Larrivee OM-03
|
Page:
1
(Show 10 | 25 | 50 | 100 reviews per page)
|
Showing 1 -
19
of 19 reviews
|
Product: Larrivee OM-03
Price Paid: US $779.00
Submitted 04/11/2006
at 09:19pm
by Ernie
Features
:
5
Price Paid: 779.00 US 2005 model
not many features on this guitar simple solid wood guitar spruce top
mahogany back and sides, one piece mahogany neck dovetail joint.
ebony fretboard 20 frets. simple acoustic design very well built.
my pickguard is tortoise shell instead of clear plastic.
also came with a very nice hard shell case, and truss rod tool
Sound
:
10
this is my first all wood acoustic guitar, and let me tell you i am blown away by the sound, it's the first acoustic guitar that i have ever played sounded as good as the recordings i try to play along with. it is great for finger picking as well as light strumming. to my ear it is the best sounding acoustic i have ever owned. it also stays in tune very well.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
5
i didn't like the action when i purchased it, but loved the sound so i took it home and played it for a couple of weeks and tried to get used to the high action, but couldn't. took it back to the shop i bought it from and they were happy to give me a free setup, after which i was very pleased. action was lowered without compromising tone. is much easier to play and still sounds great. i like the satin finish as compared to the high gloss, less fingerprints and it's not sticky when i sweat.
Reliability/Durability
:
No Opinion
seems very solid have only had it for a couple of weeks
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
never had to deal with it
Overall Rating
:
10
have been playing off and on for 20 years, seriously for the last 2.
for the money it was the best guitar i played, i played the Guild GAD 30
the Martin 00-15 and the Taylor 214 and in my opinion the larrivee blew them away. if it were stolen or lost i would play another one and decide from there, it seems to me sometimes you get a "good one" that sounds and plays like you like, other times you don't. so i guess i would buy this one again.
Product: Larrivee OM-03
Price Paid: N/A
Submitted 02/01/2006
at 05:45pm
by John A
Features
:
No Opinion
Standard features that have been described in the other reviews. I had a Martin Gold+Plus pickup added.
Sound
:
10
I was searching for a fingerstyle guitar. I had been to a number of music stores and tried some wonderful instruments. I played great Martins,Gibson, Collings, Huss and Daltons, etc. None of them had that certain magic that makes you "need" that guitar. I stopped at a local store, picked up the Larrivee OM 03 and started to play. A small girl came from across the room, curled up on a chair next to me to listen. A mom who was waiting for her son to be done with guitar lessons commented on what a nice sound that the guitar had. One of the staff at the store asked me to play at his wedding...even though he didn't even have a steady girlfriend...magic??? I had to have it.
I play predominately fingerstyle solo guitar, as well as perform in a guitar/ vocal duo with my wife. This guitar feels great and the sound is very well balanced. This guitar fits sonically between my Guild D 25 dreadnaught and Taylor 712 C Grand Concert. It has rapidly become my go-to guitar for songwriting, performing and recording.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
10
The guitar is just crazy good for the money. Wide neck, great action, great string spacing, extremely well built, perfect set up. I touched nothing on this guitar until I had the pickup installed. It is still perfect. Absolutely no gripes on anything whatsoever.
Reliability/Durability
:
10
I have used this guitar in a number of live applications and it does very well. Fingerstyle guitar isn't very guitar destuctive. I always take a back up anyway.
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
I have contacted Larrivee just to tell them what a great guitar they built. They got in touch with me immediately, just to say thanks. I have never had to deal with them on a serious issue.
Overall Rating
:
10
I have been playing guitar for 30+ years and own over 25 guitars. My father is also a guitarist and collector with over 70 instruments. I would like to think that I have a reasonably good idea of what good guitars sound like. I think the Larrivee is a great guitar and I would recommend them to other people...As a matter of fact, that is what I am doing right now!
Product: Larrivee OM-03
Price Paid: US $900.00
Submitted 11/03/2005
at 12:25pm
by dunamus anonymus
Features
:
7
2003 model. basic satin finish OM spruce/mahogany box... same as in other reviews. black hardshell case included. I'll give points for simplicity!
Sound
:
10
The OM is a very versatile guitar! Fingerstyle or strumming, it sounds great! Controlled, tight bass and incredible rich, ringing sustain. I like this model better than the rosewood model (om-3r) because it doesn't have so much going on in the mids. Kinda modern sounding but not real bright like taylors.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
10
For all its budget-cutting simplicity, one may expect some corners cut. Not so! It's not as sublimely finished as a 3K guitar but based on its own merits its excellent. Superb playability with a not too thin neck, 1.75in width at the nut, and great low action. best of all-- no buzzes!
Reliability/Durability
:
9
it's got a little heft to it. Feels very solid. Some people don't like satin finishes, but personally I prefer them, here's why: it doesn't get sticky when you're playing live and sweatin', you don't see 500 fingerprints on it all the time, it makes a guitar feel 'live' and satin gets that broken-in look happening faster than gloss.
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
has a warranty- - haven't used it for anything.
Overall Rating
:
10
Product: Larrivee OM-03
Price Paid: C$1000 used
Submitted 06/06/2004
at 02:21pm
by Chris Manuel
Email: chrispmanuel at mac<dot>com
Features
:
No Opinion
Basic, solid wood acoustic guitar. Orchestra Model body with spruce top, everything else is mahogany except for the ebony fingerboard (and bridge?).
Wide-ish neck: 1 3/4". Satin finish.
Sound
:
No Opinion
Having just graduated from a Guild thinline electric acoustic the liveliness of the Larrivee is a wondferful change. The smooth, controlled bass and perfect top end lend themselves to all styles of acoustic music. It doesn't have the real bang that you'd want for live bluegrass but covers everything else nicely. I'm weaning myself from electric playing so the sound of a good acoustic is a great revelation. I'm not sure that the Larrivee is superior to other guitars in its price range as I'm more of a neophyte here.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
No Opinion
As a slightly used instrument I can't attest to the factory setup. However the neck is beautifully finished and the action is a nice balance between playability and maintaining a true acoustic voice. I've done a little fine tuning on the saddle and nut and find it plays better than any acoustic I tried during my shopping expeditions.
Reliability/Durability
:
No Opinion
Too soon to tell. However, I did have a beautiful Larrivee cedar top classical back in the Seventies that lasted well.
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
Overall Rating
:
No Opinion
I've been playing 27 years going from classical to jazz (electric) to electric blues to a recent interest in fingerpicking stuff (hence the Larrivee). I've also got several Strats, Tele, Les Paul, Takamine 12 string, Godin Multiac, Godin A5 fretless, Heartfield 5 string bass, Gibson Howard Roberts Fusion, Ibanez super strat. I'm a guitar lover, obviously and feel the Larrivee is up there with the best.
Product: Larrivee OM-03
Price Paid: (gift) (Guess around $600 US) used
Submitted 02/23/2004
at 11:40am
by Anonymous
Features
:
8
We all know beauty is in the eye of the beholder , and I for one feel it's a very attractive ( If you can say that about a guitar), and refined instrument.
Sound
:
8
I've had two people with very different taste in music play this guitar, and it was a fantastic sound with both (country , spanish folk). Both very knowledgeable musicians were extremely pleased with the sound.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
7
Here is where some opinions differ. I myself think the action is a little high. The two other musicians to play this instrument though it was just right (either they were being kind or their vast years experience above mine would make me wrong)none the less not a concern.
Reliability/Durability
:
9
In my opinion light yet durable. I've watches as others played it quite vigorously and was pleasantly surprised after inspecting it at its ruggedness.
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
None used.
Overall Rating
:
9
This is my first guitar. I have however tried many guitars and found this one among the best in its price range.
Product: Larrivee OM-03
Price Paid: N/A
Submitted 01/10/2004
at 12:33am
by arlington57
Features
:
No Opinion
You can read all about the features from the Larrivee website.
Sound
:
8
I think I may have found a new friend. I believe there's a certain sweetness that you can only find in an orchestra model guitar. The way the top end is bright and ringing. For me, nothing else compares. Sure I love the dread's and jumbo's but for my style this type of guitar is the best.
When I decided that I wanted an acoustic I knew it was going to be a Larrivee. Although I have never owned one before, it had all of the features I was looking for. Simple cosmetics, great tone, and a fair price. I played many (about 20) Taylors a few Martin's and others but this Larrivee was the one guitar that I just couldn't put down. The tone and simplicity speaks to me. I love Taylor's and Martin's and all the other great guitar makers out there. But I must say that this Larrivee kills the 300-400 series Taylors IMHO. It is very hard to put this guitar down. Very fun to play. I have not had a relationship with a guitar quite like this. It's what everyone wants.
Chords just ring out forever. This guitar is best for fingerstyle but it sounds great with a pick also. The bass is ample but it's not a dreadnaught. Think James Taylor or Clapton acoustic stuff and you have the general idea. Like others have said, it's very well balanced. This must be commonplace for all Larrivee guitars because that's usually the first comment from people who have heard or owned them.
I would say it's a bit on the bright side but it is a mahogany body. It's very versatile. You can go from Clapton acoustic to James Taylor to fingerstyle Jazz and most everything else. It's not a dreadnaught so probably not suitable for bluegrass.
Like all great guitar makers, Larrivee has it's signature qualities and if you like that then you'll feel right at home with this guitar.
Tone is very subjective and hard to describe but when you hear it you know. When I heard this one I dismissed many guitars, some costing twice the price. I will never ever buy another acoustic guitar without playing some more Larrivee's first.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
9
The action is a little high, just slightly and I can totally deal with it for now. But this guitar will be going to a local luthier soon to be setup for me and also to have a strap button put on.
It's a light guitar although I have no idea what it weighs
The mahogany is quite striking on this guitar and may look a bit different than other mahogany guitars. It may be the finish.
I love the way this guitar looks...so simple and yet sometimes I find myself just looking at it for minutes at a time. There's a sort of refined quality about it. Like it doesn't need any fancy inlays although Larrivee can do that quite well also. I wish that more high end guitars were made without so many bells.
The frets look good, the wood is quite nice. There just aren't any flaws to speak of... and that's rare for a guitar in this price range.
Of course, there are no onboard preamps and pickups. I think the Fishman style stuff is great but I don't prefer to have it on my guitar.
Reliability/Durability
:
No Opinion
I won't comment on this too much to be fair but it does have a lifetime warranty that covers manufacturing defects. If you take care of an acoustic guitar it will take care of you.
By the way, I love the satin finish. It's the first guitar I've ever owned that had satin and I really like it. The tuners feel solid.
Customer Support
:
9
Lifetime warranty. That's all I need.
Overall Rating
:
10
If you are a player wanting a great acoustic for around a grand you would be crazy not to at least conider Larrivee. I know because I 've played them all in this range. Nothing else compares IMHO. This guitar is priced well under a grand and you get a hell of alot of guitar for the money. If one thing were changed about my guitar I would not like it as much. I think it's one of the best looking guitars I've ever seen. I'm not much into mother of peal or shell inlays. It's certainly not the best out there...but it's a solid value and I think that they could probably charge more if they wanted.
I've been playing For 12 years and mostly electric guitar. This acoustic is totally liberating for me. It's all up to me and my hands. That's a great feeling. Every now and then it's good to go back to the basics and just play naturally. This Larrivee is a great guitar. I honestly don't think you will find a better guitar for the price.
I will base my review on the good old price to performance ratio. With this in mind, nothing deserves a 10 more than Larrivee.
Product: Larrivee OM-03
Price Paid: US $740
Submitted 10/14/2003
at 03:19am
by Mark
Features
:
8
My OM-03 has a beautifully striped Mahogany back and a highly figured bearclaw spruce top. In the satin finish these woods are accentuated very tastefully IMO. The neck is the most comfortable one I've played on an acoustic. At first I thought the flatter, wider string spacing would be a stretch for someone with smaller hands but this proved not to be the case. What I like best about this guitar is the Ebony fret board.
Sound
:
10
This is the catagory that sold me on this guitar. I've owned a bunch of different acoustics over the years. Guilds, Tac's, Ibanez, Ovation, etc., but the Larrivee is the only guitar I've played that rings and chimes all up and down the fret board, other than high end hand made guitars. It has plenty enough bass to satisfy the ardent dreadnaught fan, and is equally at home being picked or strummed. I found this true with all the Larrivee's I've played. Marvelously consistant.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
10
I don't see how these Larrivee's could be made better. Mine was as perfect as one could expect in this catagory.
Reliability/Durability
:
10
Larrivee's are first rate. No worries here.
Customer Support
:
9
Larrivee has a very good web site. Although I have not had a reason to contact them I have heard from others that they are excellent in customer relations.
Overall Rating
:
10
I've been at it since 1980. I've owned a lot of expensive gear in that time. This is easily the finest instrument I've ever owned and the best or as good as sounding acoustic I've heard to date. Rosewood bodies have wonderfully dark tones with tighter bass but the Mahogany body has that reedy woody tone one remembers from Martins of yore. I like the gussied up Gibsons as much as the next guy but they sure don't make me play any better. With any luck this OM-03 is going to be a life long companion of mine. I can't say that about any other acoustic I've owned in the past.
Product: Larrivee OM-03
Price Paid: US $450.00 used
Submitted 06/02/2003
at 04:39pm
by Pete Jefferies
Features
:
8
All Solid wood construction - Spruce Top, Mahogany back and sides (as well as the neck). The Mahogany used isn't real pretty - but perfectly functional and a good tone wood. Since I was shopping for an inexpensive all solid wood steel string acoustic for under 500 bones, I'm not going to use the same rating scale as I would against an upper end (2k or more). My ratings are based on bang for the buck.
Sound
:
9
I bought this guitar as an alternate to my Webber steel string. The Webber is real pretty and is made of the same woods (except higher grade). In some regards, this little Larivee sounds more loose and natural than my $2,500 hand made guitar. It has punch, good volume, and a very "woody" tone. Right up my ally. Again, great bang for the buck.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
8
Frets are nicely rounded with smooth edges (try finding that in a new Gibson at any price...). The neck needed a slight truss rod adjustment - no biggy. All seems were tight and nicely finished. I like satin finishes. And unlike some of you, find satin more durable than gloss. (I just had a mic stand fall onto my Webber and crack the high-gloss finish. Gloss finishes stick to the wood (of course) and it caused a big sliver of wood to lift up. Not good). Anyway, satin works for me.
Reliability/Durability
:
9
I've had this guitar for over a year and I beat the crap out of it(that's why I bought THIS one)... It's fine and still one of my most favorite to pick up.
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
Don't know. Never needed it.
Overall Rating
:
9
It's a great acoustic guitar. If you don't need abalone inlay's and body binding (cosmetic stuff) but want good tone and a nice feeling acoustic - this could be your ticket. OH, BTW - no electronics on this one. But I do not like onboard electronics (I've owned Takamine's and Taylors with em). If I need to go direct, I install a Highlander IP-1 and run it through an LR Baggs DI.
I've played guitar for about 28 years. I've play professionally on weekends in a blues/jazz trio for the last 4 years (in addition to working a day job). If I still taught - I'd definitely recommend this guitar to students looking for something in this market.
Product: Larrivee OM-03
Price Paid: US $700 w case
Submitted 05/20/2003
at 08:00pm
by Anonymous
Email: petrosv at earthlink<dot>net
Features
:
No Opinion
Larrivee OM03 2003 ? Bought brand new 5/2003
The other reviews have covered all the specs this one was without electronics and was left handed
Sound
:
6
The guitar is 1 week old when I got it the Low E was very dead compared to the other bass strings. Pushed down the saddle which helped 20% and played it hard for a few days it improved.
It is a decent sounding guitar. Nice balanced sound not brilliant in any way just good. Nice overtones, good sustain. Bass is ok pleasing. Tone is not bright or harsh good strong sound flat picked nice warm sound finger style a good overall guitar for either style. There is a good amount of tone variation available from different playing techniques this is a nice point. See me overall reaction because I believe Larrivee is somewhat over rated.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
8
The set up is low, plays easily, probably set too low though and tone might suffer. Was surprised it was so low from the factory. The neck plays well this is the main thing it's nice to play even if it does not knock you out sound wise. Woods are meduim quality not very well matched. Top has alot of grain variation from tight to pretty wide. One thing they do have good to better than good workmanship. The look is pretty impressive overall on the workmanship but this is somewhat deceiving. read my overall notes. It looks like it should sound better.
Reliability/Durability
:
No Opinion
Looks well made not way to tell how it will hold up. Finish looks good neck seems solid, binding looks very well done/ Button solid, tuners everything looks very nice
Customer Support
:
1
I emailed them got no reply. I am inclined to think they are mainly a factory that wants to advertise themselves as a higher end more hand made guitar shop but I think this is a marketing ploy.
Overall Rating
:
5
Playing many years. I have a Lowden and a Girard Audirac handmade classical both these are top quality. The Larrivee is obvioulsy a factory machine made guitar not a hand made instrument. It's strong point is playability. IF your looking to get a playable guitar that sounds good this is a good choice HOWEVER I think the guitar is over priced. I have a Garrison G-20 that cost $300 less than half the Larrivee and it sounds much better relative to price but does not play as well. The Garrison is good sounding not as much character as the OM03 but the OM03 is more than twice the money. Again if your lookng for a dream guitar my advice is to get a cheaper guitar like a Garrison (maybe Crafter?) that plays well enough and sounds ok and then SAVE your money to buy a REAL guitar like a Petros or Lowden alot of others in the $3,000 and up range. Really I hope this helps anyone who might fall for the hype and think the OM03 is a high end dream. LOOKS like it might be much better than it is but this is the trap. Larrivee is careful in workmanship but the proof is in the sound just not there beyond good in this OM03.
Product: Larrivee OM-03
Price Paid: US $823.00
Submitted 04/08/2003
at 05:26pm
by Pedro
Features
:
9
The Larrivee OM-03e is made in Canada. Solid wood top and mohogony back and side. Built in Fishman prefix pickup and pre-amp system.
A satin finish. Kind of a plain looking guitar with white binding.
Sound
:
10
Has a big guitar sound. Strong bass and clear highs unamplified.
Sounds great amplified also. I think this guitar is great for strumming or fingerstyle playing.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
9
Fit and finish are very good. Wood looks like good quality.
Don't know if the store set it up or if it came from the factory that way, but it was setup fine for finger style playing.
The only minor problem I had was with the Fishman pre-amp.
Where the pickup wires come into the pickup there is a little rf shield made from metal and held down with two screws. The bottom side of one piece of that shield was barely touching the circuit board causing all kinds of racket. I adjusted that piece and reinstalled and it works fine now.
Reliability/Durability
:
10
This guitar does not seem fragile in any way.
Has a guitar strap hook where the electronics jack is, but no strap hook on the other end. I will use the planet wave quick disconnect that goes around the peg head, since I don't like the neck heep strap position anyway. Should hold up well for live playing.
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
Have not dealt with the Company or reseller as far as service goes, but I do most of my own work anyway.
Overall Rating
:
9
Been playing many years and have several acoustic and electric guitars. This guitar is a great all around guitar for the money.
I would buy another one.
I like the size and the pure acoustic volume this guitar produces.
Product: Larrivee OM-03
Price Paid: Trade
Submitted 04/05/2003
at 09:06am
by Anonymous
Features
:
8
Very simple guitar with satin finish. Spruce top,nice grain, beautiful mahongany back with a great finish. Much nicer than a Martin satin finish on mahogany. Ebony fingerboard. White binding. A pleasant but not elegant package. Very Decent.
Sound
:
9
Bright sound. Once you learn to control it, however, it can be subtle and refined. Larrivee knows how to make guitars.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
10
Perfection.
Reliability/Durability
:
9
Seems very rugged. Best Satin finish I've seen.
Customer Support
:
10
Called Larrivee with good response.
Overall Rating
:
10
Playing now about 30 years. Also own a Larrivee OM-09,which is very fancy and nice with gloss finish and rosewood. The OM-09 is a fine compliment, as I like the mahogany sound with some songs and I feel freer to travel with the 03 as I don't have as much money invested.
Product: Larrivee OM-03
Price Paid: US $450
Submitted 02/24/2003
at 03:17am
by Will
Features
:
5
eh, I'm sure the other reviews have all the features listed already. It comes down to this: all solid wood construction, ebony fretboard, mahogany neck w/ dovetail joint, and ping tuners. I give it a five because this guitar is simple and to the point. After all, it's not a coffee table, and it won't wash my car for me.
Sound
:
8
tone is purely subjective. When I was looking for another guitar, this one spoke to me. It did so because it had exactly the sound I was looking for. I love that sound- well balanced and not too bright or bassy.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
6
Ok, the finish bothers me. It is a satin finish, and is very easy to permanently scar the wood. Of course, that is purely my fault. I did have one problem that really bothered me- the back has a crack in it. I did not drop it, nor did anything drop on it that I know of. Still, something had to crack it aside for normal wear and tear.
Reliability/Durability
:
No Opinion
eh, look back up at the finish comments.
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
N/A
Overall Rating
:
8
All in all, this guitar was the best sounding one I played that day. It was the one that called my name. It has a delightful sound, regardless of its basic appointments. I'd like to a Dreadnaught model as well. I might add that I only finger-pick this guitar.
Product: Larrivee OM-03
Price Paid: US between 600 and 700 (I forget exactly)
Submitted 11/08/2002
at 03:18am
by ethan cropp
Features
:
7
I have honestly played guitars that have had more options. However, those guitars with more options don't feel as good when I'm playing as my OM-03 does. This guitar is simple. But it was designed ti be that way.
Sound
:
10
To me, there is no contest. I have owned many guitars, but for the price that I paid, this is the best sounding--hands down. With this guitar, every thing sounds beautiful (whether it's strumming, picking, or finger-picking).
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
9
I have had never had any problems--mechanically speaking--with my Larrivee.
Reliability/Durability
:
6
Ok, now here's where I'm torn. Now don't get me wrong, I LOVE this guitar. It sound amazing, and it's the only accoustic that I play (and I have three other accoustics). But I have had to have some work done on it repair a pretty large crack on the side. I saw the inccident occur: a small picture fell off the wall and landed on it-which shouldn't have been that big of a deal...but it was. However, don't think this is a poorly constructed guitar. The person who fixed it said that it landed on the "sweet spot." It was just unlucky. There's also a few minor scratches and dents but nothing worth fussing about.
Customer Support
:
10
Extremely friendly folks. Helped me find someone who could repair the crack. Not to mention the sweet warranty that came with the guitar.
Overall Rating
:
10
Overall, I could n't ask for a better guitar. I love this thing. It honestly makes me the musician I am. I don't leave home without it. Simply put, this guitar gives you so much for so little(money). It is a part of me. I love this guitar and I will keep it for the rest of my life.
Product: Larrivee OM-03
Price Paid: 1199 (Canadian)
Submitted 10/01/2002
at 05:29pm
by Anonymous
Features
:
8
Pretty basic stuff- Mahogany Back and Sides, Sitka Top- Ebony F/B and Bridge
Sound
:
10
Beautiful- this is a sweet guitar. I just bought mine but is has some nice sounds coming from it! Clear and with the tone of the legendary Martin; at a fraction of the price of the higher end models to which I compare it; I love it...
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
8
Finish is basic- though I love Satin since it doesn't pick up every finger mark I leave on the body... fit was perfect right at the store. I'll use the complimentary set up later once she's been broken in.
Reliability/Durability
:
8
I think this guitar could withstand just about anything... stage, in-laws... you name it!
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
N/A
Overall Rating
:
9
I traded my Martin D-28 for this guitar. I've been playing about 12 years; if stolen I would replace it with another Larrivee!
Product: Larrivee OM-03
Price Paid: US $600
Submitted 06/16/2001
at 05:11am
by RLC
Email: Condor1071 at aol<dot>com
Features
:
9
This is a Canadian manufactured instrument. The orchestra model is something I was not familiar with (only playing for about 18 months) and was pleasantly surprised at the ease of playability. The overall features include a spruce top and mahogony sides and back. The ebony fingerboard and microdot markings are elegant and simple. You have to be someone who appreciates this classic styling. The satin finish add to the warmth of the styling. I bought mine without the case for 1/3 list which was 899, got it for 600 (never pay more) the guitar is perfect for a second step up from beginner. In fact, it is perfect for anyone I imagine.
Sound
:
10
As I mentioned, I have not been palying long but when I first tried this out in the "upscale" room at the store, my wife remarked at the sound (guess it even made me sound good) When I later went back to purchase it, an old gentlemen with a rich rodeo heritage remarked at the sound and thought that I might have just been lucky to get one with that rich a tone for a guitar in its price range. It sounds as full as any dreadnaught in the store (save a Breedlove)
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
8
I am used to an electric and the action might be considered high by me, but others tell me thats what you get with an acoustic and in short order I find it more than acceptable. There is a slight glue mark by the neck, same as another reviewer mentioned. either this is an incredible coincidence, or Larrivee needs to rework their factory set up. I didnt notice it when I bought it, but probably wouldnt have mattered, the sound was so unigue that I can overlook this. The rest of the finish is very nice. Again, simple, yet elegant.
Reliability/Durability
:
10
Looks and plays solid. I have only had it for about five weeks, but no complaints.
Customer Support
:
5
I emailed them shortly after I bought it concerning information on the care of a satin finish and asked about truss rod adjustment. It took about a week to get a response which was short and curt. I suspect the world is being run by twentysomething kids and this is to be expected.
Overall Rating
:
No Opinion
Product: Larrivee OM-03
Price Paid: US $689
Submitted 06/29/2000
at 11:52am
by Gary Collier
Email: homedezign at aol<dot>com
Features
:
10
Features are for playing, not looking. And it has these, in abundance. Indian rosewood back and sides, cedar top, ebony (not the softer rosewood) fingerboard, Gotoh tuners, Fishman Prefix Pro pickup, and the factory hard shell case. All solid woods, of course...
Sound
:
10
The sound is just incredible. I have played and listened to a lot of high end acoustic guitars, and to hear the volume and full range of sound coming out of this OM style box is amazing. It's full, from bass to mid range to treble, and the sustain is just wonderful. I play both flatpick and fingerpicking style, and it can be soft and sweet, or loud and full, whatever your mood dictates.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
9
The action is nice, the satin finish is EASY to take care of (unlike my gloss finish Larrivee L-10!), the woods are bookmatched beautifully! The only flaw is a glue line showing on the left side of the neck heel, where it joins the body. The standard pickguard (clear) had a satin look, but a scratchy sound when your pick or fingernails hit the surface, so I e/mailed the company, and they sent me a new gloss (quiet) guard at no cost.
Reliability/Durability
:
10
I've now owned it for a year, and played it daily during that time. It shows no signs of wear, other than a slight "shining" where my arm hits the upper bout of the body during playing (this is standard on satin finish guitars). The guitar STAYS in tune, and I look forward to playing this one for a lifetime.
Customer Support
:
10
Lifetime warranty to the original owner (i.e. whoever sends in the warranty), and their support via e/mail is outstanding.
Overall Rating
:
10
I've played for 16 years, seriously for 2. I own 3 other acoustics, including a Larrivee L-10, but this is the first guitar I'd grab in a fire. It constantly reminds me of what great tone and easy playing is all about. If it was ever lost, etc., I would certainly try to replace it, but don't know if I could find the same guitar again. So yeah, go for it if you're considering one similar - if you're lucky, you'll have a love affair with yours like mine has been!
Product: Larrivee OM-03
Price Paid: US $679
Submitted 05/09/2000
at 08:07am
by Andy
Email: awalker at uakron<dot>edu
Features
:
2
Don't be deceived by the low features rating. My 1997 OM-3 is an utterly simple, no-frills guitar. Mahogany, back, sides and neck. Solid Sitka spruce top. Ebony fretboard and bridge. Quality chrome tuning machines. Satin finish. Expert construction. That's it. And it's more than enough. (Oh yeah... it came with a very nice hardshell case.
Sound
:
10
This little guitar is just amazing. I have not played a guitar with a better combination of volume and balance. It is bright, without being tinty, rich without being muddy. Total clarity.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
10
The action on my OM-03 is perfect. The fit is flawless. The finish is simple satin. I love the way this guitar plays as much as I love the way it sounds.
Reliability/Durability
:
10
What sets these lower-end Larivees apart from the competition is they are expertly made instruments available at an inexpensive price. They are not cheap guitars in any sense of the word.
Overall Rating
:
10
I've been playing guitar for 30+ years and lovingly owned an older and wonderful Guild jumbo until it was stolen in a burglary. Heartbroken, and with no hope of getting another guitar at the same price range as my beloved Guild, I went to my favorite music store just hoping for something I could at least play and enjoy. I played probably 50 guitars that afternoon, and I confess that the little mahogany Larivee was the most playable, best-sounding one I found. That such a wonderful instrument can be had for such an affordable price is nothing short of amazing. There are lots of great guitar brands out there to shop, but if you aren't considering a Larivee guitar, you are shortchanging yourself.
Product: Larrivee OM-03
Price Paid: US $900 with case
Submitted 01/04/2000
at 04:45pm
by Jawbreaker
Features
:
10
Solid wood throughout, spruce top, ROSEWOOD back and sides. Rosewood is not the standard option, but available as a sort of "upgrade". Ebony fretboard, 25.4" scale. Grand concert size body. 20 fret neck (14 to body). No electronics. Satin finish neck and body. Clear square pickguard. Tiny sterling inlays on the fretboard, very basic rosette. Ebony bridge, and a dove-tail neck joint. Try finding another guitar with these features that is not imported for this price...
Sound
:
10
This is amazing. The volume is extremely consistent across all frets and strings. The volume may be a little less than that of a dreadnaught, but the volume lost actually helps even out the sound.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
9
The finish is satin, but the fitting of the wood is superb. Not many appointments, but it is a simple beauty.
Reliability/Durability
:
10
Feels very solid, though the overall weight is quite light. It is now my only 6-string acoustic.
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
Haven't dealt with the company.
Overall Rating
:
9
I wanted an OM sized acoustic with a satin-finished neck and an ebony fretboard. I cannot stand to play rosewood fretboards any more (not sure why), and a glossy neck just feels sticky to me. So I actually stepped down to the lower priced Larrivee to get the finish I wanted. No problem, since I am not interested in inlays. They do the same quality woodwork on the 03 series, so it wasn't really a "step down". The feel is as good as or better than the Martins, Taylors, and others I have tried. I live right by the Martin factory, but wanted to try out a lot of guitars to find the one that was right for me. Make sure that you play a lot of different models, and don't settle for one that is missing a feature that you consider important. There are a lot of well-made guitars out there, and a wide variety of options and combinations to try.
Product: Larrivee OM-03
Price Paid: US $690 with case
Submitted 04/29/1998
at 05:31am
by Anonymous
Features
:
8
Canadian made. Solid Spruce top. Solid Mahogany back and sides. Dove tailed neck. Small Body. Hardshell Case. Mine has no pick guard although I seen them since with clear pick guards on them. Also, Larrivee doesn't always put a button strap on the tail of the guitar and I've never seen on factory installed in the neck. Mine did have a button on the tail and I use a string type guitar strap so I haven't put one on the neck. If you buy one, your probably have to put on on yourself.
Sound
:
10
I'm mostly a folk style player. Finger picking and struming. This guitar does both well. The sound of the small body does have as much bass as a drednought would, but when I play in church it cuts through against the other instaments well.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
8
Action was good for me, but I like alittle height. First one I played at the store had some flaws in the finish, up where the neck joins the body, but one one I ended up purchasing didn't. The guitar is very plain looking, but VERY beautiful.
Reliability/Durability
:
10
I've had this guitar for almost a year had have had no problems with it.
Customer Support
:
10
When I purchased the guitar and got it home I had no truss rod adjuster in my case. I called Larrivee and they mailed me one that week. Also, I've emailed them various questions and they have always emailed me back quickly.
Overall Rating
:
10
I've been playing for 15 years, so I know what I like. When I went to the store, I went there for a Taylor or Martain Dreadnought, but once I pick up the Larrivee OM, I could not even think about those other guitars. I would by one again in a without thinking. I still would like to get a Dreadnought though. I do not know where you can get this type of workmanship on a soild wood guitar with dove tailed neck for this money. I HIGHLY RECOMEND LARRIVEE
|
Page:
1
(Show 10 | 25 | 50 | 100 reviews per page)
|
Showing 1 -
19
of 19 reviews
|
|