An esteemed Canadian builder, Jean Larrivee has been wowing acoustic guitarists with his fine instruments since the 70's. The 90's marked Jeans further expansion of his company, which would eventually relocate to California.
Players and collectors recognize the Canadian built 90's guitars as some of his absolute finest work, and this D-10 certainly hits all the marks. An inspiring dreadnaught, the guitar is both sonically astounding and visually charming. Hefty volume with clear cutting bass make it an exceptional flat picker - but its high quality wood and craftsmanship make this guitar very versatile for finger style players as well. Adorned with abalone binding, rosette, and a mixed MOP fingerboard inlay, this guitar certainly competes well with any Martin. A solid Sitka Spruce top is married to a fine, straight grained (and well book matched) solid Indian rosewood back. It has a 25.5" scale length neck with an ivoroid bound ebony fingerboard, 1.75" nut width. A clear pickguard is applied.
This example dates to 1998, and plays stunningly. Having been a gigged with instrument, it does show wear. Some surface wear is present on the top, mainly two cracks which have been glued (not cleated). One center seam, and one near the elbow. Evidence of a past bridge reglue is present, which is currently yielding a very nicely playing instrument. General bruises along the edges, mainly on the back treble side lower bout. The neck has evidence of a headstock crack visible in the profile, extending from the nut towards about the third fret. It has been expertly repaired and virtually unnoticeable. The neck is straight and plays with nice low action that measures about 5.5/64" in height at the twelfth fret. It has plenty of room on its saddle - which appears virtually untouched. The frets are very very clean especially given the condition of the body - but its safe to say they are original and simply were played lightly maybe possibly only in the lower register at most. This example does not have a pickup installed.
This is an exceptional instrument ready for its next career!
Comes with a nice light weight carbon fiber guitar case (with internal humidifiers).