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 Larrivée OM-40R was made in 2024 in Oxnard, Ca. This model is a traditional Orchestra Model body with a long 25.5" scale. This one features a European Alpine Moon Spruce top and East Indian Rosewood back and sides—a classic combination for articulate, clear tone that remains deeply balanced across the register. Expressive response and a wide dynamic range with detailed highs and resonant low end.
While most of the OM-40s have a 1-3/4" nut width, the nut on this 2024 measures 1-11/16". It's a very playable neck that feels substantial, but isn't so chunky that it holds you back. This model is available with Fishman electronics, but this isn't the electronic version. Nevertheless, it has an aftermarket pickup that is a bit of an upgrade from the stock Larrivée StagePro. The original owner installed an LR Baggs HiFi pickup in this 2024 OM-40R. There's a reason the HiFi is the best-selling Baggs pickup... plugged in, it sounds natural and it captures the subtleties and nuances of this guitar's unique individual voice.
This 2024 Larrivée OM-40R is gently used, showing only faint cosmetic wear from play and use (see photos). The worst is probably around the headstock and the pickguard. It is free of any severe dings, knocks, scratches, or issues, and it has an excellent setup with fast, low action. There is a strap button on the neck heel. This OM-40R was ordered with upgraded Flame Maple binding, and it looks so sharp. A lot of Larrivée guitars have blingy pearl and abalone, but this one is elegant and understated. A fine guitar from a fine guitarmaker! It includes its original hardshell case.