Bourgeois vs. Larrivee

[Andood]

Hi All,

I am thinking about purchasing a used Bourgeois D Country Boy or a Larrivee D-60 Traditional Series. I live in a part of the country where there are no guitar shops for hours so I am basing my purchase on mainly research and reviews. Has anyone had any experience with these two guitars? Or does anyone have any recommendations for a singer/songwriter who likes to play bluegrass/blues style, I want to spend between 2,000 to 3,000 on a used guitar. I've been seeing a lot of great options on Reverb.com but I don't know what to choose!

Thanks,

Andood

[Emil]

Well for that kind of money i’d get myself a classic D-18.

[Rosewood99]

Bourgeois Is a class up from larrivee.

[warfrat73]

Originally Posted by Rosewood99

Bourgeois Is a class up from larrivee.

I agree.

They are also voiced quite differently to my ear.

[soups]

Vote for bourgeois

[lfoo6952]

Only you can decide which is more suited for you. Find a dealer that has a return policy so that you can return the guitar if it doesn't strike a chord with you (pun intended).

[Rockysdad]

I’d say they’re definitely different, I wouldn’t say one’s a step up.

[fregly]

Originally Posted by Rosewood99

Bourgeois Is a class up from larrivee.

Yes I think so. And I have had five Larrivees, and like them very much.

[Tnfiddler]

I play an Aged Tone Bourgeois Vintage D with Banjo Killer bracing at every bluegrass gig our band plays! I will recommend them over any brand. I brought my D41 to our last gig and our banjo player told me to leave it at home, from now on and just play the Bourgeois!

[zmf]

Originally Posted by Andood

recommendations for a singer/songwriter who likes to play bluegrass/blues style...

That covers a lot of ground -- I'm guessing flatpicking country blues?

I much prefer the Bourgeois tone over the Larrivees I've played -- it's thicker, more mellow. You might have a different preference. But Bourgeois are versatile guitars -- good for different types of music.

I promised myself that I wouldn't suggest the obvious -- that you should play both to make your decision -- so I won't.

[3guitars]

Hello all,

I purchased my Larrivee L-O9 23 years ago and initially, I was hesitant to keep it as it sounded bright and cool. Quite some time later, I ended up purchasing a Goodall CRJ (cedar-rosewood concert jumbo) and 3-4 years ago a Martin M-36. So, Larrivee is 23 years old, Goodall 11, Martin 3. My main, the most liked, the most everything is Larrivee. Everybody will say that Goodall is at least one level above (by build quality, beauty of design and woods), but the tone I get from my Larrivee is oh soooo beautiful - open, warm, rich, delicate... I've seen comments about L-09 being quiet. No, my L-09 is not quiet. This guitar takes a capo anywhere on the neck and plays in open tunings very well. However, it is not the best for slide - I use Martin for this. Once or twice, I very briefly tried Bourgeois guitars (it was a small jumbo but it was smaller than CRJ). It was good but its sound did not stay in my head. The guitar sound changes over time and maybe someone more experienced could predict how a specific guitar will sound 20 years later, I can't.
You are looking for a D guitar and none of my guitars is a D. So, I am not answering your question. However, I can say that Larrivee guitars look very plain and simple and they may not attract you on a first look. Also, love for guitars is such a personal thing. The look and even the sound of a certain guitar new or 20-years-old may or may not fit your idea about a perfect instrument. However, that Larrivee makes fine instruments is an understatement.

[AcousticDreams]

Originally Posted by Rosewood99

Bourgeois Is a class up from larrivee.

I will have to be the odd one out, & disagree. Both are great guitars. However, compare the two against each other with a Larrivee that has a Moonwood spruce Top. Then the two are very comparable in high quality sound. Moonwood Spruce has a drier-more defined sound.

Regardless, there is still a difference in tone between each company. Each has its own slightly different character. I have played many guitars from both companies. Both are great companies. Larrivee is widely known for its consistency of sound. And the reason being that Jean Larrivee travels the world picking out the best possible woods for his guitars.

My suggestion is buy a D40 with a Moon Spruce top. instead of a D60. You can buy a brand new Larrivee D40 Moon Spruce for under $2500. The differences are a 40 series has a satin finish and rope figure decorations. instead of bone decorations. Many people feel that Satin finish has a more woody sound.

If possible, find a shop that has both guitars in stock. Order both with the stipulation that you will return one of them. Yes, this will cost you an extra $100 to 200 dollars. But it might be the best monies spent. Having the two in hand will be well worth it. Just remember, to compare against a Larrivee with a Moonspruce top.

[BrunoBlack]

As much as I like guitars from both shops, I have a clear preference for Bourgeois.

[frazervalley]

I purchased one of each and I am very happy with them.

[247hoopsfan]

Originally Posted by Rockysdad

I’d say they’re definitely different, I wouldn’t say one’s a step up.

Totally agree with this. I have a Goodall, much more expensive than my Larrivees, and they don’t give anything away to the Goodall.
And Jean Larrivee gets absolutely the best wood as he has been traveling the world for over 50 years doing it.
Someone just sold a 2021 Larrivee D 40 rosewood with Moonwood spruce top for less than $1500 on this forum. Right now there is a Larrivee SD40 mahogany 12 fret for $1400. Those are ridiculous values. Since you say you probably can’t play them first, you might want to keep your eyes out for something like these. Way less than your budget, and you can always get most if not all of it back if you sell.