Gibson J-35 or Larrivee L-03, which would you buy?

Sometimes we get hung up on certain things in buying a guitar that maybe we shouldn't. We might worry about the looks, the brand name, the opinions of others, who else plays it and even things like availability and certain things that may be important to some, like the type of neck, size of body, etc.

But what about how the tone feels? Does it stroke your endorphins when you strum those chords you favor? I don't mean, does it just sound good, but does it make you smile and feel good when you hear it? If not, I'd keep looking and if one does between those two more than the other, get the one that does.

[jlipoth]

I just had this same choice in at my local music store this week. They are both great guitars, but they sound and respond very different from each other. I bought the J35.

[Vinceletah]

It's the classic should I buy a TV or a new bicycle, apple and oranges, they are nothing alike. I would say that if you hesitate and ask for advice between so different guitars, maybe that mean you need to go out a few more weeks/months before you buy something', just go and try guitars and school yourself about yourself, what you like, what you want.
It's been almost a year for me gassing about buying a "premium" guitar, and it took me a lot of trial in boutiques to know what I /liked wanted most...

[cisco7]

Hi.. I played both, Great honest guitars for the price. I guess i fell in love with the j35 mainly because of the short scale and the 12" fretboard radius, fits my hand perfectly. And.. you just can't go wrong with the sound of the gibson big slope shoulder shape.

Good luck!!!

[BOOSE]

I've owned a Larrivee that I loved, I don't think there is another company who make so called budget guitars with the quality Larrivee does at the price they ask, the 3 and 2 series for the brass are staggering!

But if I had to choose between a L-03 and a J 35 then I would pick the 35.

Its all about the fit, feel and vibe that slope shoulder Gibson's have for me, they just feel right in your hand.

But whatever brand you choose your on to a winner.

[riverrummed]

I've always thought that the Larrivee L series guitars looked a lot like a Gibson slope shoulder dreadnought and when I looked at the body dimensions for an L it came in very close to a Gibson. The main dimensional difference (but not the only one), and the one that makes me like the Gibson over the Larrivee, is the scale length. I just like the shorter scale length and all that is attendant with that. It would be a more apt comparison to compare a Larrivee L in rosewood with a Gibson Advanced Jumbo in that they both have the same tone woods AND the same scale length. But the ear of the player coupled with how it feels to play the particular instrument is what should really matter in the end. It is fun trying them all though.

[markcrawford]

j35 easy....easy. better neck profile for me and more midrange...the good j35's are the best guitar for the money from my point of view. Nothing against larrivee, but their thin neck profile and me do not get along at all.

[natstrat79]

Originally Posted by markcrawford

j35 easy....easy. better neck profile for me and more midrange...the good j35's are the best guitar for the money from my point of view. Nothing against larrivee, but their thin neck profile and me do not get along at all.

+1 If you find a dealer willing to give 40% off list on the J35 its hard to find a better dreadnought in this price range. List out the features and then find another guitar with the same features. I don't know about Larrivee's model range but I know the closest Martin in features would be the D18 and its hundreds of dollars more.

[grim83]

I haven't played an r taylor but I have played quite a few other Taylor's. I also can't recall if I've played a larivee l series or not but have played a few larrivees in general. So take what follows with that in mind. I have found larivee to be somewhat similar tonally to Taylor (at least as compared to Gibson Martin and guild) so if you want something different Gibson would be a better choice in my book. I'd be willing to bet if you played The larivee next to your r taylor you'd find they cover a lot of similar ground so the Gibson would offer more versatility when coupled to what you have

[oatsoda]

Don't get the Larrivee, or you'll wonder why you spent all that bread on your custom speced Taylor. Get the 35, or even better, an Epiphone hummingbird, and keep enjoying your bliss.

[Taylorcrazy]

I greatly appreciate all of your responses. I need to make some additional trips to play both the Gibby and the Larry. Taking my R Taylor along is a terrific idea. That way, I can see which offers the most difference from what I currently own.

Thanks again everyone.

[Nctom]

I've had both (an L-09 ,though, instead of an -03), and sold the Gibson. The thing is, I still look at all the Gibsons I can and will probably buy another J35. There is something about both guitars that can't be compared.

[Treenewt]

I've been blessed to own some very cool guitars. My Larrivee L-03 is the first that has truly rivaled my D-18 for my attention. I'm definitely in the honeymoon phase, but it's a special guitar.

Not saying the J35 couldn't be that for you, but I will say this: take your time (as you seem to be doing). I was on the hunt for something to compliment my D18, and I was intrigued by Larrivee, but couldn't find any to play. I went through two Eastman's (great guitars in their own right, just not what I was looking for in the end) to finally luck onto an L for the first time. For me, Larrivee fit the niche I was hoping to hit, a perfect compliment to my Martin.

Good luck Taylorcrazy! I hope you find the one that speaks to you, From Bozeman or from Oxnard!

[Twilkins]

I've got same issue. I have 3 smaller guitars, 00, 000 and a Larrivee LS. Actually sold my D18 to buy the 000. Thought I would add a J-45 but now looking at L-0? and SD-50. Love Gibson looks but also love the Larrivee sound. My LS is a lifetime keeper[emoji7]. Probably a win either way.


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[futboljim]

Originally Posted by sbpark

Another "decide what guitar is better for me, even thought I've played the two I'm considering" thread!

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