Guitarist Magazine, August '08 (Issue 305) - Larrivee Guitars Round-Up

NOT ONE BUT TWO GUITARIST CHOICE AWARDS

"Indeed, nearly everything about these Larrivees' presentation is exemplary - not only visually but for playability and all-round detailed precision".

The August Issue of Guitarist magazine included a fantastic round up of 4 of the latest Larrivee guitars and not one but two received Guitarist Choice Awards. Put in the spotlight were the L-03, D-05, LV-09 Aura and the OM-10, with the L-03 and the OM-10 picking up the prestigious accolades.

"Helped no doubt by its light-coat satin lacquer, the L-03 is an ebullient strummer...theres a pleasant woody warmth in the mids and lows that helps flesh things out nicely for a balanced, well articulated delivery".

The D-05 has "...an appealing, more shimmery edge across the strings, coupled with an attractively snappy attack when digging in and an openly voiced, precisely defined bottom end".

"...there is no doubting the LV-09 Aura's excellent unplugged poise and integration. The brightish, precise tone is beautifully balanced across the strings, providing clear definition for picking and allied to good strumming dynamics".

"It might be thanks to the supposedly superior-grade timbers-but the fact is that this OM-10 is the most responsive sounding model on test. It matches, even exceeds, the larger bodied LV-09 for punch, and there's a suppleness in the dynamics and sustain..."

Play Music Pickup Magazine, October '08 (Issue 67) - LV-03RE ME

LV-03RE LIMITED EDITION: 'DEFINITELY A KEEPER'

“…the LV-03RE ME sounds rich and powerful, with superb projection and a balanced tone that responds equally well to energetic rhythm work and individually picked notes".

As in all previous reviews the impeccable Larrivee construction is highly praised again, “…you cant help but be impressed by the general standard of workmanship, the African ebony fingerboard's coal black grain is as smooth and flawless as velvet and the neck's shallow 'D' profile neck feels very comfortable indeed”.

“The Larrivee's superb playing action doesn't leave room for any fret buzz and the overall setup is flawless, just the thing for smoothing the transition from electric guitar to acoustic if you are in the habit of switching between both during the course of a live or studio set”.

And the sound?  “Despite only being slightly smaller than a standard dreadnought, the LV-03 RE ME sounds a bit more balanced - with a rich low-end register and a lively top end that manages to sidestep the annoying treble sizzle that you can often find on many modern acoustic guitars…this Larrivee gives nothing away to is main rivals in terms of playability and sound, and after all your years of dedicated practicing you can safely justify your decision to buy the LV-03 RE ME”.

Guitar Buyer Magazine, October '08 (Issue 86) - LV-03RE ME

LARRIVEE 2008 LIMITED EDITION: “A STRONG ALL ROUND PERFORMER”.

“In terms of construction and playability, it's very difficult to fault, with a satisfying tone both unplugged and plugged in".

The latest Larrivee model, the 2008 Marquetry Limited edition of the LV-03RE, had its first review in the October issue of Guitar Buyer Magazine.

 “Picking up the LV-03RE ME, it immediately feels comfortable and familiar.  The relatively shallow mahogany neck, with its satin finish and smooth ivoroid binding, is very friendly to the left hand and then excellent setup and fretwork make for a very easy playing experience…access to the dusty end of the fingerboard is much better here than on the majority of cutaway - equipped acoustics we've seen”.

The Larrivee also excels in the sound department, '…the guitar boasts an excellent string-to-string volume balance and accurate intonation right up the neck.  The mid-range is full and well developed, but not at the expense of the high or low end.  The overall tonal balance is good, with a lively muscular tone.
“The overall tone feels fresh and new, but we feel there is more sustain, more depth and more dynamic range waiting to develop”.

Performing Musician Magazine, October '08 (Issue 86) - LV-10 Aura

LARRIVEE LV-10 AURA - NONE BETTER

"...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, the October issue of Performing Musician Magazine included yet another fantastic Larrivee review. This time it was the turn of the LV-10 Aura. Part of the Rosewood Deluxe Series the LV-10 Aura features the Fishman Aura Pro pickup system.

"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 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".

Guitar Buyer Magazine, November '08 (Issue 87)- L-05 head-to-head

L-05 WINS GUITAR BUYER HEAD-TO-HEAD

"This really is outstanding value for money".

In a head-head of three prestigious six-strings, the Yamaha FG, Taylor GA4 and Larrivee L-05 the Larrivee was the outright winner with highest ratings in all four Acoustic Guitar Buyer categories (Construction, Playability, Sound and Value For Money).

"The L-05 combines impressive volume with a super sweet high end, strong mids and a refined but pounding bass. But what's most impressive is the guitar's supple and willing dynamic response that can take you straight from a whisper to a roar".

"The L-05 is superb for Travis, folk and even blues fingerstyles and the relatively flat fingerboard radius also allows you to play bottleneck slide cleanly, even with a low action".
"Try pounding out some low-string riffs or strumming a rhythm part and the L-05 responds with a grand, woody-textured chime. Fundamental frequencies are strong and there are just enough upper partials to provide harmonic complexity without ever compromising note separation and clarity".
"The Larrivee L-05 provides true all-round performance but still maintains a distinctive character. When you consider the standard the standard of finish, the quality of the materials and, of course, its tone, it's impossible to identify any area where you're expected to compromise".