Product: Larrivee D-05MT
Price Paid: $1995 (Canadian)
Submitted
11/15/2004
at
12:32pm
by
Geoff Flamank
Email: gflamank<at>telus dot net
Features
:
No Opinion
Purchased this in July 2004 after years of drooling over my friend's Larrivee L-05. Over the years I have played Ovation, Ibanez, and lately an old Sigma-Martin '73 that plays like a dream. Ran into some money and did the whole shopping experience. Fell in love with this Larrivee D-05MT - "MT" means Mahogany Top. It's a real beauty of a Dreadnought with Mahogany all around - according to the folks at Larrivee it is a VINTAGE series with less than a couple of dozen made. The mahogany is quite striking when combined with the clear pick guard.
Sound
:
9
I bought the D-05 because I play primarily rhythm in our quartet with a touch of finger picking so I needed something that covered the lower ranges. Interestingly I was a little worried about the sound as mahogany gives a very different, very warm sound compared to others in our group playing Taylor and Larrivee with the spruce tops. But lately (has the tone really gotten better in 4 months??) I am even more in love with it. One word of warning: dont' disrespect the guitar by plugging a cheap sound-hole pickup on it and expect nice sound. Egads! I can't believe I did that and was worried that it was the guitar's fault!! It's like putting a duffle bag on Jennifer Aniston (insert your own favourite) then blaming her.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
7
Out of the box, the action is slower than my Sigma-Martin but I will work on this over time and get it to where I like it. It's not a big issue for me and, hey, it's good for my fingers anyway.
Reliability/Durability
:
No Opinion
I would expect so. My friends L-05 has been around for 20 years now I think and still looks and plays like a charm.
Customer Support
:
9
I have contacted (bugged) the guys at Larrivee about manufacturing background on the guitar and recommended pickup configurations. Brian Trepanier has always responded quickly and helpfully. Thanks gang.
Overall Rating
:
9
Well it's been 5 months and I love it. If stolen, I would definitely buy another no doubt about it. For someone who plays background rhythm and sings, it really gives me a signature sound and look. The fact that it is a Vintage Series makes me feel like it is even more valuable. I have used this just recently with a Fishman Humbucking pickup and it sounds just terrific!
