❌SOLD❌ Larrivee OM 09K Koa Steel String Guitar, 1996

The Larrivee OM 09K is the Koa version of the normally Rosewood bodied OM-09 Artist model, based on the classic Orchestra Model design dating back to the late 1920s. This body design originated with Martin, and is very similar to the 000 models, but the OM has a longer scale length – 25.5 inches compared to the 000’s 24.9 inches. This increases brightness, clarity and volume. The OM body also produces a well balanced tonal representation throughout the spectrum.

Jean Larrivee has a background in classical guitar construction, as seen in his association with Edward Monch during his 1970’s residence in Toronto. His guitars tend to be voiced in the direction of classicals – a very even response with rich harmonic content. The neck profiles are also reminiscent of classicals, slightly wider and flatter with lots of room to move.

Here we’re looking at a Larrivee OM 09K that dates to March 27 1996, while Larrivee’s shop was still in Victoria, British Columbia. As a ‘K’ model, it pairs a Sitka Spruce top and bracing with Hawaiian Koa for the sides and back, instead of the base model’s stock Indian Rosewood. However, the body binding is Indian Rosewood. Mahogany is used for the back bracing, body blocks and neck and Ebony for the bridge, head plate and Ivoroid-bound fingerboard. The top sports an Abalone rosette, and the headstock logo is Mother of Pearl. Larrivee branded tuners are installed at the head, and on this example there is no pickup or electronics.

This guitar is in very good, clean condition with minor wear. The finish is naturally sinking into the wood pores and grain, as happens over time. The guitar sounds very good, rich and full with great detail, but it seems to have not been played a lot so it still has considerable room to open up.

The original Larrivee hard shell case is included.