The Complete Larrivée Guitar Price Guide 2026: The Symmetrical Bracing Revolution

Last updated: February 2026

In 1967, a young Jean Larrivée completed his apprenticeship with Edgar Mönch Sr., a German luthier who had fled to Canada after the war. Jean started building classical guitars in his Toronto basement. He had no marketing budget, no celebrity endorsements, and no intention of competing with Martin or Gibson. He had something better: a question. What if the internal bracing of an acoustic guitar—the hidden skeleton that determines its voice—could be reimagined for balance rather than tradition?

The answer became the symmetrical X-bracing pattern. While most builders followed Martin's asymmetric approach, Larrivée designed bracing that delivered crystal highs, soothing mids, and punchy bass in equal measure. The technique was so effective that leading guitar makers worldwide eventually adopted similar approaches. Meanwhile, Wendy Larrivée—Jean's wife—created the intricate inlay designs that became the brand's visual signature. From Toronto basement to Victoria, Vancouver, and finally Oxnard, California, Larrivée Guitars has spent nearly six decades proving that one family's pursuit of acoustic perfection can change an industry.

Larrivée Guitar Market Overview 2026

Larrivée occupies a unique position: American-made quality at prices that undercut comparable Taylor and Martin models by 20-30%.

Key Market Statistics:

• Average Used Larrivée Price: $1,100 (up 4% from 2025)
• Active Listings: Approximately 700 guitars currently for sale
• Monthly Sales Volume: Around 120 guitars sold per month
• Price Range: $400 (used entry) to $5,000 (premium D-10)

Since 2013, all Larrivée production has been in Oxnard, California. There are no import lines—every Larrivée is American-made. This consistency, combined with the symmetrical bracing that recording engineers praise, creates strong used values. Canadian-era instruments (pre-2013) are increasingly sought after by collectors who recognize the brand's evolution.

Understanding Larrivée's Philosophy

The Symmetrical Bracing Revolution

Traditional X-bracing is asymmetric—the two braces don't mirror each other. This creates uneven response across the frequency spectrum. Larrivée's symmetrical approach distributes stress and vibration more evenly, producing:

• Crystal highs: Articulate without harshness
• Soothing mids: Warm without muddiness
• Punchy bass: Defined without boominess

The result is a guitar that records exceptionally well—engineers consistently note that Larrivées require less EQ than competitors. The parabolic X-bracing refinement (2020) further enhanced resonance while maintaining structural integrity.

The Builder-Craftsman Tradition

Jean Larrivée didn't study business. He studied with a German master luthier. Every Larrivée reflects that apprenticeship:

Core Principles:

1. Solid Wood Standard: All tops, backs, and sides are solid—no laminates in the main line
2. American Manufacturing: Oxnard, California since 2013
3. Wendy's Inlays: Hand-crafted inlay work as brand signature
4. Recording Optimized: Balanced response for studio and stage

The Migration: Toronto → Victoria → Vancouver → Oxnard

• 1967-1977 (Toronto): Basement beginnings, classical to steel-string transition
• 1977-1982 (Victoria): Access to Pacific Rim tonewoods—Sitka spruce, western red cedar
• 1982-2001 (Vancouver): Symmetrical bracing development, Recording Series launch
• 2001-Present (Oxnard, CA): Full California production since 2013

Each move reflected strategic decisions about tonewood access, labor, and market. The California facility represents the culmination—American-made with the same craft standards that defined the Canadian era.

Recording Series (03) Pricing: ~$2,499

The core Larrivée line—studio-optimized acoustics with symmetrical bracing.

L-03 (Larrivée Body) (~$2,499)

Specifications:

• Top: Solid Sitka spruce
• Back/Sides: Solid mahogany
• Neck: Mahogany
• Fingerboard: Ebony
• Scale: 25.5"
• Nut Width: 1.75"
• Bracing: Parabolic X-bracing
• Body: L-body (Larrivée's signature shape)
• Inlays: Wendy Larrivée design

The L-Body Advantage: Smaller than dreadnought, larger than OM. Jean Larrivée's original design combines fingerpicking intimacy with strumming power. The most versatile Larrivée shape—showcases symmetrical bracing best.

D-03 (Dreadnought) (~$2,499)

Specifications:

• Top: Solid Sitka spruce
• Back/Sides: Solid mahogany
• Body: Full dreadnought
• Maximum volume and bass response
• Ideal for flatpicking and strumming

OM-03 (Orchestra Model) (~$2,499)

Specifications:

• Top: Solid Sitka spruce
• Back/Sides: Solid mahogany
• Body: OM (smaller than dreadnought)
• Balanced fingerpicking and strumming
• Modern player's choice—works in any context

LV-03 (Venetian Cutaway) (~$2,749)

Specifications:

• Recording Series with cutaway
• Upper fret access
• Same symmetrical bracing
• Premium for cutaway convenience

Used Recording Series Values: $1,600-$2,000 (excellent condition)

Premium Series (09/10) Pricing: $3,499-$5,000

Premium tonewoods and refined appointments.

L-09 (Rosewood) (~$3,499-$4,000)

Specifications:

• Top: Solid Sitka spruce
• Back/Sides: Solid East Indian rosewood
• L-body shape
• Premium binding and inlays
• Enhanced bass and complexity

D-10 (Brazilian Rosewood) (~$4,500-$5,000)

Specifications:

• Top: Solid Sitka spruce
• Back/Sides: Brazilian rosewood (when available)
• Top-tier dreadnought
• Collectible tonewood combination
• Larrivée's flagship

OM-09 (Rosewood) (~$3,499)

Specifications:

• Solid rosewood back/sides
• OM body shape
• Premium Recording Series equivalent
• Fingerstyle excellence

Used Premium Series Values: $2,500-$3,500 (excellent condition)

Vintage Larrivée: Canadian-Era and Early California

Canadian-Made (Pre-2013): $800-$2,500 used

Why Collectors Care:

• Last of the Canadian production
• Victoria and Vancouver-era craftsmanship
• Some players prefer Canadian-era voicing
• Finite supply—no more being made

Early California (2013-2020): $700-$2,000 used

Transition Era:

• First Oxnard production
• Parabolic bracing (post-2020) vs. standard symmetrical
• Consistent American quality

Parlor & 00 Models: $600-$1,500 used

Compact Options:

• Smaller body shapes
• Larrivée quality in portable format
• Fingerstyle and travel applications

Where to Buy Larrivée Guitars: Platform Comparison

Online Marketplace Analysis

Reverb (Average Price: $1,200)

• Best selection of Larrivée models
• Knowledgeable acoustic community
• 5.0% price appreciation year-over-year
• Best for: Recording Series, Canadian-era, premium models

eBay (Average Price: $950)

• Good for budget finds
• 3.5% price trend
• Best for: Used 03 series, parlor models

Guitar Center (Average Price: $1,100)

• Physical inspection available
• 3.0% appreciation
• Best for: Try-before-buy, new models

Larrivée Direct (Average Price: $1,400)

• New instruments, full selection
• 2.0% growth (retail)
• Best for: New Recording Series, custom options

Tips for Buying Used Larrivée

1. Canadian vs. California: Pre-2013 serial numbers indicate Canadian production—increasingly collectible
2. Tonal Maturity: Solid-wood Larrivées often sound better used—tops open up over years of vibration
3. Inlay Inspection: Wendy Larrivée's inlay work is delicate—check for damage or wear
4. Body Shape Match: L vs. D vs. OM—each serves different playing. Know which you need
5. Bracing Era: Parabolic (2020+) vs. standard symmetrical—both excellent, subtle difference

Larrivée vs. Competitors

How Larrivée compares at similar price points:

Larrivée Advantage: American-made at $2,499 when Taylor/Martin American models start $300-500 higher. Symmetrical bracing produces exceptional recording balance. L-body shape is uniquely versatile. No import lines—every Larrivée is California-built.

When Others Make Sense: Taylor for V-Class innovation and bolt-on neck. Martin for vintage dreadnought tradition. Collings for premium refinement. Breedlove for Pacific Northwest tonewoods.

Famous Larrivée Players

Artists who choose Larrivée guitars:

• Ed Sheeran: Early career Larrivée use
• Tommy Emmanuel: Larrivée endorsement, signature models
• Pierre Bensusan: DADGAD master, Larrivée player
• Stephen Stills: Crosby, Stills & Nash
• Randy Scruggs: Bluegrass and country
• Leo Kottke: Fingerstyle legend
• Alex de Grassi: New age fingerstyle
• Muriel Anderson: Fingerstyle virtuoso

Investment Potential: Which Larrivées Hold Value?

Strong Value Retention

Recording Series:

• American-made supports resale
• Symmetrical bracing has dedicated following
• Used prices typically 65-80% of new

Premium Series (09/10):

• Rosewood and Brazilian rosewood models
• Limited production
• Professional player demand

Collector Tier

Canadian-Made (Pre-2013):

• Finite supply
• Growing recognition of Canadian-era quality
• Victoria and Vancouver instruments

Guitars for Playing

All Larrivées:

• These are player's instruments first
• Solid wood construction means they improve with age
• Investment is in tone, not speculation

Note: Larrivée's value proposition is musical. A 10-year-old L-03 often sounds better than new—the top has opened up. That's the real return.

Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Larrivée

For Beginners ($400-$800)

Recommended Models:

• Used OM-03 or L-03: Entry to Larrivée at $1,200-$1,600 used
• Used Parlor/00: Compact at $600-$1,000 used
• Canadian-Era Used: Value at $800-$1,200

What to Prioritize:

• Solid top (all Larrivées have this)
• Playable setup
• Body size for comfort

For Intermediate Players ($800-$1,500)

Recommended Models:

• Used Recording Series: L-03, D-03, OM-03 at $1,600-$2,000 used
• Used LV-03: Cutaway at $1,800-$2,200 used
• Canadian Dreadnought: Used at $1,200-$1,800

What to Prioritize:

• Body shape for your style (L vs. D vs. OM)
• All-solid construction
• Recording if you track

For Serious Players ($1,500-$3,000)

Recommended Models:

• New L-03 or D-03: $2,499 new, American-made
• Used L-09 or OM-09: Premium at $2,500-$3,200 used
• New LV-03: Cutaway at $2,749

What to Prioritize:

• Rosewood vs. mahogany (Premium vs. Recording)
• Cutaway for upper fret access
• Body shape for primary use

For Professionals ($3,000+)

Recommended Models:

• L-09 or D-10: Premium Series new or used
• Custom Options: Larrivée offers custom configurations
• Canadian Collectibles: Pre-2013 premium models

What to Prioritize:

• Brazilian rosewood if available
• Recording optimization
• Long-term tonal development

The Larrivée Sound: Understanding What You're Buying

Symmetrical Bracing Character:

• Unusually balanced across frequencies
• Records with minimal EQ
• Crystal highs without harshness
• Warm mids without mud
• Defined bass without boom

Body Shape Guide:

• D (Dreadnought): Maximum volume, bass, projection. Flatpicking, strumming, stage.
• OM (Orchestra Model): Balanced, versatile. Fingerpicking and strumming. Modern default.
• L (Larrivée): Jean's design. Between D and OM. Best showcases bracing. Most versatile.

Who Should Consider Larrivée:

• Recording musicians (balanced response)
• Players seeking American-made below Taylor/Martin pricing
• Fingerstyle and strumming versatility
• Those who value builder-craftsman tradition

Who Might Prefer Others:

• Players wanting Taylor's bolt-on neck
• Martin vintage dreadnought traditionalists
• Those seeking ultra-bright or ultra-dark voicing

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where are Larrivée guitars made? A: All Larrivée guitars have been made in Oxnard, California since 2013. Before that, production was in Canada (Toronto, Victoria, Vancouver). There are no import lines—every Larrivée is North American-made.

Q: What is symmetrical X-bracing? A: Traditional X-bracing uses asymmetric braces. Larrivée's symmetrical pattern mirrors the brace configuration, distributing vibration more evenly. The result is balanced response across highs, mids, and bass—particularly valued for recording.

Q: How does Larrivée compare to Taylor and Martin? A: At $2,499, Larrivée's Recording Series is American-made when comparable Taylor (314ce) and Martin (000-18) models run $2,799-$2,999. Larrivée offers different voicing—more balanced, less brand-specific. The L-body shape is unique. All three are quality; Larrivée offers value and recording optimization.

Q: Are Canadian-made Larrivées better than California-made? A: "Better" is subjective. Canadian-era instruments (pre-2013) have dedicated followers who prefer their voicing. California production maintains the same standards with parabolic bracing refinements. Canadian instruments are increasingly collectible due to finite supply.

Q: What's the difference between L, D, and OM body shapes? A: D (dreadnought) is largest—maximum volume and bass. OM is smaller—balanced, versatile. L (Larrivée body) is Jean's design—between D and OM, combines fingerpicking intimacy with strumming power. L is often considered the most versatile.

Conclusion

Jean Larrivée asked a question in 1967: What if guitar bracing could be reimagined for balance? Fifty-eight years later, the answer has influenced an industry. The symmetrical X-bracing pattern—refined to parabolic in 2020—produces acoustic guitars that record engineers praise and players trust. From Toronto basement to Oxnard workshop, one family has pursued acoustic perfection without compromise.

At $2,499, the Recording Series delivers American-made quality that competitors charge $3,000+ to match. The L-body shape remains uniquely versatile. Wendy's inlays distinguish every instrument. And used Larrivées often sound better than new—solid wood opens up with time.

For the player who values balanced tone over brand hype, recording clarity over marketing claims, and craft over volume—Larrivée has been the answer since 1967. The symmetrical bracing revolution continues.

For the most current pricing and availability, check larrivee.com or authorized Larrivée dealers. Canadian-era used prices vary by model, condition, and year.

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