Larrivee L Vs OM Body Styles???

[JB 007 TLD]

Can someone explain the difference to me between the L and OM body styles? I
looked on the web site but I cant tell the difference. I am looking at the
LV-09 and the OMV-09. Does anyone have any feedback on these two models, and
also I would be interisted in getting a used one, so do you know how much they
go for and where I might go to find one? Thanks.


***@AOL.COM

[Ed Edelenbos]

Not a whole lot of difference...

the lower bout on the L is 3/4" bigger
the upper bout on the L is .075" smaller
the waist on L the 3/4" bigger
and the L is 3/4" deeper

The width at the nut is the same (1 3/4") as is the scale length.

The shoulder on the OM is a little more square and the end a little
flatter (or they are "rounder" on the L.) I didn't find any overall
lengths but it appears as though the L is slightly longer (just from
comparing the pics online.) Just from experience (which could be
off-whack), I would think the extra depth would give the L a bit more
volume and the rounder edges would dig in (slightly) to the sharpness of
a typical OM tone... or add warmth depending on your outlook.

No idea on prices.
Ed

Post by JB 007 TLD
Can someone explain the difference to me between the L and OM body styles? I
looked on the web site but I cant tell the difference. I am looking at the
LV-09 and the OMV-09. Does anyone have any feedback on these two models, and
also I would be interisted in getting a used one, so do you know how much they
go for and where I might go to find one? Thanks.

[paul asbell]

Post by JB 007 TLD
Can someone explain the difference to me between the L and OM body styles? I
looked on the web site but I cant tell the difference. I am looking at the
LV-09 and the OMV-09. Does anyone have any feedback on these two models, and
also I would be interisted in getting a used one, so do you know how much they
go for and where I might go to find one? Thanks.

Sorry to be brief, but here's a start.

The OM size is a fairly standard 15" wide, approx 4" deep body size
created by Martin Co in around 1929. The body size is also called the
000 size (it's get MORE confusing, i assure you ...(g)....) and can be
easily researched more thoroughly on the martin, or Santa Cruz websites.

The L size is Jean Larrivee's own design (thus the letter "L") but it's
VERY similar to the classical guitar shape, and, i believe, a bit larger
than the OM size.

I've played both sizes of larrivee's, and am impressed w/ the bang/buck
of them... the simpler, less adorned models especially. Though I'm
personally fond of OM-size guitars myself, i was slightly more impressed
w/ what Larrivee does w/ his own L size... which makes sense, since he
developed it for a reason.

Hope that helps.

[Wade Hampton Miller]

Larrivee L Vs OM Body Styles???
Can someone explain the difference to me between the L and OM body styles?

Sure. I've owned both, and still own and cherish a Larrivée OM-03W.

The Larrivée OM is slightly larger than the Martin OM, but it has the same
proportions and shape. The Larrivée symmetrical bracing tends to give it a
somewhat simpler sonic profile than Martin OMs, not as rich-sounding, perhaps,
but definitely a bit louder. (I should mention I've also owned a fine Martin
OM-21 and played LOTS of them.)

The Larrivée L body shape is comfortable to play, because of its narrow waist.
But it's actually a pretty big-ass guitar - it's 16 inches across at the lower
bout, wider than the lower bout than a Martin dreadnought.

Which means, in practical terms, that it can be difficult to find a nice
hardshell case for it if you buy a lower end model that doesn't come with
one...

As for the tonal characteristics of each, I have to admit to a pre-existing
bias in favor of the OM sound - to me it's the perfect, all-around steel string
acoustic guitar sound. It's a tonally balanced, refined sort of tone, no one
end of the range dominating any other.

To me the L body Larrivées have good tonal balance, but their tone isn't quite
as refined and lyrical as an OM's - there's a bit more of a jumbo guitar sound
to them, everything a bit coarser and broader, if that makes any sense.

They definitely have more bass response than an OM, and they definitely work
better for some folks than an OM would.

They're a good-sounding guitar, I just personally prefer the OM sound and
response.

So if you want or need a guitar with a bit more volume and more bass response,
the L body would be the logical choice. But if you like a mid-size guitar
that's a dream to mic and record, consider the OM.

Hope that makes sense.


Wade Hampton Miller
Chugiak, Alaska

Remove the "Howdy" to reply...

[Dorgan]

Post by Wade Hampton Miller

Larrivee L Vs OM Body Styles???
Can someone explain the difference to me between the L and OM body styles?

Sure. I've owned both, and still own and cherish a Larrivée OM-03W.
The Larrivée OM is slightly larger than the Martin OM, but it has the same
proportions and shape. The Larrivée symmetrical bracing tends to give it a
somewhat simpler sonic profile than Martin OMs, not as rich-sounding, perhaps,
but definitely a bit louder. (I should mention I've also owned a fine Martin
OM-21 and played LOTS of them.)
The Larrivée L body shape is comfortable to play, because of its narrow waist.
But it's actually a pretty big-ass guitar - it's 16 inches across at the lower
bout, wider than the lower bout than a Martin dreadnought.
Which means, in practical terms, that it can be difficult to find a nice
hardshell case for it if you buy a lower end model that doesn't come with
one...
As for the tonal characteristics of each, I have to admit to a

pre-existing

Post by Wade Hampton Miller
bias in favor of the OM sound - to me it's the perfect, all-around steel string
acoustic guitar sound. It's a tonally balanced, refined sort of tone, no one
end of the range dominating any other.
To me the L body Larrivées have good tonal balance, but their tone isn't quite
as refined and lyrical as an OM's - there's a bit more of a jumbo guitar sound
to them, everything a bit coarser and broader, if that makes any sense.
They definitely have more bass response than an OM, and they definitely work
better for some folks than an OM would.
They're a good-sounding guitar, I just personally prefer the OM sound and
response.
So if you want or need a guitar with a bit more volume and more bass response,
the L body would be the logical choice. But if you like a mid-size guitar
that's a dream to mic and record, consider the OM.
Hope that makes sense.
Wade Hampton Miller
Chugiak, Alaska

Interesting comments, because for me, the Larrivee OMs are lacking in bass
"color". Very difficult to describe, but the low end sounds a little
lifeless to me.
If your assessment is accurate, I should like the L models more, but I
don't remember if I've played one or not.
Bob Dorgan

[Bob N]

I have an OM. Every day I wish I'd bought an L.

[Bob Dorgan]

Post by Bob N
I have an OM. Every day I wish I'd bought an L.

Why is that, Bob?
I thought yours was a damn good guitar.
Bob Dorgan

[Bob N]

Post by Bob Dorgan
Why is that, Bob?
I thought yours was a damn good guitar.
Bob Dorgan

Nice of you to say. It's a pretty good guitar...but the L has larger upper bouts and a
much deeper body. I think these traits combine to give it a richer, fuller tone across
the spectrum, especially in the bass and mids. At least all the Ls I've played have been
that way. To my ears, my OM sounds a little boxy on the G string and overall it isn't as
loud as other guitars I've played. I continue to believe that the guitar is braced too
heavily - good for the warrantee, but not optimal for sound.

[Bob Dorgan]

Post by Bob N

Post by Bob Dorgan
Why is that, Bob?
I thought yours was a damn good guitar.
Bob Dorgan

Nice of you to say. It's a pretty good guitar...but the L has larger upper bouts and a
much deeper body. I think these traits combine to give it a richer, fuller tone across
the spectrum, especially in the bass and mids. At least all the Ls I've played have been
that way. To my ears, my OM sounds a little boxy on the G string and overall it isn't as
loud as other guitars I've played. I continue to believe that the guitar is braced too
heavily - good for the warrantee, but not optimal for sound.

Understood.
I can see how a stronger bass and mid would really be important in the lower
tunings that you use. I've got to my Chelsvig into your hands this year. It
really sounds good tuned to open C. Of course, I can't play anything in open
C, so that does me no good....
You could do it justice.
Bob

[Bob N]

Bob Dorgan <***@fltg.net> wrote in message news:***@corp.supernews.com...

I've got to my Chelsvig into your hands this year. It

Post by Bob Dorgan
really sounds good tuned to open C. Of course, I can't play anything in open
C, so that does me no good....
You could do it justice.
Bob

Now, you know that the only way I can do a guitar justice is to put it into someone else's
hands...

[George W.]

Post by Bob N
I have an OM. Every day I wish I'd bought an L.

Not too long ago I was seriously thinking about selling my OM-05. Now
I can't seem to put it down. I know that the rosewood model is a
different animal and that probably plays into your perceptions. Still,
your ability to distinguish detail in sound far surpasses mine so I
won't question your judgement. To my ears the difference between my OM
and yours is pretty much what I would expect given the differences in
wood. Of course my ears are older than yours.............

G.

[Bob N]

George, knowing how you selected your Collings, 12-fret Martin, and that OM-5, I'd say
that you have as fine an ear for guitar tone as anyone I've met. Wanna swap OMs?

Bob (no, I didn't seriously imagine that you would...)

[George W.]

Post by Bob N
George, knowing how you selected your Collings, 12-fret Martin, and that OM-5, I'd say
that you have as fine an ear for guitar tone as anyone I've met.

I just buy anything Brenda let's me.

G.

[Spambow]

Post by Wade Hampton Miller

Larrivee L Vs OM Body Styles???
Can someone explain the difference to me between the L and OM body styles?

Sure. I've owned both, and still own and cherish a Larrivée OM-03W.
The Larrivée OM is slightly larger than the Martin OM, but it has the same
proportions and shape. The Larrivée symmetrical bracing tends to give it a
somewhat simpler sonic profile than Martin OMs, not as rich-sounding, perhaps,
but definitely a bit louder. (I should mention I've also owned a fine Martin
OM-21 and played LOTS of them.)
The Larrivée L body shape is comfortable to play, because of its narrow waist.
But it's actually a pretty big-ass guitar - it's 16 inches across at the lower
bout, wider than the lower bout than a Martin dreadnought.
Which means, in practical terms, that it can be difficult to find a nice
hardshell case for it if you buy a lower end model that doesn't come with
one...
As for the tonal characteristics of each, I have to admit to a pre-existing
bias in favor of the OM sound - to me it's the perfect, all-around steel string
acoustic guitar sound. It's a tonally balanced, refined sort of tone, no one
end of the range dominating any other.
To me the L body Larrivées have good tonal balance, but their tone isn't quite
as refined and lyrical as an OM's - there's a bit more of a jumbo guitar sound
to them, everything a bit coarser and broader, if that makes any sense.
They definitely have more bass response than an OM, and they definitely work
better for some folks than an OM would.
They're a good-sounding guitar, I just personally prefer the OM sound and
response.
So if you want or need a guitar with a bit more volume and more bass response,
the L body would be the logical choice. But if you like a mid-size guitar
that's a dream to mic and record, consider the OM.
Hope that makes sense.
Wade Hampton Miller
Chugiak, Alaska
Remove the "Howdy" to reply...

Hey Wade--My local dealer has a DV-09 and a L-10 Special on sale as
demos. Both are in great shape. Which of these do you like? I kind of
like these as well as the Taylors--great action. But, I am also crazy
over the Yairi Alvarez.
--Fred

[Wade Hampton Miller]

Hey Wade--My local dealer has a DV-09 and a L-10 Special on sale as>demos.

Both are in great shape. Which of these do you like?


I just happened to be re-reading this thread when I saw your question, Larry -
sorry I missed it until now.

To answer your question, it all comes down to the individual guitar, of course.
But I think the L body is likely to have better tonal balance and clarity than
the dreadnought, while still having great power and bass response, due to its
air cavity size.

So sight unseen and sound unheard, I'd lean towards the L-10. I'd still want
to play both side by side before deciding, though.

Hope that makes sense.



Wade Hampton Miller
Chugiak, Alaska

Remove the "Howdy" to reply...