"...the LV-10 represents great value for money given its high overall level of performance and it would probably be extremely difficult to do much better at the asking price"

Continuing the excellent press response to the line, this month's issue of Performing Musician Magazine includes yet another fantastic Larrivee review. This time it's the turn of the LV-10 Aura. Part of the Rosewood Deluxe Series the LV-10 Aura features the Fishman Aura Pro pickup system.

"In simple terms, the Aura system superimposes an image of the sonic characteristics of a guitar recorded in a studio environment onto the pickup signal, to give you the sound of a really well-miked instrument when playing in a live situation where microphones themselves aren't always the best solution. In the case of the LV-10 Aura, these were especially created for the guitar, with each image corresponding to a different microphone type and position".

"Larrivee guitars, to my ears, have a solidity and definition in their sound quite unlike any other. The overall sound of a Larrivee is very balanced, with a tight bass, a strong mid-range and a clear, sweet treble. Of all the Larrivee bodies, The 'L' size and shape (as reviewed but without cutaway) is my favourite, simply because to me it has the clearest and most balanced sound of all the Larrivee outlines".

"Playing the Larrivee LV-10 Aura acoustically is a physical and aural pleasure. The neck has a modern, slim profile that makes it extremely comfortable to my hand, the frets are perfectly dressed and the action is low, even by my own pretty low standard. The acoustic sound, whether fingerpicked or flatpicked, is everything that you'd expect from a good Larrivee: sweet, clear, defined, articulate, and with a superbly even balance and a tight, punchy bass..."

The LV-10 Aura excels when plugged in too. "Plug in the LV-10 and things just get better. Without going near the Aura Pro electronics, the basic sound produced by the Fishman undersaddle pickup is good enough for me to happily gig with. Add in judicious use of the Aura images and, after a bit of careful work with the programmable image EQ and relative phase settings, you should end up - as I did - with four very realistic reproductions of the LV-10 itself that are differentiated only by the inherent character if the microphones used to record the images".

"The Larrivee LV-10 Aura is a seriously good guitar. The woods used in its construction are of the highest quality and construction itself is flawless. With its great playability and the superb acoustic sound that it produces with either flatpick or fingers, it is extremely rewarding to play (it) is up against some formidable opposition, but I cant think of many that combine its quality with such a stunning performance in a live environment. If you're looking for a seriously attractive guitar with superb sound and playability for use on stage, I doubt that you'll be able to do much better than the Larrivee LV-10 Aura, and you really ought to get out to your local acoustic shop and get one in your hands".

To read the full review, pick up the October Issue of Performing Musician Magazine (Issue 13) or go to http://www.performing-musician.com/pm/oct08/articles/larriveelv_10aura.htm. The LV-10 Aura is available now at £2599 RRP.