Larrivee Guitars OM Shootout: Mahogany vs Rosewood

[@w1third]

I like the sound of Spruce/Mahogany but I love the look of Rosewood

[@shawnsnow6413]

My takeaway from this video: mic placement is everything.

[@HeartbreakerGuitars]

Thanks for watching, Shawn!

[@E0O2X314FT]

@@HeartbreakerGuitars I can't tell if that's sarcasm lol

[@adamstewart247]

Lol yes. The guitar on the left always sounds better even when they swap

[@chullerism]

The bracing is quite different between these two guitars. It really is an apples to oranges comparison. The om-03 mahogany has the traditional Larrivee non-scalloped X bracing and the om-40r has the Scalloped Parabolic Hybrid X bracing. It would be cool to do a 4 way shootout between the om-03, om-40, om-03r and the om-40r, that would tell the whole tale.

[@frasertaylor2698]

not true

[@frasertaylor2698]

are these not both om-40?

[@erichinkle601]

I think it depends on what you want to be “singing.” If you are a singer, and you want good acoustic guitar in the background of your voice, like what John Mayer does, since the voice is a midrange instrument for most people, Then the rosewood would be my choice. But if you want the guitar to sing like with finger style like how Tommy Emmanuel does, or if you want it to sing with you like Jack Johnson does, the mahogany would be my choice.

[@maxwellfan55]

Both these OM's sound amazing, top quality playable acoustics we've come to expect from Larrivee. For me it's the mahogany on this demo, but would need to check em out myself.

[@GradualErase]

I love the tonewoods in my Larrivee D-03r. So beautiful

[@HeartbreakerGuitars]

Larrivee sure does make some incredible looking AND sounding guitars.

[@markvonwisco7369]

Both are great guitars. My main guitar is a Larrivée D-09 that I bought new in 2004. I'm a singer and I've always preferred rosewood guitars for accompaniment. Based on the shootout, I noticed that the mahogany 03 cut through better on the leads than the rosewood 40.

[@HeartbreakerGuitars]

Definitely a good note - While one may hit someone's preference in a solo or instrumental performance, they other may be better suited as accompaniment. Thanks for watching Mr. W :)

[@vickyhendricks3471]

Both awesome. Rosewood is smooth, full bottom end, mahogany I can hear individual notes clearly and overall beautiful.

[@HeartbreakerGuitars]

Probably the conclusion of the comparison... they're different, but both great.

[@jamiescott1080]

Let’s have some Yairi reviews. Best kept secret in the acoustic guitar world. Best bang for the buck in used guitars you’ll ever find. Not that I’ve got anything against Larrivee. I had a D40 which was killer but traded it out for an old Guild D50. Rosewood for dreads, hog for OM and parlour.

[@nikowr]

FYI, these guitars are similar, but not the same model. The Rosewood version with the Martin-like headstock is a OM 40-R (I own that guitar). Whereas the Mahogany one with the rounded headstock would be a OM 03. These models have a different bracing system which is supposed to give the OM 40 series more volume and bass response - apart from the different tone wood. It would be interesting to see a side by side comparison of the exact same model. Nevertheless fantastic playing and I really appreciate your enthusiasm!

[@HeartbreakerGuitars]

Very close, Niko! The Indian Rosewood is indeed the OM 40R, but sitting across from it in this video is the OM 02. These two models in particular actually feature the non-symmetrical scalloped lateral cross-bracing pattern, which is based off of Larrivee's X-Brace design. Appreciate your feedback!

[@Kevlarel84]

I've always slightly favored the sitka/rosewood combination over the sitka/mahogany on most guitars.Especially on OM type guitars because they do well with the extra low end offered by rosewood. But it depends on the brand and build style too. I find rosewood to be a little too boomy on some dreadnought guitars. I like the sitka/mahogany on the Larrivee OMs. The extra warmth and roundness cuts through better clearly in this comparison. Yet it doesn't seem to lack the complexity or top end sparkle. Larrivees always seem to have that. The thing is I've found a new favorite wood to pair with sitka. That is pua ferro. I haven't been too fond of it as a fretboard wood as companies like Fender have been using as a rosewood alternative. However, I think it is outstanding as wood for back and sides of an acoustic guitar. To me it is a perfect compromise between rosewood and mahogany. It has some of the low end of rosewood and the sweet, complex top end, but also has some of the mid range warmth and projection of the mahogany. It strikes just the right balance between focus and complexity . Very versatile. It is especially nice combined with a torrefied spruce top. It also looks very nice.

[@8CountAudio]

Ideally you’d have both! Rosewood might have an easier time sitting in a mix, but then when you get to the solo you’d want the mahogany

[@cjd959]

Both sound great! I really like the sweet sound of the Mahogany, but for heavy strumming, which I like, I think the Rosewood has more headroom and I also like the brilliance on the highs. I have a Taylor so I'm used to sparkling highs.

[@jacobcardinal8041]

I have the L-03 Rosewood. Sounds great

[@jaycee2896]

I got that one too and love it!

[@lorenjo]

Both guitars are amazing!

[@joq702]

Great demonstration.

[@HeartbreakerGuitars]

Appreciate that! Thanks for watching ;)

[@johnsikora6043]

I love both of them. I'm usually a rosewood guy but I love the sound of the mahogany sound too. It's a toss up. I guess I would buy one of each.

[@JoeIsOut2lunch]

I wish there was a video about the change in necks in the 90’s. I’d like to know precisely what year did the change happen. I miss my older OM-06R, not only for the sound but mostly for that neck!

[@HeartbreakerGuitars]

We appreciate you watching!

[@ExploreThe50]

You clearly need to own one of each. Great video!

[@markstrain8989]

outstanding comparisons, finally can perceive and understand the tonal differences. Decision is made. I need one of each. period. pardon me while I start saving up. Thanks, guys, keep rocking it ! Treats for Toby.

[@HeartbreakerGuitars]

We'll keep 'em both tuned for ya, Mark!

[@lebe220]

Fine playing. Thanks. Now I know why Tommy Emmanuel loves Larrivee. Good sounding guitars. Easier to play than Martins, they say. Mahagony is for songwriters and the stage.

[@HeartbreakerGuitars]

Appreciate you watching!

[@soyeux27]

Great video and guitar playing! Thank you!

[@SiggyMe]

The Mahogany has a fuller sound and more growl. The rose sounds more airy with moe pronounced lower and upper. Both sound fine just personal taste. Thanks!

[@jonathankenny8009]

For the "Blues test" I liked the Rosewood as the rhythm and Mahogany as the lead far more than the Rosewood lead/Mahogany rhythm.

[@HeartbreakerGuitars]

Great idea! Each may indeed have their own place, even inside the same genre. Thanks for watching, Mr. Kenny!

[@tomyanello1492]

I have a Custom Shop Larrivee L19,that,to the best of my knowledge,has a Brazilian rosewood back and sides,ebony fretboard,Dragon headstock inlay,,abalone fretboard inlays,Grover tuning machines.It is biased towards the low end tonal spectrum.Needles to say,the guitar is amazing!So,yes;Mr.Larrivee,is probably the most significant luthier of our time!

[@HeartbreakerGuitars]

An incredible luthier, indeed! We're proud to carry Jean's work in our shop.

[@MOAB-UT]

Wow- you are both very talented musicians and those guitars sound great!

[@HeartbreakerGuitars]

Thanks, DG! Hard not to sound good with these incredible guitars!

[@MOAB-UT]

Agreed!

[@snarlador]

I got the OM-40R and I think I actually prefer the mahogany. Also have the L-40 in Mahogany and it's amazing. Both nice though..

[@christineuniversexy]

Like the hog better on its own. Not sure is RW would be better for a singer with its mids scoop but the hog just sounds full. Think bracing is a bit different in these guitars. Better to compare on OM40 not an OM3 vs OM40R.

[@HeartbreakerGuitars]

We appreciate you watchin, Christine!

[@danherrick5785]

These two have the same bracing.

[@edgar3516]

very helpfull explenation thenks

[@robertdickinson889]

Good comparison. Get hold of a Peruvian Walnut L'arrive and stand back. That's a tone to die for.

[@48Drummer]

Are these two guitars the OM-2 series...Thks

[@HeartbreakerGuitars]

Its been a while, I believe the OM Sitka/RW is a 40 ant the other one is an 02. Thanks!

[@chuckreigle6324]

How about telling us the model numbers ?

[@markbrown1412]

To my ear, they are different; A matter of preference, depending upon your mood and what kind of sound you are after. Both sounds have their place. Mahogany is warmer, rosewood is more articulate and clearer in note definition .

[@HeartbreakerGuitars]

Some would completely agree - subjective indeed. Both great guitars, and both with their own application.

[@GG-Anaximander]

Matter of taste for guitar enthusiasts. Many will actually prefer either of the two depending on the situation. That being said, Mahogany for the beginner and intermediate players and also to the ears of general audience is just the more pleasant tone.

[@HeartbreakerGuitars]

Very true - an incredibly subjective topic, but a fun one to experiment with! Thanks for watching, GG

[@ManojBejDas1221]

Excellent video for direct face to face comparison between rosewood and mahogany. Thank you for this video.

[@agemre]

Great review guys thanks a lot! I do have one question tho: I have a deepish voice with a tinsy bit of muddy maybe, which one do you recommend? Mahogany seems would go along with my voice but rosewood would compliment it but I am a beginner so I might be wrong. So any opinions?

[@dustinflock1972]

The thing I hear is the wood. Neither sound strong heavy. Whether you like rosewood or Mahogany, they both sound woody. Larrivee just makes the best guitars, regardless which wood you like.

[@HeartbreakerGuitars]

Thanks for the feedback! We love Larrivee's too!!

[@marl0nat1cs]

U can here in blues mahogany is good for lead and rosewood for accompany. Thats why rosewood is good for singers anfd players that sing and play.

[@HeartbreakerGuitars]

Appreciate you watching, Mr. Roxas! More videos to come!

[@marl0nat1cs]

Ur welcome, ok keep sharing , Godbless

[@brettgarlick5252]

i just bought an Eastman e20om and online. unfortunately these definitely sound better ,

[@HeartbreakerGuitars]

Both great guitars! Thanks for watching, Brett!

[@jmsamborski]

The mix of the first jam was worlds better than the second. So… I guess mahogany for rhythm and rosewood for leads… naturally the opposite of what they said it would be.

[@022100bmlotus]

I am a rookie player, Ive been lucky to be in a family of music from the start, thus progressing pretty well. I first bought 2 Gibson J45, and 1 Gibson Southern Jumbo, in order to play them all at home in my time and pick the keeper. I stayed with the Southern Jumbo (Anthem pu), but long ago I had a Larrivee D-03, and really liked the neck, 2 months ago I came upon a good deal for new Larrivee OM-05 Spruce top, African type Mahogany b/s, redish orange color, again (Anthem pu).//// Thus my keepers are the Gibson Southern Jumbo and the Larrivee OM-05. There are some tunes that must be played with the Gibson, ie- "Its Been A while", "Wonderwall", and some tunes that must be on the Larrivee ie: "Dust in the Wind", "Landslide"... 1 11/16 nut vs 1 3/4 nut, certainly does make a difference for finger style. My band mates always want me to play on the Larrivee, they say it is cleaner sound, but fer 2 hours of practice or play time.... my fingers are much better off w the Gibson (and that is tuning down 1/2 step with Capo on 1st fret) cool rookie trick:) and maybe better for necks? I am asking.//// Do yalls know what Gibson may have with 1 3/4 nut, and still retain the Gibson twang? That may be my next guitar, once I learn the> "12 bar blues":) Thanks fer your time and great play. >Old man not too late!

[@NicholasANappiNick]

2 nice guitars no winner the mahagony for the way I play

[@HeartbreakerGuitars]

Appreciate you watching!

[@ruslanhrytsiv3172]

Mahogany winner

[@t-turtle8811]

Mahogany the best Rosewood goodly

[@martymcfly2572]

Same, same, same, same. Same OM guitar. But what it exactly model OM03, 40, 50, 02? What??? Don’t you know there is considerable difference between them? And how do people to know what exactly OM Larrivee you played.

[@joelgraham3]

Hi - I'm trying to win the acoustic guitar - my true sob story is I'm a new grandfather with a health condition (heart) = heading for the big band in the sky sooner than expected in life. I'm trying to enter the contest for the acoustic guitar. I want to record on Garageband with that guitar if I win it and then pass it on to Baby Dean down the road - something nice to give to the baby someday. My guitars aren't very good. What song would I play and post? My new song "Toby the Heartbreaker" - has a JJ Cale/Clapton groove haha - F# - A - B thanks - let the right people know you have an entry here -

[@HeartbreakerGuitars]

You're almost there, Joel! If you haven't found it yet, here it is! kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJbQiXujotuUr7M

[@BrankyMusic]

Useless, the volumes are too different

[@davidtesch475]

The fella on the right positions his body away from the mic through most of the video as well