One of the best kept secrets in Acoustic Guitars !
Written: Jun 29 '03
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Extreme quality and value. Clear rich tone and playability. Good for all levels.
Cons: None.
The Bottom Line: You will not find a better guitar at 3 times the price. Expect this to last several generations. Fingerpicking monster !
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| dougmjones's Full Review: Larrivee L05 Guitar with Free Case |
The Larrivee line is a spectacular example of old world craftsmanship evolving with the tools of modern computer manufacturing. Larrivee embraces computer aided CNC machines to precision cut the slots in the fretboard, inlay and other tasks that give remarkably consistent quality. The necks and other components are then carefully hand fit and setup.
They also use a modified finish that gives the qualities of the older nitro finish used since the 1920s but cures with the aid of ultraviolet light. This greatly decreases the long and tedious process of applying each coat and sanding because the drying time is reduced from days to minutes.
The L-05 model is very similar in measurements to a slope shoulder Gibson J-45 but is a very different guitar. The shape gives a slight hint of classical design and the lower bout has a jumbo feel too it. The result is a huge sounding guitar that does not feel and handle like a huge jumbo. A pleasure to hold and play for any size person.
The fretwork and neck on my L-05 are spectacular. They use medium size frets instead of the tiny frets found on many guitars. The bracing under the soundboard is a symmetrical design perfected by Jean Larrivee and gives the guitar a loud and clear voice which works very well for fingerstyle and solo artists. I am amazed how well it also works as a strummer guitar also. When inspecting the inside of the L-05 I find remarkably clean and meticulous work. No glue stains, glue drops, sloppy cuts. The guitar looks almost as good internally as it does externally. Very sturdy construction. The soundboard has a very resonant pip sound as I tap it and not a soggy thud like some lesser guitars.
You will only find the best choices in woods and materials. The one piece mahogany neck has no “ears” on the headstock to save money and the back and sides are made from hand selected mahogany. The top is a fine grade of AA-AAA Sitka Spruce. The Sitka available these days is astonishing and it’s a good time to get it. Most of it is harvested from 50-70 year old salvaged logs and trees so you also get a more aged sound in many of these new guitars.
Except for custom models all Larrivees come with an Ebony fingerboard and bridge. One of the highlights of the guitar is the figured wooden maple binding and end strip. Also a silver inlayed border on the headstock and MOP inlayed logo. Also includes MOP microdot markers on the fretboard and white binding. The wooden bridge pins are made of ebony with a mop dot on each. The rosette is adorned with abalone and quite remarkable for a guitar of this price. I am completely sold on the clear pickguard which leaves the beauty of the guitar and does not hamper the sound like most large heavy pickguards.
Larrivee also uses TUSQ materials for the nut and saddle which is a man made ivory substitute. Most players foolishly run straight out and replace them with bone. I would not recommend replacing the TUSQ nut because it will not really change the tone of the guitar enough to pass a blind fold test. The main point of using the TUSQ saddle is because most under the saddle pickups work horribly with bone. TUSQ gives a 20-30% volume increase and a more consistent tone across all of the strings. Read http://www.tusq.com for more details.
The tuning machines are made by Ping and are very similar in quality and appearance to chrome Grovers. Very heavy duty and no frills.
I rate these Larrivees as one of the very best values in guitars today. My L-05 rivals guitars at 3-4 times it's price. Larrivee is making all gloss finished guitars in the USA and the satin finished models are still made in Van Couver BC. The customer service has been magnificent for me and many other Larrivee owners.
Speaking of tone the L-05 has a warm and inviting tone with some clarity that rings like a bell. Very nice for solo and fingerstyle but when strumming it also has a unique clarity without being too bright. The bass is very solid and big but doesn't even come close to being muddy or thuddy. You will find this guitar not as bright and thin as a Taylor in general and also not as muddy as most Martins. It's very similar to a Gibson J-45 with a little more clarity in the high notes. Very consistent up the fretboard and has a great bell tone quality. Great sustain too.
You will not be dissatisfied with this guitar. Go play one today. The L-09 is rosewood and the L-10 has more inlays. The L-05 is my favorite. These guitars will meet the needs of the most demanding professional yet are affordable enough for a beginner. The string spacing and neck size are perfect.
MAHOGANY – See my review on the model with a mahogany top. They are spectacular and only available once a year or so in small batches. They are bigger and warmer sounding that the spruce model discussed here.
ELIXIR STRINGS – These are a little bright to some people so when you demonstrate a Larrivee for the first time just realize that the strings that come on them may be more brittle and bright sounding than your standard Phosphor Bronze guitar strings. I have found that I like the Elixirs on the L-05M model because of the added brightness. For the standard L-05 with a spruce top I prefer traditional strings.
Larrivee SPECS
http://www.larrivee.com/content/products/guitars/specs/L-05/L05MH0.php
… Mahogany Back & Sides ( S. American)
· Single Piece Mahogany Neck (S. American)
· Canadian Sitka Spruce Soundboard
· African Ebony Fretboard & Bridge
· Multi Layer Maple Body Binding
· Abalone Rosette
· Symmetrical X-Bracing
· Dovetail Neck Joint
· Mother of Pearl Headstock Logo
· Sterling Silver Headstock Border
· Ping Tuners (18:1 Ratio)
· Ivroid Fretboard Binding
· Microdot Fretboard Inlays
· Ebony Bridge Pins w/ Abalone Center
· Traditional Larrivee Transparent Pickguard
· Elixir Nanoweb Light Gauge Strings
· Will Handle Medium Gauge Strings
· Limited Lifetime Warranty
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
dougmjones
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Location: Atlanta , Ga
Reviews written: 78
Trusted by: 24 members
About Me:
Computers, Music, Quality toys and gadgets. Like to review products that I demo or purchase.
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