LARRIVEE

While we are not a Larrivée dealer, we have sold a number of Larrivée guitars over the years, and this guitar is certainly consistent with the best of what we have seen from this company in terms of its tonal fidelity and the very fine quality of its construction. Notably, this instrument has a voice marked by excellent balance with clear note definition and inherent sustain. Moreover, there is a density to the note foundation that imparts strong resolution to its voice. These qualities make for a guitar that is both pliable and responsive.

This particular OM-09 is most definitely a testament to the solid build quality and expressiveness to which Larrivee players have become accustomed.  But, its appeal is significantly amplified by one feature: Brazilian rosewood.  For those unfamiliar, Brazilian rosewood (Dalbergia nigra) is regarded by many as the most desirable guitar tonewood, as it typically exhibits a unique blend of clear, glassy response and complex harmonic texture—we occasionally broadly characterize these sonic attributes as a synthesis of the best traits of Honduran mahogany and Indian rosewood.  Brazilian rosewood is, however, extremely scarce and typically quite expensive, often commanding thousands of dollars (if not five figures) just as an option. 

At the time of this OM-09’s production in 2006, one would on very  rare occasion encounter a scenario where a manufacturer would offer a limited run of guitars made with Brazilian rosewood back and sides, as is the case here.  In some cases, these limited runs would coincide with a company’s decision to phase out the material entirely.  Over the ensuing years, such reasonably priced appearances of Brazilian rosewood have dwindled to effectively nil today.  As a result, we are always understandably excited to be able to offer a guitar such as this OM-09 Brazilian, as it represents an accessible entry point for those players looking to explore and experience the expressiveness and inherent richness (both sonically and visually of Brazilian Rosewood.

Condition:

In light of its age, this OM-09 is in impressive condition with hardly a trace of playing or handling wear.   The most significant wear is a very tight back crack measuring approximately 3 1/8” on the treble side upper bout (the crack is adjacent to the neck block).  This crack has been cleated internally and is stable.  Otherwise, there is some very minor playwear evident (mostly in the form of pickguard scuffs), as well as some natural lacquer settling.   EXCELLENT condition.

• 14-Fret 000/OM Body
• Sitka Spruce Top
• Scalloped X-Bracing
• Brazilian Rosewood Back and Sides
• Curly Maple Body Binding and Endpiece
• 4-ply Black and White Fiber Top Purfling
• 2-Ply Black and White Fiber Back and Side Purfling
• 3-Ring Rosette with Abalone Center Ring
• High-Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer Body Finish
• Mahogany Neck
• Modern C Neck Contour
• Ebony Fingerboard
• Ivoroid Fingerboard Binding
• Mother of Pearl Logo
• Small Metal Fingerboard Inlays
• Indian Rosewood Headstock Veneer
• Semi-Gloss Neck Finish
• Rosewood Belly Bridge with Drop-in Saddle
• Bone Nut and Saddle
• Faux Tortoiseshell Pickguard
• Chrome Schaller Tuning Machines
• 25 1/2” Scale Length
• 1 3/4” Nut Width
• Original Arched Top Hard Case