Seagull S6 Mahogany Spruce v. Larrivee OM-02?

naolslager · #1 07-09-2011, 07:51 PM

I own an older Seagull S6 Mahogany Spruce. Solid mahogany back with laminate mahogany sides. I love this guitar but...

I've been GASSING for a Larrivee OM-03 for about a year. Well an older OM-02 is available and I plan to look at it this week. It is also spruce and mahogany.

Can I expect these guitars to sound (very) similar? I don't want to duplicate what I have. I am primarily a strummer but do like the wider nut of both the Seagull and the Larrivee.

I know ALL the specifications of both just asking for opinions on tonal considerations.
Thanks.

lmacmil · #2 07-10-2011, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by naolslager

I own an older Seagull S6 Mahogany Spruce. Solid mahogany back with laminate mahogany sides. I love this guitar but...

I've been GASSING for a Larrivee OM-03 for about a year. Well an older OM-02 is available and I plan to look at it this week. It is also spruce and mahogany.

Can I expect these guitars to sound (very) similar?

I would be shocked if they sounded similar. There's a lot more to the sound than just the types of wood. I am also lusting after an OM-size Larrivee but haven't been able to find out to play yet and I hate to plunk down $$ without a clue as to how it's going to sound. (Although I did this with my Gibson Gospel reissue and was not disappointed.)

Dru Edwards · #3 07-10-2011, 07:59 AM

The Seagull S6 is a great entry level guitar. Of the two, I'd choose the Larrivee OM-02 or OM-03. They're more expensive; however, I think they're also a step up the chain.

Michael T · #4 07-10-2011, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dru Edwards

The Seagull S6 is a great entry level guitar. Of the two, I'd choose the Larrivee OM-02 or OM-03. They're more expensive; however, I think they're also a step up the chain.

Big differences but you need to make that choice yourself. Personally I prefer the 05's & up, not just for the bling and finish (although the gloss makes them look pro grade, and although the satin sounds ok they just don't appear to be finished to me.) I must have glossy ears because I prefer the sound of the upper end too.

Tony Burns · #5 07-10-2011, 11:35 AM

I have a lot of respect for Seagull -they put out a great guitar for the money- but larrivee does mahogany well - its a tough call in my book- im a big believer of playing a guitar before buying if you can - i know sometimes its not possible -

Dogberry415 · #6 07-10-2011, 11:42 AM

If your financial situation permits it, why don't you buy the Larrivee and just own two guitars for awhile? You can always call one your travel/beater guitar and the other your never-leaves-the-house instrument. Or, if you become disenchanted with one or the other, you can always recoup most of your investment by selling it.

naolslager · #7 07-10-2011, 01:07 PM

Dogberry,
I will likely buy the Larrivee and see what happens.
DJ

Dru Edwards · #8 07-10-2011, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by naolslager

Dogberry,
I will likely buy the Larrivee and see what happens.
DJ

When you do buy it, create a new thread, add a review, and add some pics! We're all interested.

naolslager · #9 07-29-2012, 05:55 PM

Sorry no review or shoot-out between the Seagull and the Larrivee. For some reason I couldn't commit to the Larrivee. The Seagull has since been sold. Big mistake! I just bought another to replace it as it was a fantastic guitar. The current one is not new and a little dinged up but I love it. Don't let me sell this one.

Backpocketnj · #10 07-29-2012, 08:12 PM

I think the OM-02 has a smaller nut width than the OM-03. I can't promise that but I think that was one of the reasons I did not buy one that popped up locally a while back.

Edit - Specs from elderly.com - 15-1/4" lower bout, 3-9/16" to 4-1/4" body depth, natural satin finish, spruce top, mahogany back and sides, 14 fret mahogany neck, 20 fret ebony fingerboard with micro-dot inlays, ebony bridge, ebony peghead overlay with ivoroid "Larrivee" logo, chrome tuners, clear pickguard, black-bound body and fretboard, 25-5/8" scale, 1-11/16" nut width, built in Canada, with black flat lid Martin HSC

JCave · #11 07-29-2012, 08:42 PM

Nice. Your thread answered a question I had. Having limited knowledge, I did not know the M6 came this way, mahogany solid back with lam sides. I saw one on C/L. I have seen some great deals lately on Portland C/L for various S6 models.

KEEP THIS ONE!!!!!

Jerry

AZLiberty · #12 07-30-2012, 12:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by naolslager

Well an older OM-02 is available
Thanks.

How old? The original ones had 1 11/16" necks like the original -03's. Larrivee didn't change to the current 1 3/4" neck until the mid to early 2000's.

LouisK · #13 07-30-2012, 04:38 AM

I made that move from Seagull S-6 original to a Larrivee OM-03 (MT edition - all mahogany). All I can say is Wow! The mahogany sound and the sheer comfort of the smaller body were exactly what I wanted. My Seagull is now moved to my office for lunchtime practice, so she doesn't get too neglected, but the OM will likely be my partner for life!