Larrivee OMV

[eyesore]

I bought this guitar a few months ago and I just can't seem to bond with it. I have had all kinds of adjustments done to it [it is brand new] but I just don't like the sound of it. Never had this issue before. I feel like the neck is too fat too. When I switch to my Martin OM28; it sings and it 's easier to play. Anyone ever this problem? I really don't know what to do with it. Thinking of bringing it to GC or Sam Ash and looking for a trade.

[Rockysdad]

Which series is it, 03,05,09 ?

[ewalling]

I've owned a few Larrivees - an SD-50, an L-05M, an L-03R, and a P-09. I loved the SD-50 and the L-05M, but the L-03R seemed a bit dead to me. The P-09 was beautiful but also underwhelming.

I do remember playing an LV-09R in Sam Ash around 14 years ago and being bowled over by the richness of its sound. I wasn't looking for a guitar at that moment, but if I had been, that would have been a great buy.

[Rogerblair]

Larrivees often take a long time to open up and sound really good. Most do, however, in my experience. Perhaps you just don’t like the Larrivee sound…some don’t and that’s ok.

Roger

[eyesore]

The one I have is the o3r; rosewood. I do own the same guitar in mahogany; I do like that one, but not amplified.

[Deliberate1]

I have learned, in my brief guitar journey, that I surely bond with some guitars I own, or have owned, more than others.
My first guitar was a Larrivee 000-40RE. And I did enjoy it, though had nothing to compare it to. In time, more guitars came my way. As they did, I stopped playing the Larrivee because the others gave me more joy and I felt a closer connection to them. I truly belive that you should spend your precious time with a guitar that gives you the most pleasure. You will know this when you can't wait to play it. If this does not describe your feelings about your Larrivee, may I suggest that you turn it into something that does. I sold mine this summer to someone who loves it. Win-win.
Best of luck.
David

[egordon99]

Originally Posted by eyesore

The one I have is the o3r; rosewood. I do own the same guitar in mahogany; I do like that one, but not amplified.

Is it an OM-03R or O3r?

If it's the former, I am shocked that you think it sounds bad. You either got a dud or it needs a proper setup.

My OM-03R turns 20 soon and it's been an incredible guitar since the day I received it from First Quality Music Supply (anyone remember those guys?)

Sorry it's not working out for you. Do you have any local guitar friends that could take a look at it?

[FingahPickah]

Larrivee is truly it’s own breed. The construction, feel and sound doesn’t mimic any other brand. I’ve played Guilds, Martin, American Series Breedlove for years. My 2019 Larrivee 000-40 isn’t similar to any of them in sound or feel. I would, however, describe it as a balanced (more modern than classic) sound; perhaps closer to a Taylor sound (I have a 324e) but with the more depth and ring of a 12 fret dread-depth 000 body. It’s most responsive with medium or light/medium PB strings. It’s presently strung with Martin Authentic PB .0125- .055; feels and sounds great.

[William2]

I have bought three guitars this year, two Larrivee's (D-40R & SD40RW) and one Martin (D-15). I do find that for whatever reason I am gravitating to my Martin D-15 more and more. This really has surprised me as I only bought this instrument as a tonal change from a spruce top instrument. The Larrivee's are great but maybe I'm one of those people that likes hog guitars. I agree, you have to play what you bond to.

[eyesore]

I love rosewood .thats why I bough tit. but the neck somehow fills ; thick. I guess as I age I need a thin neck ;not at the nut , just a neck I can get my hands around. Although this guitar does have great sound in DADGAD.

[Rockysdad]

*If* it's made before Sept. 2017 it'll have the compound radius fretboard 17-21", if it's made after, then the fretboard is 16" radius wondering if this is what you're noticing as opposed to the actual neck carve.

[eyesore]

Originally Posted by Rockysdad

*If* it's made before Sept. 2017 it'll have the compound radius fretboard 17-21", if it's made after, then the fretboard is 16" radius wondering if this is what you're noticing as opposed to the actual neck carve.

hmm never thought of that .it was made well after 2017 . It is barnd new ,bought about four months ago.

[egordon99]

Originally Posted by eyesore

I love rosewood .thats why I bough tit. but the neck somehow fills ; thick. I guess as I age I need a thin neck ;not at the nut , just a neck I can get my hands around. Although this guitar does have great sound in DADGAD.

I keep mine in DADGAD tuning as well.

[nbs2005]

I have two Larrivees and I really like both of them. Awesome guitars particularly if you consider their price. And while I'm happy with them (though often looking to swap them) they are not OMG guitars in my view. I'm not really sure I've played an OMGG. A Martin D-18 came close. So for now I enjoy what I have and when I find something that makes my knees shake, I'll grab it.

Larrivees are poorly setup from the factory. Invest in a good setup or learn how to do it yourself and take a crack at it. They also are slow to open up. I bought a Tonerite and thought it helped. Yes, there's a sizable chunk of folks on here that will laugh at that. That's OK by me.

Good luck.

[Teherie]

My three Larrivees are all 03 series with satin finish including a parlor and LV03 custom 12 string both made in Canada and a Forum VI (LSV03) made in the U.S. My Forum guitar came straight from the factory and was the best set up I have ever had right out of the gate, bar none.

After 50 plus years of playing, I think the Larrivee parlor and L body shapes are there best designs. I added a Venetian cutaway to both of my L bodies. I also think the woods used, fit and finish set them apart too.

Good luck with yours.