Larrivee D-03 Acoustic

Solid spruce top, solid mahogany sides and back, mahogany neck, black faceplate on the headstock, ebony fretboard, microdot inlays, maple body binding, good tuners, ebony bridge, tusq nut and saddle. Mine came equipped with a Dean Markley magnetic/mic'd soundhole pickup (not standard equipment--it was installed by the previous owner). Dreadnought body with X-bracing, dovetail neck joint. Medium to beefy neck radius, 25.5" scale. Satin finish. Clear pick guard (not the tortoise shell guard I've seen on others). Hard shell case included.

Aesthetically, this guitar is a stunner. It maintains a low relative cost by eschewing the usual decorative appointments like ivory bindings, ridiculous inlays, etc.;however, it gains an elegance from what appears to be a deliberately spartan look. It looks like an iconoclast work of art.

But, the satin finish, although a cost saver, is not something I consider a benefit. The sound is not affected for the worse, yet it's no boon either. To those who claim that the satin finish allows the guitar resonate more freely: you're deluding yourself. I've heard plenty of guitars that absolutely disprove that theory. Your ears are conjuring sounds that justify your purchase. Furthermore, these stripped down finishes will NOT age as well as a gloss finish. They are inherently more vulnerable to moisture and physical damage than gloss finishes. The gloss finish on more expensive instruments is not purely a decorative feature, but also a protective one. The better your wood can be protected, the longer it will last, and hence the longer it will retain its value. It is an important consideration for someone who wants to keep their instrument long term, and I think most of us fall in that category.

Satin finishes do indeed make for cheaper guitars, but I hope the trend will cease in favor a different type of finish, or perhaps concessions in other areas, such as the neck joint. Taylor guitars are well known for their consistency and quality of construction even though they are constructed with a mortise and tenon neck joint rather than the traditional and supposedly superior dovetail joint. Larrivee might do well to take Taylor's success to heart.

Overall, with the exception of the satin finish, this guitar has a great set of appointments, and most guitarists would be proud to sport the D-03 around.

The D-03 comes remarkably close to my Holy Grail tone. With the right strings and setup, the D-03 exhibits wonderful projection and high end sparkle. It sounds very much like the Taylor guitars I have played, which is kind of funny when you consider that most of us view mahogany as a relatively dark tone wood.

Yet, despite the treble bliss evoked from the D-03, the bass is where it came up short. Bass runs seem tinny and cold (also much like a Taylor) and playing bass strings near the 12th fret was very disappointing.

Likewise, when lightly strumming, this guitar's midrange and high end detail were quite beautiful. Unfortunately, strumming heavily blurred all the detail out of the chords. Note separation was abysmal. It was as though the soundboard was distorting under high volume. Quite a surprise for a mahogany guitar.

Additionally, I'm dumbfounded at those who claim that this guitar is suited for finger picking. My Martin blows this guitar out of the water in this area. The D-03's sound is far too present for finger picking to sound pleasant. Trust me, pick up a rosewood Martin and play it in a quiet room for a while. You'll never consider the Larrivee a rival for finger picking.

Last, light gauge strings are certainly NOT the best sound for this guitar. The Clear Tone strings that come standard on D-03's are awful. Martin mediums are better, and D'Addario medium phosphor-bronze strings are the best match I found. The D'Addario's added much fuller tone and a great deal of volume.

Bearing in mind that I bought this guitar used, the construction of the D-03 I had was flawless. But I began having issues with the playability of my Larrivee very quickly after buying it. Normally, if a guitar is hard to play initially, a couple of tweeks and some hard practices will get me comfortable with a guitar's idiosyncrasies. However, after much playing, I found that the D-03 was simply a bad fit for me physically. I found my hands cramping up and many times I had to stop playing to recover. I don't have the same issue with my Martin. I'm not certain as to what ergonomic issue was at play, but it was insurmountable and was the final nail in the D-03's coffin. (I sold it a couple of weeks ago.) This was not an action or bridge height problem. I know how to adjust those to my tastes. I think I just had some issues with the neck contour.

That said, I had no issues with the D-03's stability. I made no truss rod adjustments and the guitar remained extremely stable while I had it. No fret issues, no buzzing, no neck bowing. The D-03 is a showcase of quality workmanship. Ironic considering my difficulties with it.

As noted above, I have little to take issue with in regard to the D-03's durability but for the satin finish. The finish of the D-03 is the only concern I have with its reliability. I never gig, so it's difficult for me to speculate on how it would hold up under such treatment. Personally, I would think this would be the type of guitar you would want to perform with. That way, you could allow your prized acoustic to remain at home--protected and maintained away from the perils of the public stage. If your D-03 were to be irreparably damaged you could easily and (relatively) cheaply replace it.

I have no idea what sorts of terms Larrivee sets for their warranty. I never had reason to find out as I never need to repair the guitar and have sold it.

In total, the Larrivee D-03 is a very good buy in its price range. It sounds quite good in most applications, but its shortcomings in playability and bass response lead to my replacing it. For those of you looking for a classic-sounding bass from this guitar, you really ought to consider a Martin dreadnought. If you are looking for the Taylor sound, this is your guitar. However, a Taylor is much easier to play.

A good guitar any way you look at it, but not in the league of the best.

As simple as it gets... you don't buy this guitar because of the way it looks...

I've been playing guitar for 18 years now, and I can make money at it... take that for what it's worth... I am writing about this guitar because I consider it my single greatest musical purchase and I've spent well over $40,000 on equipment...

The great thing about rating acoustic guitars is that there???s only one factor to measure. You don't have to worry about pickups, amps, pedals etc etc... all you do is line the guitars up and play each one... then you pick the guitar you like best given the prices. If you do this with a Larivee D-03 and measure it against virtually any guitar up to twice its price you'll pick the D-03... Larivee is the best deal in music right now... read the ratings... there are a lot of experienced musicians giving this guitar a 10 for sound??? and with acoustics guitars that actually means something???.

Simply put, when you play this guitar against others in its price range there is a major difference. Even people that don???t play music can hear it. For one thing it???s noticeably louder...

Also, a few people in the ratings have stated that they regretted buying this guitar. Personally, I can???t understand how anyone could say that unless they got a lemon (which I have yet to see) or they know very little about what makes a quality acoustic guitar within a price range (which I think is more likely)???

Feels good... but I agree the action is a little high... also change the strings when you get it to 10's... Elixers are very odd sounding strings...they give the guitar an almost plastic tone...

It's a well made acoustic guitar... that's about all I can tell you... don't drop a beer on it...

It's a well made acoustic guitar... I doubt very much that I'll ever have to call them unless I drop a beer on it...

The best acoustic guitar you can own for the money...

All solid wood dreadnought, sitka spruce top and mahogany sides and back. I like the satin gloss more than a shiny guitar; it gives the guitar an exquisite look, IMO. Very nice mahogany neck back to slide over and of course top ebony fretboard for quick and smooth action. Really love the tuners in black (ebony?), they stand out against the more regular chrome or golden tuners. I think this guitar looks great and stands out to others. After buying I had a Fishman Matrix Natural 1 pick-up installed and the Larrivee sounds fantastic with it.

Before buying the Larrivee I played several acoustics in my pricerange (unfortunately these guitars are much more expensive in the Netherland; I envy the guys that bought it for a couple hundreds of dollars). But who cares, you can't take it with you and this guitar's sound makes me feel good. It has a solid bass (not as muddy as some Martins), nice mids and highs that stay in line. In short, I find the sound quite balanced for my regular fingerpicking as well as for light and heavy strumming. Never had a guitar like this, although my Simon & Patrick 6 cedar wasn't bad at all but no comparison to this all solid device. I love it. I give it a 9, only because I know somewhere there must be guitars sounding even better than the Larrivee, but costing many times more. In ways of price-quality relation the other makes will have a hard time beating Larrivee.
My friends in two bands were just amazed about the sound of the Larrivee. The Martin DM of one of them just can't stand up against it sound- and playwise, no way. I feel like I just have to look at the Larrivee and it plays; it's rather effortless. I so wish I could hear the sound of this guitar after aging, but that's just a question of waiting, playing and patience!

I haven't found any flaws, production faults etc. on my D-03. It must have been put together by angels with silk gloves!! Really, the quality is superb, never seen it before. I found the action a little bit too high, so the shop where I bought the guitar will adjust this to my liking. It plays in tune up and down the fretboard, just outstanding. It is really a thing of beauty and I tend to take the guitar out of the case not only to play but also just to look at it and hold the damn thing. Furtunately my partner is not a jealous type of girl!

This guitar will definitely withstand live playing, because I think it's not as fragile as it may look due to the semi gloss finish . In my opinion it will take dings easier than the cedar soundboard of my old Simon & Patrick. Anyway, you must be careful but not too careful; it still is a thing you have to use and enjoy, so an accasional ding won't be the end of the world. The black strap buttons look solid and have a nice feel. I don't think this guitar will let me down, given some care at times. I play it with and without amplification, depending on the gig and I just have fun over the fact that I play such a superb sounding and looking guitar.

I haven't dealt with with the company other than asking the producion date which they prompty e-mailed to me. Class!

I have been playing the guitar for more than 40 years now and this is my first all solid wood guitar. All I can say is that should have done this much earlier. I have a 30 years old German Lyra (never heard of it either!) 12 string with a laminated neck that I'm about to update with a Tusq bridge saddle and nut and probably a pick up. Further more I own a Squire electric guitar with an unbelievebly smooth and quick action. And don't forget the pre-WW II big belly mandoline my mother used to play in those days. I will sell my Simon & Patrick 6 cedar. I am rather sure that I would buy this Larrivee back when being stolen or demolished. Before buying the Larrivee I compared it to a Lowden F25 of a friend, a beautifully sounding guitar but above my budget. I've heard Tanglewood 15NS, Martin DM, D15 all mahogany, D16GT and some Taylors. I liked the Martin D15 because of its very dark woody sound which is good for certain kinds of music. I found the Larrivee a very much more versatile and all round guitar with a fabulous sound quality and sustain. The more I play the Larrivee, the more I know I did the right thing by buying it.
I could well be stuck with Larrivee for the rest of my live. Who knows one day I'll buy another one to keep the D-03 company and because they're so beautiful.

Made in 2005, Vancouver. Standard dreadnought features. Satin finish. Came with a hardshell case.

Sound is excellent, especially the bass and middle strings. The sound from the treble strings is not quite as sweet and bright as I'd like, but overall the sound is very well balanced from E to E. It came with Elixer lights and I am not a big fan of these strings, but others are. I found that light strings sound the best when in standard E tuning. I like to play tuned down a full tone (D,G,C,F,A,D), because this suits my voice better. In this tuning medium gauge strings make a huge difference, but the truss rod needs to be tweaked a bit. Great sound if you like to play folk and blues, fingerpicking or flatpicking.

The guitar was factory set for light gauge strings. I found the action a touch high, so I had a setup done and this is better. The finish is flawless.

It seems quite durable, although I am still at the stage where I am "babying" it. I live in Canada where the winters are cold and dry, so humidifing, etc is quite important.

I have only dealt with the company asking if I can change to medium gauge strings and asking when the guitar was made. They were prompt and informative in their reply,

I have been playing for 30 years and own a Martin acoustic/electric and a cheap Yamaha. I really treasure the Larrivee. I have played more guitar since I bought it a few months ago than I had played in the past 10 years. It has given me new inspiration. I love the mid strings on this guitar...they really feel alive. I would prefer a sweeter sound on the treble strings, but this may be the mahagony and the youth of the instrument.

2001 Made in Canada, Satin finished solid wood Drednaught acoustic. The top is Bearclaw Spruce, and The body is Mahogany, as is the neck, they are joined at the 14 fret. Macassar Ebony 20 fret finger board, and bridge. Ping tuners. Clear pickguard. all in all just what you need and nothing you don't. The included hardshell case is solid and well made like the guitar. I installed an aftermarket pickup and preamp and thru my PA system this guitar when properly EQ'ed is awesome.

I play mostly vintage folk and rock with some blues and a little finger style thrown in for good measure. This is a very balanced well playing guitar that has gotten better all the time. It has opened up into one of the best Mahogany guitars I have ever owned. The sound is warm, and clear with very clean mids and highs.

I got this in a trade with a friend who owns a guitar store locallyfas it was used I can't speak to the factory setup. The wood, binding and finish on this guitar is flawless and quite excellent. I have a Martin D-28 that isn't any better and cost me three times as much. The one problem with the guitar were and are the frets. They keep lifting up. I plan on re fretting this soon. The nut and saddle are Tusq(I believe) and were well cut, the intonation is spot on.

I've used this guitar live for the last year and it has stood up great. My bass player has bumped me several times and the only ding is the size of a pencil lead when sharp. The finish is very durable, and doesn't show up finger prints and smuges like a gloss finish, and it allows the guitar to open up faster. I never gig without a backup, but could probably get away with it. The guitar stays in tune set after set, and sounds great with D'addario lights on it. I added the neck strap button and a set of sterling silver bridge pins. The pins made a major difference in tone, a little brighter and smoother, better sustain. plus they look great.

haven't used them

I've played off and on for 35 years and own way to much gear to list. If this were lost or stolen I would get another one. Love how simple and clean it looks, how the wood is so nicely matched, and the tone. Hate the frets, they suck, but it has traveled and being wood is subject to the variables of weather. I have owned Martins, Gibsons and other high dollar guitars but for a great tone and playability I haven't owned any better.

2005 (I believe) D-03 all soild constuction, spruce top and mahogonay sides and back. Standard dreadnought size and constuction. Satin finish.

Great sound. Bright in the highs and enough bass to give it a very solid balance. I play onmy acoustically and perform for just a few friends from time to time. I have a Martin custom with spruce top and rosewood sides, and this is sharper and more of a brilliant tone, as compared to the softer mello sound of rosewood.

Action is just a pinch higher than I would like. The fit and finsish are flawless. The guitar is as solid as anythign you can get under $3,000. It does not have the extras, but I was not looking for them anyway.

Solid! Light, but as well constucted as an acoustic could be. As with anything, TLC will keep it perfect!

n/a

This piece is absolutely wonderful. Larrivee is pretty much as solid as any of the big three manufacturers. The sound is comparable to a Martin D-18 or any of there mahogany pieces. I own a Martin D-15 custom rosewood and now the Larrivee D-03 mahogany. I have played just about every acoustic you can find in the stores and these two models are what I found to be the absolute best models under $3,000. The only reason I gave 9's for the categories, is because sometimes I will play a ridiculous Brazilian Rosewood Martin that is really in a league of it's own!

It's basic. I have a 2005 D-03, not a lot of bling bling.

The sound is great, bright high end, throaty bass, good projection. The sound is not as good if you are sloppy, amplifies the errors. Sounds better strumed, not hedges-ed on. The action is a little high for lead/blues work. I have a DR-28 that I can pretty much beat on, a great guitar, in fact it sounds better thashed on. The sound of the D-03 is more of a James Taylor, or strummy Greatful Dead, Jimmy Buffet. Micheal Hedges will sound better on something else. Don't get me wrong the sound is F-ing great. I prefer to write using this guitar. It's very silimar sounding to the Taylor 310, the action is a little diff.

Great playability. Seems to feel a lot like a Taylor 310, a little higher action, more low end, better sustain. Louder than the 310 Taylor.

The Larrivee D-03 is a great value in solid top guitars. I've had comments on how good it sounds. I personally like the ordinary looks, especially the clear pick gaurd. I would look at the Taylor 310 or the Martin D-28, maybe the Gibson J-45. They all sound diferent, Taylor 310 is probably the closest.

I have 5 guitars. I love my DR-28, Epi Les Paul Custom, Morgan Monroe Resonator, and my red headed step child beater camp tosser, can't remember her name.... I think I love the Larrivee too, obviously more than the step child, especially the tone. The DR-28, I got 20+ years ago, the action is great, the sound is what it is, we've been together so long it's really more of a relationship. The Epi LP has more play-ability than any guitar I have ever played. The Morgan Monroe is a resonator, what a great slide guitar, especially if you are stoned.

The Larrivee D-03 has an inspiring tone, it's a real notch up, very noticible. It's a few shekels less than a Taylor or Martin, but it's in the same category, action may be a little higher, the sound may be a little better. If you are going for a solid top check it out, also check out the Taylor 310, and the Martin D-28.

Want an inexpensive, good sounding, not solid wood, guitar get a Washburn.

Not a lot to right home about, it's a plain Jane.
Made in the Great White North.
You get what you pay for appearance wise.
Came with a nice hard case.

Here's where this Plain Jane really shines, GREAT, Great sound !!
Very full , fluid sound. To my ears this guitar sounds better than many guitars that cost two to three times as much.

I bought this guitar from Jason at notable guitars, it was great right out of the case. No flaws noted.

Only had it a few weeks, too early to comment on durability.

Haven't had to deal with the company .... I guess that no news is good news.

Just got back into playing after a 10+ year break.
If this D-03 was ever lost or ripped off, I would definately give Jason a call and order another.
It's got a great neck, seems well made, fantastic sound. I have owned several Alvarez Yari's and I think that this Larrivee is at least equal to any of them. I also had a D18 Martin, and the D-03 is a much better sounding / playing guitar. imho.

Mahogony Dred. Solid wood. satin finish which doesnt show smudges.No frill. Incredible tone for the money.

Beautiful for flatpick and strumming. A little woodier tone then the gloss models.

Perfect action right out of box. Immacculate finish and fit.

I own 6 Larrivees. They are very reliable. Way more so then Taylors were when I owned 4 of them.

Who knows? Who will need to know since they are good products to begin with.

This model has bearclaw spruce top upgrade. It also has a 1 3/4 neck instead of the cramped standard version.Ive played 25 years and probably will not own a different brand because I really like these Larrivees. Ive owned numerous other expensive brands in the past. I emphasize PAST. Larrivee is a great value and Jim Holler over at Trinity Guitars is a great place to buy em new.Check him out. You wont be dissappointed.

Made in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Spruce top, mahogany back and sides. No electronics.

Guitar has a nice rich tone for its price. Can be used for most styles of music.

Guitar has what I call medium action, very playable. A very comfortable guitar to play. The finish, all thought rather plain, is very attractive in its own way. Very well put-together guitar.

Haven't had the guitar very long.

Been playing for 30 yrs. I've own numerous guitars over the years including Fenders, Gibsons, Martin, Takamine, Taylor. These companies make great guitars, it's up to each individuals taste. I played in a band from 1975 to 1985 and since then have just jammed occasionally with friends. I sold most of my equipment (not being used). I wanted a nice acoustic that didn't cost a fortune but still sounded great and was produced by a well known company. For the money the D-03 can't be beat. I tried all of the well known guitars before purchasing this one. I'm not cheap, money wasn't the issue hear, sound was. I would purchase another one if something happened to this one.