Our Roots Run Deep
Half a century ago, Jean Larrivée became frustrated with the performance of his newly bought acoustic guitar. At that moment, Jean made a decision that would change his life: he decided to build his own. Jean studied under master luthier Edgar Mönch, whose guitar-building lineage traces back to the Madrid School of Luthiers. Over the next five decades, Jean pioneered new techniques and standards that continue to influence modern guitar making, including the modernization of the flattop cutaway and the parabolic X-brace. The Larrivée difference is still one you can hear and experience for yourself.
Discover the Finest Tonewoods
It’s hard to argue that any other acoustic guitar builder uses finer woods than Larrivée. That’s a testament to Jean Larrivée’s willingness to travel deep into the Indian jungles or the breathtaking heights of the Alps. Jean’s lifetime of exploring the globe and establishing relationships with timber suppliers has given him unique access to the finest tonewoods available on planet Earth. The Larrivée difference can be heard and seen on every guitar bearing the name. From the entry-level models to the top-of-the-line masterpieces, Larrivée instruments start with the highest-grade tonewoods. Next time you’re in the Sweetwater showroom, pick up a Larrivée. Play it. Listen to it. And imagine the stories the wood has to tell between now and forever.
The Larrivée Sound
There are two paths to choose from with Larrivée acoustic guitars: contemporary and traditional. Guitars from the contemporary line are extremely useful for studio and live recordings. These guitars feature Larrivée’s parabolic X-brace system, which gives you a balanced tone and even volume across the soundboard. The other product line is the traditional line. Traditional guitars come with scalloped hybrid bracing, giving you dynamic range and a certain low-end “growl” that Larrivée fans love. What’s more, traditional guitars have a deeper bass, forward mids, and shining highs.
Contemporary or Traditional — Have It Your Way
When it comes to tradition, every player has their own preference. Larrivée knows this, which is why the company offers two distinct product lines. For a modern feel, the contemporary series includes Larrivée’s parabolic X-brace system. You also get features such as a curved headstock with closed-back tuners, multi-strip purfling, herringbone and abalone rosettes, and dot fingerboard inlays. Lovers of classic acoustic guitars naturally gravitate to the traditional series. These guitars feature a scalloped hybrid bracing system and time-honored features, such as square headstocks. Traditional series guitars also feature open-back tuners, a volute neck, rope purfling and rosettes, and diamond fingerboard inlays. Whichever your preference, you’ll fall in love at first sound.
Professional-level Electric Guitars
Though primarily known as an acoustic brand, Larrivée’s history with electric guitars began in the 1980s. It was a time when wild hair, outlandish guitar bodies, and Floyd Rose tremolos were the order of the day. More than four decades later, Larrivée continues to craft American-made electric guitars from the finest materials — only the best will do. From the ultra-light Louisiana swamp ash body to East Indian rosewood fingerboards to American maple necks, every single tonewood is hand-selected by Larrivée’s team for its quality, weight, and appearance. Meanwhile, Larrivée hardware uses standardized stainless-steel fasteners, so players can remove and replace parts on their own. Finally, all Larrivée pickups are made 100% in-house for tight quality control and consistency from guitar to guitar. The Larrivée difference is one you can feel and hear.
Tradition of Excellence
A new generation of guitar makers works at Larrivée. The company’s staff takes pride in building instruments that are just as exceptional as the musicians who play them. The Larrivée team continues to lean on the expertise of company founder Jean Larrivée, whose skills as a luthier continue to influence every guitar bearing his name. Whether an acoustic or an electric guitar, every Larrivée instruments is crafted according to the strictest quality-control measures to deliver unbeatable playability and tone. In a world where mass production is favored over artistry, Larrivée proudly preserves the traditions of fine guitar making.
A Family of Luthiers Looking to the Future
The Larrivée company is a multigenerational family business that has blossomed through traditional craftsmanship and an innovative attitude. Family knowledge and skills have been willingly passed down from generation to generation, ensuring that the Larrivée legacy endures for many decades to come. Now, nearing its sixth decade of existence, the Larrivée company is in the hands of the second generation, with the third generation coming behind. Larrivée’s commitment to preserving tradition and embracing innovation ensures each family generation adds to the company’s legacy of tone.
