Seagull Artist vs. Larrive L03

[dawolfe02]

Hello,

I am in the market for a used guitar to replace my Washburn D10s. I think I've narrowed it down to either a Seagull Artist Series (not sure of mosaic, portrait, studio, etc.) or Larrivee L03. I had considered a Taylor214 or 314, but played them in the store and felt like I was paying more for the name than the sound. I actually preferred the Seagull Artist that I played there.

 

I have never actually played a Larrivee, but have heard soooo many good things about them online, and have heard sound clips, etc. Based on the clips I've heard I am leaning toward the L shape. PLus I like that it is different than all the Dread's I see everywhere.

 

So....What do you all think? Has anyone actually played both a Seagull Artist and a Larrive L03? Any suggestions? Pros and cons of each? I know it comes down to personal preference, but there aren't any stores nearby where I can compare the two side by side, so a little help would be nice! THanks

 

David

[Cripes]

Both are nice guitars. If I had to make your decision for you I'd get the Larrivee. I think it edges the Artist in both sound and playability.

[bigmo66]

The "L" is a Larrivee classic and I've never played a bad one. It's unique in style and handles all types of playing. Artists are no slouch either, but do they offer the lifetime warranty? Resale to consider also as GAS is incurable.

[rjoxyz]

This past December, I drove to Elderly Instruments with some guitars to trade in. Was thinking I would trade for a Seagull Artist Mosaic. Had read great things about the model and figured it would be the best option in its general price range.

 

I was wrong. Picked up an L-03 in mahogany and it was over. Love at first chord. It has become my favorite for most applications and turned me into more of a mahogany guy than the rosewood guy my HD-28 had created. It has also made me appreciate the 1 3/4" neck for more than just fingerstyle.

 

The L-03 has great clear tone, note seperation and sustain. It may be the most versatile guitar I have ever encountered. I play it more often than my other guitars as it is equally suitable for fingerstyle or using a pick.

 

Nothing agains Seagull at all. They have a great line of guitars with great value. I just think Larrivee is in a little different league.

[dawolfe02]

I kind of expected to hear quite a few votes for the Larrivee The more I read, the more I am convinced they are great guitars.

 

As far as the warranty, if I bought used, would that void the warranty anyway? What all does the warranty cover?

 

Any other thoughts? It looks like I better start searching the forums and Ebay for an L

[johbren]

I have owned both I had a Artist cameo flame maple and a Larrivee L-03. Ive never played any of the other artist series the rosewood ones may sound better. I would have to give the nod to Larrivee for the better sound.

[EvilTwin]

Man, tough call. I think the world of Seagulls (I own a Folk model), but those Larrivee L-bodies are just something else (I originally went after the Seagull Folk because its body resembles the Larry).

 

They simply handle everything thrown at 'em.

 

But try 'em both. Your ears will decide this matter for you.

[Jessz1]

Larrivee for me too.

[Hudman]

I owned a Larrivee L-03. Unfortunately, I was forced to sell it.

 

Now I own a Larrivee OM-03.

 

I can honestly say, the 03 Series guitars are amazing. Larrivee makes a high quality guitar at a very reasonable price.

 

I owned a Seagull S6 for 8 years. It was a great guitar, but not in the same league with Larrivee.

[kwakatak]

I've never played a Seagull of any level. I love my Larrivee -03R though. The quality is competitive with Taylor and Martin guitars which cost several hundred $$$ more.

[ESL94]

I'm a big fan of Seagull & its Artist series.

I would pick the Larrivee. The first time I picked up a Larrive I could not put it down. The tone & the playablity is great. My next guitar will be a Larrivee L-09.

[Mac_C]

Dude, its REALLY hard to beat a Larrivee.