloxi during the Katrina hurricane recovery my company sent me there for. I actually bought the guitar new, but in a pawn shop. I can't believe I waited 2 weeks to come back for it and it was still there.
This is the only guitar I ever named. Katrina. What a blessing this guitar has been. Its a OM-01 that I got for $1100 at the time and I would never sell this guitar. Lord willing, will break out a song in church tomorrow night featuring a different lead in to a common song than people are used to, but this little guitar with a big sweet voice will deliver, no doubt.
I understand this video. Larrivee is a great guitar. I bought another for my son and he gets it too!
😂
I bought a Larrivee D-40 a couple years ago. Great, great guitar. Amazing to play and sounds great.
Heres my take, and maybe it's the same reason they don't sell, assuming they don't as you say. I bought a OM-09 around 2000-2005 i guess. Memory isn't too good but somewhere in there. They seem to sound phenomenal. But after owning it a year or 2 i noticed i rarely wanted to pick it up. Somehow it bored me and i wasn't sure why. I finally sold it and bought an eastman and thats when it hit me what it was because i heard in the eastman what i was missing in the larrivee....DYNAMICS ! It sounded compressed so i wasn't able to play very dynamically which was great with the eastman. Anyways, maybe players have come to notice the same thing about them. Just a thought.
When I 1st started playing & repairing guitars in the early 70's, they were almost unheard of in SW LA. I had their original catalogs & lusted after them.They were also all over $1k & had amazing build quality & more intricate inlay work. I had no idea that they were now a US company & lowered prices.
What other guitars fall into that category? Alvarez Yairi's and Guilds come to mind
I have two Larrivees and they are certainly quality guitars. A LV-10E custom and a L-03-12E and they are both a delight to play. Beautiful tone and wonderful to play.
Probably similar to Boucher guitars. Although I actually do not know how well they sell but you hardly see them around.
Full disclosure. I just bought a Larrivee D40 used at GC recently, and it blows every other guitar away, including the $4-5K G's, M's, and T's. It's a special guitar I got for $1500. It plays amazingly. I have some great Takamine handmade originals and still, the D40 is beyond!
Perhaps that is the new slang. Why buy a GMT when you can get a Larrivee?
Unlike other more widely available guitar brands, Larrivee has not engaged in market flooding with sub-$500 guitars made in the far east, with streaky A grade tops and laminate back and sides. You don't see many Larrivees in shops for the same reason you don't find R.C.Cola at the grocery store. Limited shelf space and licensing agreements lock dealers into McGuitar type offerings. There were NO Larrivee dealers within 100 miles of my rural midwest home when I hunted down my first one and bought it sight-unseen from a dealer 2 states over ... I listened to dozens of sound samples on a professional music site that did "shoot out" type reviews and decided to my ears the Larrivee L-09 was the guitar I had to have. It's a 40th anniversary Sam Ash edition model and sounds and plays wonderfully. In the years since, I've bought 2 other used high-end Larrivees. One involved a trip to Victoria to buy from a private seller in Canada where I bargained with the wife and took her to Butchart Gardens, the other required a train ride to Chicago where I met the owner, took him to lunch and played the guitar in Union Station before buying it. With a dozen + guitars in my stable, the 3 Larrivees will remain with me to the grave. The 4th, oddly enough, is a Crafter GAE 648 CD/N that rivals a Taylor 514CE. It was $500 ish new in 2003 and is as nice and stable as the day I bought it, less the divot (repaired) my wife put in the top when she dropped something on it. I decided to keep the wife, repaired the guitar with resin and named her "Nicky" - the guitar, not the wife. The Larrivees are Rosie, Victoria, and Windy.
I spent an afternoon in a guitar shop trying out guitars and I came away with a Larrivee. If you are looking for a good quality acoustic it would be a big mistake not to try Larrivees before you make your choice.
Hi Jeremy, what model is the guitar your playing. great video.....
I have a neighbor how has one. Would have probably bought one myself but no local dealer and I like to try before I buy.
Had a Sam Ash here and they closed, Two Guitar Centers within 40 miles one north other south, and a couple nice boutique guitar stores and I’ve never seen a single Larrivee at any of them. I had a great friend that played in some really nice bands who swore by his that he bought in the late 70s but I’ve never played one and really would love to. Great video… thank you !!
I've played a few. They sound great plugged in. They are underwhelming acoutically in comparison to other guitars at their price point. That's why I haven't bought one. Just my opinion. Still very good guitars though.
I have not even played my other high end guitars since I bought my Larrivees. My Mahog has the most beautiful tone I ever heard in an acoustic guitar.
For me, I never had the opportunity to try one. I try NOT to buy new, and haven’t found one locally. I would love to try one and will keep a look out. Thank you
I own a Larivee L-03 Mahogany , built in Canada, have owned it for years. Love it, will never sell or trade it. It is an awesome guitar and more than reasonably priced when I got it.
I really like how deep the cutout is relative to the fretboard access.
I’ve owned 6-7 different Larrivees all very nice
I recently purchased an L-03
Probably the best sounding Larrivee I’ve owned
Thanks. Cheers
I have an OM-02 (with the clear pickguard) that I bought new from Guitar Center for $400 in 1999. It’s been the only acoustic I’ve kept. It sounds better than guitars I’ve owned that cost 10-12x more, all of which I sold and kept this one.
A year and a half ago I had a neck reset and new frets and it sounds better than ever. It’s loud, has a lot of depth, and is just a brilliant sounding guitar.
Sometimes I think about buying a higher end one, but honestly I don’t see how it could sound better than what I have already and don’t have interest in paying a lot more just for aesthetics.
Just picked up a 1994 Larrivee OM-09 ... she's a beauty!
When I was playing a lot and buying guitars (2001-2008), I was spending a lot of time in guitar shops trying all the guitars. Martins were - and still are - my favorite mass-produced guitars because they are consistently warmer than other brands. Taylors were my least favorite because to my ears, they were too bright and jangly. The Larrivees were on the warm side but significantly less expensive than Martins. I don't know how they are priced today compared to other quality all-wood guitars, but back then, there were total bargains. Buffalo Brothers in Carlsbad, CA was the only place around that carried Larrivess.
I have owned 2 Larrivee's and sold them on. They were good guitars and sounded okay but ultimately I prefer a gloss finish and wouldn't spend the massive hike in price to get one with a gloss finish.
I have an om-40 moon spruce and walnut. It's a fantastic guitar.
Nevermind the fact that Jean Larrivee was mentor to some of the most renowned guitar builders in the world today. Laskin and Manzer among them. Probably my favorite out of the factory finish on a production guitar.
I've had 3 Larrivees. A super-budget L-01 that cost about US$500 brand new (about 15 years ago) and was one of the best-sounding guitars I've ever had. I had an L-09 that was stellar. And I currently have an OM-03R that is superb (bought used about 10 years ago for about $500).
Sold my Martin after I bought my larivee d40r with the moon wood top. Just didn’t have a use for the Martin anymore. My larivee is the Best dreadnaught I have ever played. I played every guitar at Gruhns in nashville and left with it. Truly underrated. They sound as if every note is perfectly balanced. Perfect intonation and playability.