D-03-RW-0 vs D-40-MH-0-1 — Compare
Larrivee D-03 Solid Spruce Rosewood Recording Guitar vs Larrivee D-40 Solid Spruce Mahogany Lefty Legacy Guitar
The D-03 pairs Sitka Spruce with Indian Rosewood for a darker, more resonant tone ideal for studio recording, while the D-40 Lefty combines Spruce with African Mahogany for a warmer, more articulate voice and is specifically configured for left-handed players. Choose the D-03 if you're right-handed and prioritize recording clarity; choose the D-40 Lefty if you play left-handed or prefer a slightly brighter, more responsive character.
No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.
Larrivee D-03 Solid Spruce Rosewood Recording Guitar
Larrivee D-40 Solid Spruce Mahogany Lefty Legacy Guitar
Specs side by side
| Larrivee D-03 Solid Spruce Rosewood Recording Guitar | Larrivee D-40 Solid Spruce Mahogany Lefty Legacy Guitar | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,349.00 | $2,349.00 |
| Brand | Larrivee | Larrivee |
| Body | Dreadnought | Dreadnought |
| Body Type | Hollow | Hollow |
| Scale | 25.5" Scale | 25.5" Scale |
| Strings | 6 | 6 |
| Frets | 20 Frets | 20 Frets |
| Fretboard | Ebony | Ebony |
| Neck | Mahogany | Mahogany |
| String Type | Steel | Steel |
| Year | 2024 | 2024 |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose Larrivee D-03 Solid Spruce Rosewood Recording Guitar
- ✓ Rosewood back and sides deliver darker, more resonant tone with extended sustain
- ✓ Right-handed orientation suits the majority of players
- ✓ Proven recording studio pedigree with excellent projection
- ✓ Herringbone rosette and X-brace pattern add tonal refinement
Why choose Larrivee D-40 Solid Spruce Mahogany Lefty Legacy Guitar
- ✓ Left-handed configuration—essential for left-handed players
- ✓ African Mahogany produces warmer, more articulate midrange response
- ✓ Scalloped parabolic hybrid bracing optimizes responsiveness and playability
- ✓ Soulful, balanced tone rewards fingerstyle and singer-songwriter applications
Frequently asked questions
What is the main tonal difference between rosewood and mahogany backs?
Rosewood (D-03) delivers a darker, more resonant tone with extended low-end sustain, while mahogany (D-40) produces a warmer, brighter midrange with quicker articulation. Both are balanced across registers, but rosewood emphasizes depth while mahogany emphasizes clarity.
Is the D-40 Lefty the only left-handed option between these two?
Yes. The D-03 is right-handed only. The D-40 Lefty is specifically built for left-handed players with reversed body and headstock configuration.
Which guitar is better for recording?
The D-03's rosewood construction and X-brace pattern are traditionally favored for studio work due to its extended sustain and projection. The D-40 also performs well in the studio but is equally suited to live performance and intimate settings.
Are both guitars suitable for fingerstyle players?
Yes. Both feature comfortable nut widths (1-11/16" on D-03, unspecified on D-40), bone nuts and saddles, and responsive bracing designed for fingerstyle technique. The D-40's hybrid bracing may feel slightly more immediately responsive.