Question about Larrivee OM-03R...

[JJK]

I was just wondering about this particular model and how thick the neck is. I currently have a Taylor DN4 and the neck is just simply too thick for my hands. I LOVE the big sound of the guitar, so I keep going back and forth between not selling it and selling it. It's currently on eBay though.

On the Larrivee the nut width is 1 3/4" but is the neck comfortable? I NEED a thinner neck. Thanks guys!

[Lawn Jockey]

Do you have any stores around that carry Larrivee? If so, play before you buy. The Larrivee's have a flatter radius than most. That may also be a deal breaker for you.

I don't find the neck uncomfortable at all......and I've had Taylor's, Martins, etc. It is a beefy neck.......but not uncomfortable.

I've not heard folks complain about the size of the neck.....but have heard them complain about the flatter fingerboard radius.

Hope this helps.

[DanR]

I have the L-03R and the neck has the same dimensions as the OM model, according to the Larrivee website. That said, I have small hands and the neck is a tad beefier than I would prefer, although it's definitely playable. I love the sound of that particular guitar and the neck is not a huge problem for me. Again, as has been previously posted, it would be a good idea to play one first.

[bransonb]

I own an OM-03 and the neck is wonderfully comfortable. Mine is not what I would consider "beefy" (I also own an old Harmony 1270 12 string. Now that neck is beefy.) but very much not too thick and not too thin.

But the flat fret board radius is another matter. Until you become accustomed, it feels like you're pressing the strings into a hole. I, too, am not a fan of the Larrivee fret board radius.

As Lawn Jockey and DanR suggest, you'll want to try before you buy. The OM-03/OM-03R is a well made, excellent sounding guitar and a tremendous value. But it's "modern" voicing is not going to sound like a Taylor nor will the smaller OM body have the bass or fullness of a dread. (I'm guessing that's the "big sound" to which you refer.)

When you audition one, try to also have someone else play it while you listen. You may be surprised. More than any other guitar I own, the OM-03 projects differently to the audience than the player, and competes better with a dread than the player may be hearing.

[Lawn Jockey]

If you want the "big" sound in the Larrivee.....with the same neck/nut width as the OM......check out the L body.

I've got all three......the D, L, & OM. The L is my favorite.........it does it all.......fingerstyle and moderate/heavy strumming.

[RustyAxe]

I played one a couple of weeks ago at Sam Ash in New Haven CT. I don't recall the neck's shape exactly, but at the time I had no impression of it being thick. What did strike me was the crappy job they did on finishing the fret ends! Sharp and rough. It wasn't a humidity issue, it was lousy QC. But the OM3 next to it was fine. They had a good selection of Larrivees on the wall. I ended up buying a Breedlove OM/SR elsewhere, and love it.

Sam Ash is a minute off CT 15 (Wilbur Cross Parkway exit 59) in New Haven.

[mindwave_21]

It's a wider D shape. I actually thought it was a bit thin and it gets a little uncomfortable for me over long periods of time, but that's more a result of my hands and playing style.

I don't own and have never played the Taylor in question, so I can't compare. To me though, the neck on the Larrivee is not thick. You're probably going to have to go play one before you buy it anyways.