Stuck between a Martin and a Larivee

[foremma]

I am getting a new acoustic and am torn between the Martin D28 (used) and a new Larivee D-09. I have played with both and am torn.

The Larivee is 400 dollars more, but the Martin is used. To me, the Larivee sounded a little flat (but I believe the tuning was off). However, my gf told me she preferred the Larivee sound. I am wondering if maybe, to me, the Martin sounded better because it was played in, but now I am curious if the Larivee will sound just as good, if not better, when given enough time.

I primarily fingerpick my songs lightly, and noticed the Martin was heavier on the bass, and had more distinct string separation.

Can anyone comment on these guitars and their experiences?

Thanks!

[Matt McGriff]

Hard to judge a new guitar against a used, especially one that is as iconic of a model for its ability to age into a fantastic guitar. Larrivee's are somewhat known for starting out tight, but blooming into fine guitars. The only way to know is to play them and choose. There is something to be said for buying a brand new guitar and letting your playing, your expression of the music inside of you be what opens the guitar up over time.

[roadbiker]

I can't comment on these guitars, but if it were me I would ask the store to put a set of (my favorite) new strings on both of them and then play and listen to them.

Jim

[frankhond]

Go play them again. The Larri is a superb guitar, but it doesnt sound like a Martin. If you want a Martin sound, buy the...

In short, get the the guitar that sounds good to you, not someone else. Also the guitar that sounds good now, not later.

Fwiw these two dreadnoughts wouldnt be my first choice for light fingerpicking.

[foremma]

Originally Posted by frankhond

Go play them again. The Larri is a superb guitar, but it doesnt sound like a Martin. If you want a Martin sound, buy the...

In short, get the the guitar that sounds good to you, not someone else. Also the guitar that sounds good now, not later.

Fwiw these two dreadnoughts wouldnt be my first choice for light fingerpicking.

What would you recommend? Also, thanks everyone for the advice

I would say look at a Larrivee L 03,05,09 series or a martin OM21.

[AZLiberty]

Originally Posted by foremma

What would you recommend? Also, thanks everyone for the advice

A D-35 has lighter bracing and in theory should fingerpick better than a D-28. If you are not completely sold on a dreadnaught then look at a Larrivee L-09 as well as a Martin M-36.

I'd also look for a used D-09. Larrivees tend to lose value faster than Martins, which makes used Larrivees a very good buy IMHO.

[bohemian]

"my gf told me she preferred the Larivee sound"

Now if there ever was a reason to spend $400 more : )

PS... consider resale.
Consider warranty. I would not wish Martin warranty/consumer service on you.

If you have to ask... neither is the right guitar for you. Keep looking, I would.

[frankhond]

Originally Posted by foremma

What would you recommend? Also, thanks everyone for the advice

I fingerpick on a OM21, a Lowden O23 and a Gibson AJ.

You should try lots of guitars, but for light fingerpicking, generally the smaller bodyshapes will do well unless it's specifically lightly braced.

[Landru]

You didn't mention a price ceiling, so how about the 00-28VS and 0M-28VS - two pretty amazing guitars.

[billyfamilyvide]

Originally Posted by bohemian

"my gf told me she preferred the Larivee sound"

Now if there ever was a reason to spend $400 more : )

PS... consider resale.
Consider warranty. I would not wish Martin warranty/consumer service on you.

If you have to ask... neither is the right guitar for you. Keep looking, I would.

This is roughly what I was going to respond with.

If you have torn thoughts on two different guitars, neither one of them will leave you satisfied in the end. Keep on keeping on. Eventually, you'll find the "one".

[David Chavez]

Over time the larrivee opens better then most other branding(due to its bracing). But it also takes more time to open then most other branding.
Get the martin d28 because of better resell valve, its already open, and it sounds awesome. Get the larrivee because of gf and the fact it will sound a lot better over time (it will beat the martin in tone IMO in 2-4years)

[catdaddy]

Originally Posted by AZLiberty

A D-35 has lighter bracing and in theory should fingerpick better than a D-28. If you are not completely sold on a dreadnaught then look at a Larrivee L-09 as well as a Martin M-36.

I'd also look for a used D-09. Larrivees tend to lose value faster than Martins, which makes used Larrivees a very good buy IMHO.

I agree with this. I'm a fan of Martin guitars but the D-28 model is not a favorite of mine. I've always found the D-35 to be more responsive for fingerstyle.

I once owned a Larrivee D-09. Nice guitar, but in the end it just did not have the sound that I preferred. I bought it new and took a very serious hit when I sold it used. I wouldn't expect a Martin to depreciate that quickly. If you buy gently used to begin with you'll most likely be able to get your money out of the guitar should you choose to sell it later, whether it be Larrivee or Martin or any other make.

[pepperedchicken]

Martin martin martin martin martin all the way.
Especially lf you might resale. I love everything about a good real martin.
I bet it even still smells good inside

[mymartind35]

Watch this video. It will show you why a D-35 is better suited to your needs. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHbXJ69K8b0 It may be a little long. But well worth the wait.