D-40-MH-0-1 vs DV-03RE-12 — Compare
Larrivee D-40 Solid Spruce Mahogany Lefty Legacy Guitar vs Larrivee DV-03RE Custom 12 Strings Dreadnought Cutaway Guitar Molasses
The D-40 is a traditional 6-string dreadnought for purists seeking warm, articulate tone and left-handed compatibility, while the DV-03RE is a 12-string cutaway offering harmonic richness and upper-fret access for players who want shimmer and versatility across studio and stage. Choose the D-40 if you play lefty or prefer classic single-voice clarity; choose the DV-03RE if you want the natural chorus of 12 strings and need cutaway access.
No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.
Larrivee D-40 Solid Spruce Mahogany Lefty Legacy Guitar
Larrivee DV-03RE Custom 12 Strings Dreadnought Cutaway Guitar Molasses
Specs side by side
| Larrivee D-40 Solid Spruce Mahogany Lefty Legacy Guitar | Larrivee DV-03RE Custom 12 Strings Dreadnought Cutaway Guitar Molasses | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,349.00 | $2,399.00 |
| Brand | Larrivee | Larrivee |
| Body | Dreadnought | Dreadnought |
| Body Type | Hollow | Hollow |
| Scale | 25.5" Scale | 25.5" Scale |
| Strings | 6 | 12 |
| Frets | 20 Frets | 20 Frets |
| Fretboard | Ebony | Ebony |
| Neck | Mahogany | Mahogany |
| String Type | Steel | Steel |
| Year | 2024 | 2025 |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose Larrivee D-40 Solid Spruce Mahogany Lefty Legacy Guitar
- ✓ Left-handed configuration—rare and essential for lefty players
- ✓ Warm, balanced tone with excellent sustain and articulate clarity
- ✓ Responsive fingerstyle and folk performance without compromise
Why choose Larrivee DV-03RE Custom 12 Strings Dreadnought Cutaway Guitar Molasses
- ✓ 12-string configuration delivers natural harmonic richness and shimmer unattainable on 6-string
- ✓ Cutaway design provides seamless upper-fret access for complex passages and live performance
- ✓ Robust low-end and projection suitable for both intimate studio and unamplified stage work
Frequently asked questions
What is the main tonal difference between 6-string and 12-string on these models?
The D-40 produces a focused, articulate warm tone with clarity on each note. The DV-03RE's 12-string configuration creates natural doubling and harmonic richness—each note rings with fuller overtone content and characteristic chorus effect that cannot be replicated on a 6-string.
Which is better for live performance without amplification?
Both are professional-grade and capable live. The DV-03RE's dreadnought body mass and 12-string projection excel in unamplified venues, while the D-40 cuts through with articulate definition. The DV-03RE's cutaway makes upper-fret access easier during complex live passages.
Does the cutaway on the DV-03RE reduce acoustic mass or tone compared to the D-40?
Larrivee designed the DV-03RE cutaway to maintain dreadnought body acoustic mass and tonal foundation while granting upper-fret access. The 12-string pairing ensures robust low-end and sustain, though tone character differs inherently—the D-40 emphasizes clarity, the DV-03RE emphasizes harmonic shimmer.
Who should buy the D-40 specifically?
Left-handed players, fingerstyle purists seeking warm single-voice clarity, and players who need reliable tuning stability and traditional dreadnought response. Ideal for folk, singer-songwriter, and studio sessions where articulate definition is paramount.