Better Guitar

player opinions

Name: Paul Rachner
Price Paid: $800
Performance
I don’t see how anyone could decide on a guitar other than a Larrivee when spending under $1000. This guitar produces sonically something that the subtlety of its exterior would never imply. It is easy to play — perfect action, and string spacing for me when picking — and it has brought me far more joy from $800 than anything else I can imagine. I will have this guitar for life.
Performance Rating: 10
Sound Quality
Tone is excellent — a very dynamic instrument. Produces nice resounding bass and clear trebles. Flat picking and playing open chords is especially enjoyable on this guitar. I wish I could be more specific, but my D-03R is long overdue for a string change, so I haven’t heard its full potential in quite some time.
Sound Quality Rating: 10
Construction
Definitely a solid instrument! I’ve taken it on many a trip to the campground, the Gorge numerous times. I’ve noticed no warping due to water or heat damage, and I haven’t exactly been super careful with it; it’s seem some rough times. If I were forced to make a complaint about the D-03R, it would be the rubbing sound of my anchored fingers on the clear pickguard when I fingerpick. However, the clear pickguards in my opinion is much more aesthetically pleasing than those gaudy things on Guilds and Taylors, so it’s a fair compromise.
Construction Rating: 10

Name: Gary Krumbholz
Band: Jukebox Kings
Price Paid: $850
Performance
This guitar performs head and shoulders above comparable guitars in its class. I was looking at Taylors and Martins when I made the purchase of my Larrivee. I was prepared to go with the D-16 Martin but once I played the Larrivee, the range of sound was so incredible there was no comparison.
Performance Rating: 10
Sound Quality
Tonally, this guitar sparkles. The highs float out of the sound hole crisp while the lows have a surrounding presence and warmth not found in guitars in this price range. Every time I take this guitar out of the case it is still in tune. I can even go 3 days (rarely) without playing it and still no tuning required.
Sound Quality Rating: 10
Construction
There is nothing compromised with the construction of this guitar. It is very well made of all solid woods. I love the aroma it has when I open the case. If anything was to damage this guitar I wouldn’t have second thoughts about running right out and getting another just like it. This is truly a players instrument.
Construction Rating: 10

Name: Tom Kramer
Price Paid: $704
Performance
I couldn't be happier with my Larrivee. I have the Rosewood model D03R and I am astonished by the complexity of the sound; the dynamic range of this guitar is remarkable. Sometimes I’ll stop playing for a moment, look at my Larrivee, and wonder, “How can such an inexpensive, light guitar make such incredible sounds?” I find playing my D03R an absolute joy — it plays effortlessly and I find the action perfect for me.
Performance Rating: 10
Sound Quality
As I indicated above, I find the tone of this guitar to be superb.
Sound Quality Rating: 10
Construction
I have never purchased a more finely crafted product — guitar or otherwise. The construction is flawless, the finish impeccable, and the quality of materials superb. How Larrivee can charge the prices they do for their guitars is beyond me.
Construction Rating: 10