Jean Larrivée began building guitars in Toronto, Canada, fifty years ago. Since then, Larrivée Guitars has become one of the most respected and successful makers of acoustic guitars in North America, and Larrivée’s imprint can be found on a generation of Canadian luthiers, many of whom apprenticed in the Larrivée shop. The company, which moved its operations to Oxnard, California, in 2001, is celebrating 50 years of steel-string flattop excellence with a limited edition of 50 guitars built with master grade woods from Jean’s reserve and featuring custom inlays.
The LV-10 50th Anniversary Limited Edition has Larrivée’s original “L” body shape, which is similar to a classical guitar’s outline, though slightly enlarged, making it similar in size to many grand auditorium guitars. The LV-10’s body includes a deep Venetian cutaway for easy access to the upper frets, its top wood is European Alpine “moon” spruce, and the back and sides are Indian rosewood. You’d be hard pressed to find higher-quality examples of either material. The instrument includes Larrivée’s original symmetrical top bracing (also made with Alpine moon spruce) with parallel tone bars that run straight across the lower bout.
The most eye-catching aspect of the LV-10 50th Anniversary Limited Edition is its elaborate inlay work. The peghead is home to an elegant commemorative inlay designed by Wendy Larrivée that depicts a seated woman and includes the number 50. Larrivée calls the fingerboard inlay the “Impossible Knot,” a Celtic knot–inspired design consisting of nearly 200 pieces of pearl, and the Celtic knot theme extends to the inlay in both wings of the bridge. Abalone purfling further enhances the guitar’s appearance.
While the LV-10 50th Anniversary Limited Edition is a beautiful display of high-end contemporary lutherie, it’s also a great-sounding guitar. It has a balanced sound with a strong, yet very defined bass, a response that develops great volume and sustain without much effort, and a dynamic range with a high volume ceiling, even when the guitar is played hard. All in all, the guitar is an excellent reminder of why Larrivée has been a favorite of guitarists looking for an instrument with great craftsmanship, fine woods, and great sound for 50 years. All that’s left to say is “Bravo,” and to congratulate the Larrivée crew on a fitting tribute to its legacy.
SPECS: “L” size body with cutaway. Solid European Alpine “moon” spruce top. Solid Indian rosewood back and sides. Ebony fingerboard and bridge. 25.5-inch scale. 1¾-inch nut width. 2¼-inch string-spacing at saddle. Enclosed “JCL” tuners with 18:1 ratio. Made in USA. $7,498 list. Larrivee.com
Taylor 50th Anniversary AD14ce-SB LTDThis limited-edition grand auditorium is the first American Dream model with a cutaway. Read More |
Bourgeois D Signature/TSThe latest Touchstone series dreadnought is built with Madagascar rosewood and torrefied Sitka spruce. Read More |
Martin D-X2EAn affordable dreadnought with an exotic wood finish and built-in electronics. Read More |
Taylor 50th Anniversary 314ceA special edition of one of Taylor’s most popular models features a torrefied Sitka spruce top. Read More |
Taylor 50th Anniversary Builder’s Edition 814ceRead More |
Martin GPCE Inception MapleA highly innovative instrument featuring “skeletonized” bracing and sustainable woods. Read More |
Taylor T5z-12 Classic DLX Special EditionA reverse-strung hollowbody 12-string electric. Read More |
Taylor 112ce-STaylor’s most affordable grand concert model is an incredible value. Read More |
Martin 000CJR-10EA compact steel-string with an all-sapele body and Fishman electronics. Read More |
Bourgeois Touchstone D Country BoyThe latest from Bourgeois’ collaboration with Eastman is a mahogany dreadnought. Read More |