Larivee, Eastman, Cole Clark

[standup]

I’m going to a shop tomorrow to test-play some guitars. A little high-end, not super high-end.

I have been playing a 1970 Gibson J50 for decades, it’s a great guitar.

But I’m gonna at least open the door to hearing some different options.

Everything I’ll play is under $2000, which might be doable if I ditch the J50.

But I do really like that guitar.

[wrench68]

i have played Eastman and Cole Clark, but bought neither. Larrivee was a different story.

My advice is to allocate a few extra minutes when you play a Larrivee....and have your checkbook ready.

[tomcstokes59]

I have owned several Eastmans and still have 2. For $2000 you would be looking at any of 40 series. If they have one, try one with Torrefied Alpine Spruce top, either dread or 000 and in either rosewood or mahogany. You don’t mention the size of guitar - 00, OM or dread. I have played several Larrivee models and they were all very nice but I wasn’t buying at the time. I really liked a 000-40 12 fret mahogany. I have never played a Cole Clark.

Added 10/16 - Actually I have three Eastmans - E40OM, E6D-TC with Alpine top and the newer AC622CE with arm bevel and sound port. All of them excellent instruments.

[FingahPickah]

Amen.
My Larrivee 000-40 (sitka/mahogany) is a cut above both of my Eastmans which I am also very happy with (E2OM cedar/sapele and an AC108ce adirondack/sapele).

It has a very crisp, articulate voice and impeccable build quality.

[standup]

Originally Posted by tomcstokes59

You don’t mention the size of guitar - 00, OM or dread. I have played several Larrivee models and they were all very nice but I wasn’t buying at the time. I really liked a 000-40 12 fret mahogany. I have never played a Cole Clark.

Well I’m playing a dread now, the J50. But I’m open to the smaller-waisted 000, OM, etc guitars. I’m a singer/songwriter, don’t necessarily need the huge low end. But I enjoy the J50. FWIW.

[Quickstep192]

There’s a guy who busks in town with a Cole Clark. I’ve never hear that sounds better plugged in.

[AcousticDreams]

Larrivee 40 series all the way. Super Sweet! You will see.

[Wellington]

I would say don't get rid of that Gibson, I think you'd regret it, if you can make it happen, used or new, check out those Larrivees; such good guitars, wish they were still made in Canada.

[Honkycat]

Keep the Gibson! Definitely.

[Shaneh]

The new eastmans with the arm bevel and sound port are pretty great

[Dru Edwards]

Originally Posted by Knives&Guitars

Larrivee 40 series all the way. Super Sweet! You will see.

+1.

Make sure you try out the Larrivee 40 series. If they have a 12 fretter give that a try too.

[Bob from Brooklyn]

You are in a good location to go out and try some. I agree that you should keep the Gibson.

[bobster7]

Larivee are nice, balanced instruments. In your price range I would be looking at a torrified Eastman like the twenty series. If you don't want the torrified top a lightly used 40 series Eastman might be in that range?

[mawmow]

I never tried a Cole Clark.

I have a nice Eastman AC122ce under 1k$CAD.
E20 series are now quite well reknownwd.

I got a few Larrivees... still love my OM-09.
Never had the chance to touch a 05 series.
The new 40 series got good marks.

I suggest you should try a Yamaha 16 ARE series...

And why not a Seagull ?!

[Methos1979]

If you need it for live (amplified) playing then the Cole Clark, hands down. Otherwise they probably the Larivee followed by the Eastman, depending on model.