A look into 10 guitar companies in 10 days - Day 1
LARRIVEE GUITARS
A combination of Canadian and American craftsmanship
Admittedly, if you are a guitar player or collector, you more than likely have or have come across a Larrivee guitar. However, many casual guitar players and owners might not know that the companies craftsmanship have been favored by some individuals over the likes of the big three (Gibson, Martin, and Taylor).
The History of Larrivee Guitars
Jean Larrivée began building guitars in the mid-1960s after emigrating to Canada from his native France. Initially, he worked for a guitar manufacturer in Toronto before deciding to strike out on his own. He started Larrivée Guitars in Victoria, British Columbia, with a focus on building high-quality, handcrafted acoustic guitars.
In the early days, Larrivée Guitars produced a small number of instruments each year, but the quality of the guitars quickly caught the attention of musicians and guitar enthusiasts. Larrivée's reputation for building exceptional instruments grew, and the company's output began to increase.
By the late 1970s, Larrivée Guitars had gained a reputation as one of the best guitar manufacturers in North America. Jean Larrivée's sons, Matthew and John, joined the company and began working with their father to expand the business. In the 1980s, Larrivée Guitars opened a factory in Vancouver, which allowed the company to produce more guitars and meet the growing demand.
In the 1990s, the company introduced a new bracing system that improved the tonal quality of the guitars. In 2001, Larrivée Guitars introduced a line of electric guitars, which were well received by musicians and critics alike.
Today, Larrivée continues to buck the trend of most guitar manufacturers. It is common for most of the guitars to be made right here in the U.S.A., out of their workshop in California. Utilizing the expert knowledge he gained of the incredible woods unique to Canada and combining it with the finest American craftsmanship, the company continues to produce high-quality guitars.
One of the unique things about Larrivée Guitars is that the company is still family-owned and operated. Jean Larrivée remains involved in the business, and his sons continue to oversee the company's operations. This commitment to quality and tradition has helped Larrivée Guitars maintain its reputation for excellence over the years.
Best Selling Larrivee Guitar Models
Larrivee has several guitar models that are popular among musicians and guitar enthusiasts. Here are some of the best-selling and most well-known Larrivee guitar models:
Larrivee OM-03R: The Larrivee OM-03R is one of the most popular models from the company. Standard features include a sitka spruce top, rosewood back and sides, and a mahogany neck. The OM-03R has a warm, balanced tone that is ideal for fingerpicking and strumming. It's also known for its exceptional projection and sustain.
Larrivee D-03R: The Larrivee D-03R is a dreadnought acoustic guitar that is similar to the OM-03R but with a larger body size. Standard features include a sitka spruce top, rosewood back and sides, and a mahogany neck. The D-03R is known for its powerful, rich tone that is ideal for strumming and flatpicking.
Larrivee L-05: The Larrivee L-05 is a popular guitar model that comes standard with features like a sitka spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and a mahogany neck. It has a warm, rich tone that is well-balanced and articulate. The L-05 is also known for its exceptional playability, making it a favorite among guitarists of all levels.
Larrivee P-03 Parlor: The Larrivee P-03 Parlor is a smaller-sized guitar that is perfect for finger-style playing. Standard models have a sitka spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and a mahogany neck. The P-03 has a bright, clear tone with excellent projection and sustain. (The P-03 is a model that Jean Larrivée likes to make himself with a variety of custom woods. Currently in our collection we have a brand new P-03FA with a European Flame Ash handmade and signed by Jean Larrivée himself. It is a true 1 of 1, with no others ever made. Check it out below!)
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