🎸 Who Is This Guitar For?

If you've been searching for a guitar that combines premium tonewoods, exceptional craftsmanship, and a voice that never gets in the way of the music, this 1996 Larrivée CS-09 Florentine Cutaway deserves a serious look.

According to Larrivée factory records, this guitar was completed on January 3, 1996 during one of the most respected periods of Canadian production.

The first thing that caught my attention was the wood.

The rosewood on this guitar is simply stunning, with deep chocolate and amber hues and beautiful grain patterns that seem to change as the light moves across them. Combined with the elegant Florentine cutaway, this is one of those guitars that stands out from across the room without ever looking flashy.

But great guitars aren't about looks alone.

Once in your hands, the CS-09 feels comfortable, responsive, and remarkably easy to play. The voice is exactly what many players hope to find in a premium rosewood instrument—sweet, balanced, and controlled across the entire range.

The bass is warm without becoming boomy. The mids remain clear and articulate. The trebles ring beautifully without becoming harsh. Fingerstyle players will appreciate the note separation, while flatpickers will enjoy the balance and clarity throughout the neck.

The spruce top has matured into a warm honey-gold color that only decades of natural aging can produce, giving the guitar both visual character and a seasoned voice.

Highlights

✅ Built January 3, 1996

✅ Made in Canada

✅ CS-09 Florentine Cutaway

✅ Solid Sitka Spruce Top

✅ Solid Indian Rosewood Back & Sides

✅ Ebony Fingerboard

✅ Ebony Bridge

✅ Abalone Rosette

✅ Original Larrivée Hard Shell Case

✅ Easy Playing Setup

Condition

This guitar has two professionally repaired cracks extending from beneath the bridge toward the lower bout.

The repairs are stable, structurally sound, and have no impact on tone or playability. They remain visible upon close inspection and have been photographed clearly for complete transparency.

A previous pickup system was removed, leaving the standard endpin jack opening at the tail block. This presents no structural concern and allows an easy future installation should the next owner wish to add electronics.

The original Larrivée hard shell case is included and remains in good overall condition with normal signs of honest use.

A Little 1996 Perspective

When this Larrivée left the factory, Rent was about to take Broadway by storm, the Atlanta Olympics were still months away, and Alanis Morissette's Jagged Little Pill was dominating record stores across America.

Nearly 30 years later, this Canadian-built CS-09 has aged beautifully and is ready for its next chapter.

Closet Classics Notes

Every Closet Classic receives a careful inspection, cleaning, fretboard conditioning, hardware check, fresh strings, and playability evaluation before being offered for sale.

There are guitars that impress you in the first five minutes.

This Larrivée is the kind that keeps impressing you after five years.

This is one of those rare guitars that could easily be your last acoustic purchase.

Come play it. I have a feeling you'll know within a few minutes whether it's meant to go home with you.

Thanks for looking. Russell