I met this kind gentleman, Jean Larrivee, at the winter NAMM show in the late 1990's or early 2000's. He was simply standing about at his company display and I walked up, not knowing who he was, to talk with him about these guitars. I had just purchased a D-03 from Guitar Center, probably the least expensive guitar they made, and was interested in finding out about the fabrication, bracing, etc. He introduced himself (I was shocked that I was talking to the founder of the company) and he proceeded to spend a good 30 minutes with me, detailing his manufacturing processes and assembly procedures, from start to finish. We walked about his entire display and he picked up guitar after guitar to show me different aspects of their fabrication. He was genuinely engaged in the conversation the entire time, and never once appeared to be rushed or anxious to end our chat. I got someone to snap a picture of the two of us and keep it on display in my music room. This man is a wonderful person first, and a great luthier as well.
I just got a D-03 SP and its the nicest acoustic I have ever played. The previous guy I bought it from left it in a case for 12 years and to my amazement when I tried it the neck was still perfectly straight?! Totally amazed at the quality and sound
I’ve got two Larrivees-they’re both phenomenal instruments. Their value for the money I paid for them, is amazing. I can’t say enough good things about Larrivee.
At 5:45 minutes in you see Jean hand setting the beautiful wood mosaic rosette in the spruce top. That was his early rosette design which he reintroduced for the JCL 40th Anniversary model. I have one that I picked up right from Jean’s hand when I bought it and toured the California shop. That guitar just gets better with age. I have two Brazilian Rosewood Larrivees as well, and an OM 05 all mahogany model. All are outstanding guitars. With sons John and Matt deeply involved, this is truly a family guitar dynasty.
This was amazing to see..i was in the shop in 1979 visiting a friend who was training as apprentice..i knew nothing about guitars but the place was so different than anything i ever had seen.The smells the unfinished bodies every where and everyone focused on their job..if im not wrong i remember the Volvo too as i had one at the time.I remember meeting Jean ..he was very soft spoken..if im not wrong i believe Bruce Cockburn had just been in to pick up a guitar.Thanks for posting this..I have 4 Larrivee guitars that i will never sell ..awesome video
I reserved a P-09 Parlor custom before seeing this and now I am more excited than ever after learning the Larrivée story. Remarkable things happen when you match dedication with talent and vision.
I was born a few years after this doc and grew up in Victoria. They were probably in Vancouver by then but I never knew a world class guitar company was ever there (or even in Vancouver), very cool! Looking forward to owning a Victoria, BC sticker Larrivee when I find the right one
I played a Larrivee guitar many years ago and it was very nice.The weight..the feel of the neck and the overall sound was nice in balance.It was the area of mid range out put not something that I had expected or experience. Very nice craftsmanship. Hands down a beautiful guitar.
I am lucky enough to own a 1982 C-09 Florentine Cutaway made in Victoria by Jean. Bought when I graduated from high school. Had no idea how good his guitars were until years later.
I have seven Larrivee guitars... all of them amazing! Different sizes, different wood. Each sounds unique. I also have a couple of Martins. I prefer my Larrivee guitars!
I remember shopping for my first acoustic well over 20 years ago in Scotland where I live. I played everything in the shop but nothing felt right. The owner brought out a Larrivee OM02 and I bought it there and then. Felt great, sounded great, looked great and it was also affordable. This family run business is incredible and I really value and promote the brand where I can. I like that they care about quality over quantity. JR has personally replied to my emails. The OM02 has aged wonderfully and I now also own a P-03, OM-05, L-05, and an OM-03BH with moon spruce top.
@@SteveMiller-yw7kv I'd love to try one. Yesterday I tried a few Larrivee rosewoods and didn't find too much difference to the hog bodies - I think the build is the most important bit. Great guitars.
🔵 beautiful❕ just love Larrivee acoustics ❕💙 🔵 looks like the guitar model being played in this vid is the exact same as the later introduced 40th anniversary model ~ of which I have two and several other Larrivee's ; the craftsmanship , woods , and tone are just unbelievable superior to what the shop prices might indicate ❕💙 😍
24:40 The first CNC machine. Basically do it by hand and not a computer. Awesome Guitars if you’ve never played one go find a nice LV 10 for example. You’ll never play another acoustic guitar again. They make approximately 15 Guitars a day and Martin will pump out 2000 guitars. No quality control on that. This is the best and now since 2001 they have been in California because of tax refunds. Made with the same machines the same love and by most part the same people since this video was made 1983. Your life will change with the new guitar like this
Wild claims. Joe Q stating that Martin has no quality control is false. Their sales and reputation belie such claims. Larrivee makes beautiful instruments. There is no need to attack one brand to elevate another. Where you can find documentation see what guitars define recorded albums, songs, ads and any other art. Martin D-28 and Gibson J-40 overwhelm the combined other instruments WORLDWiDE. The sound YOU associate with acoustic guitars came from those instruments. If you prefer other brands, fine. Don’t build your preference on nonsense.
It's actually a Pantograph. There is a needle that follows a template with parallel arms that guides the router bit... So you draw your design, blow it up to 10x or something, and use it as a guide for the router bit...
@@allenkennedy6748 you are correct, Martin makes some legendary guitars and were the pioneers. But that said there build quality over many decades has been somewhat inconsistant. And considering they have always commanded premium price, they can be critisized. I like there ironic sound, but believe there name often overshadows the overall product. I think If I was going for a highend guitar i would go for a custom from a small builder, to support the little man and have it tailored to me... imho😊
I met this kind gentleman, Jean Larrivee, at the winter NAMM show in the late 1990's or early 2000's. He was simply standing about at his company display and I walked up, not knowing who he was, to talk with him about these guitars. I had just purchased a D-03 from Guitar Center, probably the least expensive guitar they made, and was interested in finding out about the fabrication, bracing, etc. He introduced himself (I was shocked that I was talking to the founder of the company) and he proceeded to spend a good 30 minutes with me, detailing his manufacturing processes and assembly procedures, from start to finish. We walked about his entire display and he picked up guitar after guitar to show me different aspects of their fabrication. He was genuinely engaged in the conversation the entire time, and never once appeared to be rushed or anxious to end our chat. I got someone to snap a picture of the two of us and keep it on display in my music room. This man is a wonderful person first, and a great luthier as well.
Wow, love this story!!
I just got a D-03 SP and its the nicest acoustic I have ever played. The previous guy I bought it from left it in a case for 12 years and to my amazement when I tried it the neck was still perfectly straight?! Totally amazed at the quality and sound
I’ve got two Larrivees-they’re both phenomenal instruments. Their value for the money I paid for them, is amazing. I can’t say enough good things about Larrivee.
this is when the CBC was producing real Canadian content. Great video of hand built guitars Larrivee!
At 5:45 minutes in you see Jean hand setting the beautiful wood mosaic rosette in the spruce top. That was his early rosette design which he reintroduced for the JCL 40th Anniversary model. I have one that I picked up right from Jean’s hand when I bought it and toured the California shop. That guitar just gets better with age. I have two Brazilian Rosewood Larrivees as well, and an OM 05 all mahogany model. All are outstanding guitars. With sons John and Matt deeply involved, this is truly a family guitar dynasty.
This was amazing to see..i was in the shop in 1979 visiting a friend who was training as apprentice..i knew nothing about guitars but the place was so different than anything i ever had seen.The smells the unfinished bodies every where and everyone focused on their job..if im not wrong i remember the Volvo too as i had one at the time.I remember meeting Jean ..he was very soft spoken..if im not wrong i believe Bruce Cockburn had just been in to pick up a guitar.Thanks for posting this..I have 4 Larrivee guitars that i will never sell ..awesome video
I reserved a P-09 Parlor custom before seeing this and now I am more excited than ever after learning the Larrivée story. Remarkable things happen when you match dedication with talent and vision.
I was born a few years after this doc and grew up in Victoria. They were probably in Vancouver by then but I never knew a world class guitar company was ever there (or even in Vancouver), very cool! Looking forward to owning a Victoria, BC sticker Larrivee when I find the right one
There is no guitar building story better than this. And if you play a Larrivee you will fall in love. I did.
Wow that was 36 years ago, Larrivée still makes the same wonderful masterpieces just like nice Canadians 🇨🇦
I love Larrivée guitars. Thank you for uploading and sharing this great document. The guitar played on the video sounds incredible and looks as well.
I played a Larrivee guitar many years ago and it was very nice.The weight..the feel of the neck and the overall sound was nice in balance.It was the area of mid range out put not something that I had expected or experience. Very nice craftsmanship. Hands down a beautiful guitar.
I am lucky enough to own a 1982 C-09 Florentine Cutaway made in Victoria by Jean. Bought when I graduated from high school. Had no idea how good his guitars were until years later.
Just acquired a 1981 Larrivee L-19. This makes me appreciated her even more!
I have seven Larrivee guitars... all of them amazing! Different sizes, different wood. Each sounds unique. I also have a couple of Martins. I prefer my Larrivee guitars!
Still using my Larrivee from the 70s and it's great. Great job and thanks so much.
I remember shopping for my first acoustic well over 20 years ago in Scotland where I live. I played everything in the shop but nothing felt right. The owner brought out a Larrivee OM02 and I bought it there and then. Felt great, sounded great, looked great and it was also affordable. This family run business is incredible and I really value and promote the brand where I can. I like that they care about quality over quantity. JR has personally replied to my emails. The OM02 has aged wonderfully and I now also own a P-03, OM-05, L-05, and an OM-03BH with moon spruce top.
I just added the L-03R 2005 model to my guitar collection and it is quickly becoming my favorite..
@@SteveMiller-yw7kv I'd love to try one. Yesterday I tried a few Larrivee rosewoods and didn't find too much difference to the hog bodies - I think the build is the most important bit. Great guitars.
So nice to see the workshop and crew that built my beutiful and toneful L-07 from the eighties. Thanks.
I have a D-03; it’s great.
I’d like another Larrivée, maybe one with a cutaway.
Real passion. How wonderful.
🔵 beautiful❕ just love Larrivee acoustics ❕💙
🔵 looks like the guitar model being played in this vid is the exact same as the later introduced 40th anniversary model ~ of which I have two and several other Larrivee's ; the craftsmanship , woods , and tone are just unbelievable superior to what the shop prices might indicate ❕💙 😍
Mr. Larrivee, you were so handsome!!!
Que apasionante la lutheria !!...un mundo dentro de otro mundo 🌎.....aguante LARRIVEE!!!....la profundidad sonora de la marca es un flash !!!...
Sweet tone !
Great stuff! Now i can picture my '75 L being made by hand, and the effort that went into them.
To think that your particular guitar was probably built by Grit Laskin, Linda Manzer, and Jean himself.
Interesting thanks for the upload
Light years difference from when I was there...
where is located the Truss Rod hole on a c 72 presentation?I don't find it..
24:40 The first CNC machine. Basically do it by hand and not a computer. Awesome Guitars if you’ve never played one go find a nice LV 10 for example. You’ll never play another acoustic guitar again. They make approximately 15 Guitars a day and Martin will pump out 2000 guitars. No quality control on that. This is the best and now since 2001 they have been in California because of tax refunds. Made with the same machines the same love and by most part the same people since this video was made 1983.
Your life will change with the new guitar like this
Source on this info? Same people how? They all moved to cali?
Wild claims. Joe Q stating that Martin has no quality control is false. Their sales and reputation belie such claims. Larrivee makes beautiful instruments. There is no need to attack one brand to elevate another. Where you can find documentation see what guitars define recorded albums, songs, ads and any other art. Martin D-28 and Gibson J-40 overwhelm the combined other instruments WORLDWiDE. The sound YOU associate with acoustic guitars came from those instruments. If you prefer other brands, fine. Don’t build your preference on nonsense.
It's actually a Pantograph. There is a needle that follows a template with parallel arms that guides the router bit...
So you draw your design, blow it up to 10x or something, and use it as a guide for the router bit...
@@allenkennedy6748 you are correct, Martin makes some legendary guitars and were the pioneers. But that said there build quality over many decades has been somewhat inconsistant. And considering they have always commanded premium price, they can be critisized. I like there ironic sound, but believe there name often overshadows the overall product. I think If I was going for a highend guitar i would go for a custom from a small builder, to support the little man and have it tailored to me... imho😊
Who sells laravee guitars in austin texas
Hello Jose, try here: www.larrivee.com/dealers?stateprov=TX
I would say they are in the taylor sound range...not as good as a Greenfield.