Founded by owner Jean Larrivée in 1967, these North American built guitars are all crafted using the finest solid tonewoods, with no laminate, ply or synthetic used in Larrivée guitars. The woods are selectively logged, then dried using a combination of air and kiln, sometimes over decades, to ensure they have the optimum tone.

Larrivée's signature sound of 'crystal highs, soothing mids and punchy bass' is achieved through their Scalloped Parabolic Hybrid X-bracing pattern, which was developed by through Jean Larrivée’s lifetime of guitar building. Their distinct sound and quality has made them popular with many recording artists, including acoustic virtuoso Tommy Emmanuel, who has his own Custom Larrivée model- the C-03 R-TE Custom.

Larrivée is very much a family business, grown from Jean’s time as an apprentice to the global guitar exporters they have become. To this day, Jean is still heavily involved in the manufacturing process, be it travelling the world in search of exotic woods, or carving necks in the workshop, and always with a smile on his face. Specialist inlays are provided by Jean’s wife Wendy, who has over 40 years of experience delivering breathtaking artistry for Larrivée Guitars. Jean’s two sons are also both at his side in the company. The Larrivée family's primary goal is 'to put high-end guitars in the hands of everyday musicians.'

In addition to their range of core models, the real perk of owning a Larrivée is the ability to spec up your own guitar from scratch. They offer fully customisable options for top, back and sides wood choices, inlays, fret markers, rosettes & headstock designs, meaning the Larrivée you design will be uniquely yours, in sound and vision.

Videos

Jean Larrivee discusses the big move to California

Jean Larrivee on Sustainable Woods

The First Acoustic Guitar in Space! Astronaut Chris Hadfield talks about taking his Larrivee to the ISS

The Hunt for Spruce: The Birth of a Larrivee Guitar

Tommy Emmanuel plays 'Miyazaki's Dream' on his C-03R-TE Custom Larrivee