2016 Larrivée LV-10

After more than 30 years of building guitars exclusively in Canada, Jean Larrivée established a state-of-the-art facility in Oxnard, California, in 2001. In the early days, this new facility allowed Larrivée to explore new avenues and produce greater numbers of guitars with the same level of quality and workmanship that built the company's reputation. In 2013, Larrivee ultimately closed the doors of its Canadian operations to concentrate all of its production in its California location. This LV-10 was made in 2016 in Oxnard, Ca., and it is one of Larrivée's top-tier models that showcases the level of craftsmanship and attention to detail that Larrivée can achieve. It starts with a comfortable, versatile body shape that has a cutaway to allow unfettered access into the upper register. With a Sitka Spruce top and East Indian Rosewood, it produces rich, balanced tone with impressive clarity and projection. This LV-10 is an ornate guitar, too—it has an Abalone border around the top, and Abalone rosette, and elaborate inlays on the fingerboard and the bridge. Although it's already 9 years old, this 2016 LV-10 is gently used. It shows some minor play wear, but it seems that the previous owner was pretty careful with it, which is understandable because this is a high-level guitar. There are a few bumps worth mentioning on the back (see photos), and there is a K&K Pure Mini installed under the hood. The nut, saddle, and bridge pins have been replaced with high-quality bone parts, and the current setup is low and inviting. With a 1-3/4" nut width, this LV-10 is a joy to play, and it sounds every bit as good as it looks.  This 2016 Larrivee LV-10 includes its original hardshell case, and it has a strap button installed on the neck heel.