Larrivee L-09 Model Flat Top Acoustic Guitar (1990), made in Victoria, BC Canada, serial # 10163, natural finish, Indian rosewood back and sides, spruce top; mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard, black hard shell case.

This Deluxe L-09 Larrivee guitar represents the company's proprietary "L body" design. Compared to Martin dreadnought the upper bout smaller and the waist nipped in, while the lower bout is wider. With their narrow waist and lively touch sensitivity they respond like smaller body guitar but with the power of a small jumbo, not unlike the Gibson J-185. The Larrivee L body have the power and bass response of a large guitar, but retain a more balanced tone and an excellent treble response.

The first L-09s were built in the '70s and 40 years later not much has changed, this one was registered on Jun 15, 1990. It is built with East Indian Rosewood back and sides under a Sitka spruce top constructed with Jean Larrivee's own specially designed X-Brace system. The mahogany neck has a comfortable round-backed profile and bound ebony fingerboard. This L-09 features upgrades including the optional torch & wing fingerboard inlay and highly detailed flying eagle headstock veneer by master pearl engraver Wendy Larrivee, whose inlay artistry has graced the company's instruments for more than 40 years. This is a more original instrument design than many "modern" flat tops neatly combining tradition and individual innovation; it is also a vert fine sounding and playing guitar with its own distinctive character.

Overall length is 40 9/16 in. (103 cm.), 16 1/8 in. (41 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 4 1/4 in. (10.8 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 25 5/8 in. (651 mm.). Width of nut is 1 11/16 in. (43 mm.).

This is a generally clean guitar overall showing mostly light play and handling wear. The top has clear Flamenco-style tap plates under and below the strings so shows less finger wear than many; there are a few inconspicuous pick scratches that appear to be below them. There are small scuffs and dings overall but that's about it. There is a strap button added to the heel but no other visible repairs or modifications. This is a fine playing instrument with a lovely big sound, a nicely aged-in fairly deluxe guitar that appears to be still waiting to be seriously played. Overall Excellent Condition.