Buying a Larrivee - but need help

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bennettpr
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Buying a Larrivee - but need help

Post by bennettpr »

First off - hello :)

After reading so much on these boards about how great Larrivvee's are, especially in my price range 800-1000, I am strongly considering purchasing one. I was going for the D-15 Martin but from what I hear, I am paying a large majority for the Martin name. The local shops and Guitar Center don't carry in Larrivvee models in stock, so I'm wondering what they sound like - in comparison with other guitars ie - more of a deeper sound (martin) or bright (taylor) ect.

Also - I was wondering where the best place to buy them would be, for my price range. If anyone has a used one, I would be interested in that as well. Sorry for all of the questions, thanks :)

- Ryan
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Post by Kahn »

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Re: Buying a Larrivee - but need help

Post by RunsWithBuffalo »

bennettpr wrote:First off - hello :)

After reading so much on these boards about how great Larrivvee's are, especially in my price range 800-1000, I am strongly considering purchasing one. I was going for the D-15 Martin but from what I hear, I am paying a large majority for the Martin name. The local shops and Guitar Center don't carry in Larrivvee models in stock, so I'm wondering what they sound like - in comparison with other guitars ie - more of a deeper sound (martin) or bright (taylor) ect.

Also - I was wondering where the best place to buy them would be, for my price range. If anyone has a used one, I would be interested in that as well. Sorry for all of the questions, thanks :)

- Ryan
It depends on the body type you are going for. If you compare a Martin Dread vs a Larrivee dread the martin is going to be bassier and "darker" sounding where the larrivee will have a more balanced tone and a little brighter treble. I have recorded with both and while i love the martin, many times i have to eq out a lot of bass in order to keep it from drowning the mix, so i prefer the larrivee. I would go for the rosewood over the mohagany since rosewood is a little bassier.

I would check out two places for buying larrivees

http://www.elderly.com ELDERLY INSTRUMENTS

http://www.guitaradoptions.com GUITAR ADOPTIONS

In your price range, i would take a serious look at a D-03R or if you like a guitar with a strong midrange look at the OM-03R.

The great thing about larrivee is that the 03 series are as high of quality as their 10 series but less ornate.

Good luck
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Post by mangold »

I was going to say everything he just said... jerk
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Post by boonie »

i recently purchased a D-03 not rosewodd. It's a mahogony back so of course it isnt as bassy but it does come through. Its a very jangly instrument if you know what i mean. It makes you wanna play Mr. Tambourine man. I know Sam Ash carries them if there is a Sam Ash anywhere near you
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CWMCALL
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Post by CWMCALL »

Get the D-15...I love mine

I tried a bunch of Larrivee's but kept going back to the Martin.
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bennettpr
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Post by bennettpr »

Thanks for the help so far, it's been much needed. However - why is the Larrivee D-03 series so much better (it may or may not be, in your opinion) than say the Martin D-15? Espescially considering the price of the Martin is cheaper. Keep in mind that I can't play a Larrivee so I'm looking for your insight to help me out. Thanks :)
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mattinbeloit
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Post by mattinbeloit »

Please go play and compare the 2 before you make a decision. Both are great guitars for the price and the D-15 is one guitar that you are not "paying extra for the martin name" compared to their other series, but they sound very different and it's going to boil down to what you think sounds better.
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Post by dmb66 »

Well,
I have a D-03E and I've gigged with a D-15 before, so I feel like I know a decent bit about the Martin, and of course the Larrivee as well. Like everyone else has already said, the Martin has a darker tone, while the Larrivee will have a bit more pop and brightness to the sound. However, I wouldn't say the Larrivee is as bright as a Taylor, but it is definately more balanced than the Martin. My biggest reason I didn't go and buy a D-15 was I thought that the trebles and mids were a bit too subdued and mellow. I love the bass of the Martin, but it doesn't match the rest of the spectrum of sound of that guitar well for my tastes. Most importantly, go play both and decide for yourself, and if you have any more specific questions about the Larrivee, throw them my way.

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Post by Gold »

I have a Larrivee D-03 as well, and it's very balanced. I do have a limited edition model with sapele back and sides though, which, I believe, gives a little bit more bass than regular mahogany. I didn't have a chance to test it before I bought it, but I'm sure it's the best purchase I've made in my entire life.
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mattinbeloit
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Post by mattinbeloit »

Sounds like you have your ducks in a row. Go for it.
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bennettpr
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Post by bennettpr »

Thanks so much for all of the help. I played the D15 some more and I also do find that it may be just a little to bassy... I am currently bidding on a Larrivee on ebay so i'll let you all know how that turns out. thanks :)
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Post by Kahn »

Great choice. You will be blown away.
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Post by buffjam9011 »

good choice. i chose a dc16 rgte over the d15 and am glad i did.
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Post by guitardmb »

Im thinking of buying a Larrivee soon too. What are your thoughts on the D-50 and L-09?
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