Larrivee L-03 vs Taylor 214e dlx

[linzandkara]

I’m trying to decide between two guitars for purchase. Either a Larrivee L-03 that is 3 years old, or a Taylor 214e Deluxe that is 1 year old. Both are in excellent shape. This would be mostly for strumming and perhaps a little picking. I don’t have experience with either type of guitar. The Larrivee is selling for $650 and the Taylor is selling for $775. Which would you choose?

[DukeX]

I own a Taylor 324 and love it.

But yours would be an easy decision for me, the all solid wood L-03 Larrivee. They are terrific guitars, and $650 is a great price.

[jweave69]

∆∆∆∆∆∆∆∆ What they said! Easy choice!

[markrj]

The Larrivee all day long. Especially at that price!

[Knollhaven]

Hi. I formerly owned a Taylor 214ce-SB and a Larrivee D-40. For your needs, I would advise the all solid Larrivee as the better deal and the better choice for rhythm playing. Just my humble opinion.

[louiscipher]

I love Taylor and i own Taylor 200 series, however if i faced with that kind of choice i'll definitely go with Larrivee

[AZLiberty]

In terms of construction, any Larrivee is a step up from a 200 series Taylor.

In terms of sound quality, I myself, would definitely prefer the Larrivee, but you might not. What people like is subjective after all.

An -03 series Larrivee under $700 is a very good price BTW.

[Wade Hampton]

I've just chime in like the harmony-singing little chipmunk that I am:

GO WITH THE LARRIVEE!!

It's the better guitar of the two, plus it should suit your playing needs better, as well.

Hope this helps.


Wade Hampton Miller

[Gordon Currie]

Buy the Taylor, but then send me the contact for that Larrivee seller

I'm biased, I have two L-03s and consider them ridiculously versatile and a huge bargain used. I only wish the OMs commanded such low prices used.

[llew]

Larrivee L body is a wonderful guitar. A Swiss Army Knife of sorts. Go for the Larrivee and never look back!

[3notes]

I owned and played a 214ce for a couple months. That's how long it took me to get back into a Larrivee. I sold the Taylor.

The tone of the Larrivee will take you places, musically, that you've never been before. Very pleasing to the ear.

[EmperorPo]

Agree with the majority. The Larrivee is much nicer and at that price would be an excellent buy. I love Larrivee's but I play Taylors. The necks on the Larrivee's sit weird in my hand after long sessions of playing and they Taylor neck profile works much better.

I'd really love to have a Larrivee D-40r with a 1 3/4in nut at some point in my life!

[JackB1]

Currently own a 214ce dlx and it's a nice guitar. Just a blinged out 114ce really, so it's still basically an entry level Taylor with lam back and sides. For that price it's a good deal. It's easy to play and sounds good. But try the Larivee first before you decide. You may not like the way it feels or something. I feel like the Taylor is a safer bet without trying both in person.

[GuitarsFromMars]

My L-03W (walnut b/s) is a very nice solid wood guitar that has several solid attributes to its sound. Excellent guitar: Not only a bargain used, but a guitar that can be enjoyed from a student player through a pro. BIN. That model Taylor, doesn't have the wood to do what the Larrivee can do.

Quick trip to BanjoMart/GC last weekend, where there was a beautiful used late model D-18 for sale. I played a handful of chords when I realized that guitar did not sound better, just a little different than my L-03 at home. I left without purchasing the Martin.

Always play a guitar before you consider a purchase, regardless of new or used (or get a reasonable return policy).

[Dru Edwards]

Hi linzandkara, Welcome to the AGF!

Given those two choices at those two prices, I'd go with the Larrivee. Even at the same price I'd take the L-03 over the 214e.