Larrivée Guitars
ActiveOverview
Larrivée Guitars produces acoustic and electric guitars using solid wood construction and traditional craftsmanship. The brand focuses on instruments for musicians ranging from hobbyists to professionals, with models including limited editions. Operations are based in California following a merger from Canadian facilities, maintaining over 50 years of production experience.123
History
Founded in 1967 by Jean Larrivée in Canada. The company expanded in North Vancouver from 1983 to 1995 with access to local spruce. In 2013, Canadian operations closed and merged with the California facility in Oxnard.351
Product Lines
| Product Line | Positioning | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Legacy Series acoustic guitars | Premium all-solid wood models | $2,500 - $6,000 |
| Parlor Series small-body acoustics | Compact fingerstyle instruments | $1,800 - $3,500 |
| OM Series orchestral models | Versatile all-purpose acoustics | $2,000 - $4,500 |
| D Series dreadnought acoustics | Strumming and flatpicking guitars | $2,200 - $5,000 |
| Limited Edition acoustics | Custom designs with unique features | $4,000 - $10,000+ |
Manufacturing
Guitars are manufactured in Oxnard, California, USA, at the company's facility. Production uses all-solid wood construction with in-house craftsmanship. Canadian operations closed in 2013, merging into the California site.1234
Notable Products
- Larrivée Legacy Series - High-end acoustics with premium tonewoods and hand-built details.
- Larrivée Parlor P-40 - Compact parlor guitar favored for fingerstyle playing.
- Larrivée OM-40 - Orchestral model known for balanced projection and clarity.
- Larrivée D-40 - Dreadnought design for strong volume and bass response.
- Tommy Emmanuel Signature - Model endorsed by fingerstyle artist Tommy Emmanuel.
Reputation
Larrivée is regarded by enthusiasts for its solid wood construction and consistent tone quality. Professionals, including Tommy Emmanuel, use the guitars for their playability and projection. Some note higher price points compared to mass-produced alternatives, though craftsmanship is a common strength.14