NGD - My 1st 12-Fret / Larrivee OM-09

[wguitar]

Today I went to 3 shops looking for 12-fretters to try out. Surprisingly, only found 5 total in 3 shops/stores. At the last stop I found a beautiful 1996 Larrivee OM-09 and loved it. So much so that I brought it home with me. Not only is it a comfortable and great sounding 12-fret, but it's also a Larrivee OM-09 that I've only read about. It had just been traded in 2 days ago (at the shop where it was originally purchased in 1996) and I knew it wouldn't last long. I learned a long time ago that when opportunity knocks -- answer the door! Soooo, today is a happy NGD for me. Pics attached.

Also, would appreciate hearing from any OM-09 owners / players out there.

Has new D'Addario EJ16 on them now so I'll give those some time and see how the tone "settles in". Any other string recommendations would also be welcome. I'm mostly a strummer.

THANKS!

[G-Money]

beautiful larrivee!. I hesitate to say this given how nice looking this guitar is, but since you say you are a strummer, maybe a clear pickguard? Also I think EJ16s are a good choice, and I like straight up strings mediums on my om-03, I think their very slightly higher gauge/tension creates a bit more volume. enjoy!

[wguitar]

G - Appreciate the comments! It actually has a clear pickguard already which is good.

[fongie]

Very nice.........Congrats!!

[AZLiberty]

I would have expected Larrivee to have labeled that a OOO-09 instead of an OM-09 due to the 12-frett neck, but consistency over the decades has never been their strong suit.

Very nice looking guitar.

On my 1998 OM-03R I use EJ-16s.

[Treenewt]

Man, that is sweet! I’ve never seen a 12 fret OM-09! I have played a 12 fret all mahogany OM-03, and it was very nice indeed! I can imagine your 09 is special! Enjoy!

I ya D’addario mediums on my Larri, which right now are EXP-17. Nothing wrong with good ol’ EJ’s either!

[llew]

Very nice...didn't know Larrivee made a "Norman Blake" model! I would have had to bring that one home too. Congrats and enjoy!

[Deliberate1]

Handsome. You will enjoy it. I have an 000-40RE custom, which is my first guitar. I know a guy I know who strongly recommended the brand. From there I researched and then went looking for a 12 fret, and found mine on EBay. I have been thrilled with it.
As for strings, it came with Elixers which, in medium (13-56) were too much for virgin fingers. But it sure made that box sing. So I tried Nano lights and found them lackluster. Nice folks on the Larrivee Forum suggested John Pearse, so I tried the 80/20 which I liked, but not as much as the phosphor bronze which I am now using. After an hour of being brassy, they settle in very nicely. Great volume and tonality for that Larrivee signature sound. Hope this helps. Enjoy!

[jpmist]

Originally Posted by AZLiberty

I would have expected Larrivee to have labeled that a OOO-09 instead of an OM-09 due to the 12-frett neck, but consistency over the decades has never been their strong suit.

Very nice looking guitar.

On my 1998 OM-03R I use EJ-16s.

I'm only on my first cup of coffee, but why would Larrivee label a OM body a OOO just because it has a 12 fret neck? It's simply a custom ordered OM-09, rare but Larrivee has done limited series OM-03 12 frets before. Have they ever marketed a OOO body as an OM?

OP: Congrats on a nice find, looks gorgeous! I'll ditto the advice to at least try a set of Phos/Bronz Pearce if you wanna experiment, I like 'em on mine.

[Rockysdad]

Congrats, enjoy that OM-09 for years.

[fitness1]

Originally Posted by jpmist

why would Larrivee label a OM body a OOO just because it has a 12 fret neck? It's simply a custom ordered OM-09.

That is correct - 000's weren't part of Larrivee's offerings until the 000-50 and 60 came out about 10 years ago.

This instrument appears to be a mid 90's model....probably '94 or '95

[Nctom]

Try John Pearse PB lights on your new Larrivee. I have liked them on all of mine, from my 00-09 and L-09 to my mahogany LS and 03's. Pearse strings have the perfect soft feel, power, and longevity I look for.

[wguitar]

The manufacture date was April 11, 1996

[TBman]

Nice, congrats!

[maxtheaxe]

Originally Posted by Nctom

Try John Pearse PB lights on your new Larrivee. I have liked them on all of mine, from my 00-09 and L-09 to my mahogany LS and 03's. Pearse strings have the perfect soft feel, power, and longevity I look for.

This was going to be my recommendation as well; the Pearse PBs have a very musical and balanced midrange and they last extremely well. I use them on my L-10 Wildwood Custom.

That's a very nice, unusual Larrivee, BTW; 20-some-odd years old and probably has seasoned nicely. Great find...congratulations!