Larrivee 00-50 Model Flat Top Acoustic Guitar (2005), made in Oxnard, CA, serial # 65238, natural finish, mahogany back and sides, sitka spruce top; mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard, original black hard shell case.
Although Jean Larrivee is usually thought of as a Canadian builder, this early 2000's 00-50 is a product of the USA, made in Oxnard, California, where Larrivee had opened a cross-border factory in 2001. When this one was built in 2005 the model had just been introduced as part of the company's "Traditional Series" which drew inspiration from the pre-war classics that most modern flat-tops still are based on. Previously Larrivee had concentrated on more original designs, so this represented an important expansion of the luthier's aesthetic palette.
This 00-50 is based on the classic vintage 1920s Martin 00 body size and shape with a 12-fret neck joint. It features a Sitka spruce top, solid mahogany back and sides and a mahogany neck with a slotted headstock and ebony fingerboard. One really noticeable difference from the Martin template is the considerably longer 25 5/8' scale length, which imparts a definite extra punch to the sound. The ebony bridge is the traditional early Martin pyramid style, with a later bone saddle added.
This is a fancier guitar than the traditional Martin 00-18, with Herringbone trim on the top border and soundhole ring and maple outer binding. The pickguard it tortoise pattern material in the traditional Martin shape. The neck has a fairly shallow round-backed profile. Topped with and ebony fingerboard, ivoroid bound with discreet pearl diamond inlay. This is a bright, punchy sounding guitar with its long scale neck, with a powerful ringing tone that cuts without becoming shrill. This would be an excellent stage or recording instrument and is nicely aged in 20 years along.
Overall length is 39 in. (99.1 cm.), 14 in. (35.6 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 4 1/8 in. (10.5 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 25 5/8 in. (651 mm.). Width of nut is 1 3/4 in. (44 mm.).
This guitar shows some general light wear with dings, dents and scuffs scattered around, but no really serious wear. The top has a few small marks but no notable pickwear. The only alterations are typical additions for gigging purposes; a bone saddle replacing the original synthetic, a strap button added to the heel and a passive K&K pickup installed under the bridge, with a jack hole added to the lower side below the endpin. The fairly hefty original frets show some light wear but nothing that impedes play, and this interesting and lovely evolved mahogany 00 is ready to gig, in the original HSC. Overall Excellent Condition.
