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 Indian Rosewood with Spruce for a brighter, more resonant tone ideal for studio recording, while the D-40 uses African Mahogany for a warmer, mellower voice better suited to singer-songwriters and live gigging. Choose the D-03 if you prioritize articulation and projection; choose the D-40 if you're left-handed or want a more forgiving, mature tonal 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
- ✓ Indian Rosewood back and sides deliver bright, resonant tone with exceptional projection
- ✓ Specifically optimized for recording and studio work
- ✓ Excellent for fingerstyle with articulate, balanced response across all registers
Why choose Larrivee D-40 Solid Spruce Mahogany Lefty Legacy Guitar
- ✓ Left-handed configuration eliminates the need to source a specialty instrument
- ✓ African Mahogany produces a warmer, more mature and soulful voice
- ✓ Scalloped parabolic hybrid bracing rewards sensitive playing with responsive depth
Frequently asked questions
What's the main tonal difference between Rosewood and Mahogany backs?
The D-03's Indian Rosewood produces a brighter, more articulate and resonant tone with stronger projection, while the D-40's African Mahogany delivers a warmer, more mature and mellower voice. Rosewood suits studio recording; Mahogany suits live performance and intimate playing styles.
Is the D-40 only for left-handed players?
The D-40 is specifically built as a left-handed instrument, making it ideal if you play left-handed. Right-handed players should choose the D-03, which is built for standard right-handed playing.
Which guitar is better for fingerstyle?
Both are excellent for fingerstyle. The D-03 offers precise articulation and clarity favored in studio contexts, while the D-40's responsive bracing and warmer tone make it equally capable for expressive, nuanced fingerstyle playing in live and songwriting settings.
Are both guitars suitable for gigging?
Both are professional-grade instruments built for gigging. The D-03 excels in controlled studio and live environments where projection is valued; the D-40 is explicitly noted as a reliable gigging instrument with a mature voice that cuts through and responds well to varied playing dynamics.