Larrivee C-09ME

-- 1998 Canadian-made Larrivee C09-ME
-- Solid Engelmann spruce top
-- flame maple back and sides (nice subtle flame pattern)
-- fitted with a Fishman Matrix Natural I pickup
-- ebony fretboard with deluxe abalone fretboard inlays
-- eagle inlay in headstock
-- Sharp "Florentine" cutaway body (These are no longer made, Larrivee now only produces the more rounded "Venetian" cutaway)
-- hard case

Lots of people don't like the sound of maple but this is the best sounding maple guitar I've ever played. Very bright (and loud!) when strummed and still strong when played fingerstyle. Awesome sound, although it's not as versatile a sound as rosewood.

Just lovely. It's a Larrivee, after all, and a flawless one. Plays great, knocked the pants off all the Taylors and Martins that were in the shop when I bought it.

I've used this guitar in the studio a great deal and it's always held its own, sounds great miked. It hasn't been out in clubs or pubs much, because frankly I'm paranoid of anything happening to it. I use it live when I have someone else along to keep an eye on the gear. Still mint despite being my No. 1 acoustic to play around the house.

It took Larrivee a while to get their web site up to snuff but now it's loaded with lots of informative stuff. Their staffers were great when I talked to them on the phone, too.

I've been playing for 15 years and this is hands down the most wonderful guitar I've ever played (let alone owned!) ... It's simply a dream. Needless to say, if there's a fire, this baby gets rescued before anything else -- and that's about the highest compliment that a guitar can get! ... If you're in the market for a high-end acoustic, do yourself a favor and check out Larrivee as well as Taylor and Martin. In my opinion, Larrivee blows away the better-known brands hands down.