Larrivee DV-03ME Custom 12 Strings Dreadnought Cutaway Guitar Molasses
Description
Larrivee DV-03ME Custom 12-String Dreadnought Cutaway Guitar – Molasses
The cutaway body of this Larrivee DV-03ME settles comfortably against you, eliminating fatigue during extended sessions while the responsive dreadnought design delivers commanding, full-bodied 12-string resonance that fills a room with shimmering harmonic complexity. The molasses finish reveals premium tonewoods beneath, singing with remarkable clarity and sustain—articulate and bell-like in character across fingerstyle, folk, indie, and studio recording applications. The smooth neck encourages fluid chord work and intricate picking patterns, while the 12-string configuration creates an instantly lush, cathedral-like chorus that rewards both delicate sensitivity and confident attack.
In Your Hands
The cutaway dreadnought design keeps the body close and accessible through long gigs and practice marathons without losing the full resonance serious 12-string players demand. The buttery-smooth neck profile lets you navigate both intricate fingerstyle passages and hard rhythmic strumming with equal command and confidence.
On Stage & in the Room
The 12-string configuration produces a naturally lush, orchestral chorus from the opening strum, while the premium tonewoods deliver punchy, articulate fundamentals paired with ethereal sustain. The result cuts through live mixes, translates beautifully to tape, and sounds equally compelling in daily sessions—simultaneously bright and warm across the board.
Key Features
- 12-string configuration for rich harmonic chorus and natural doubling effect
- Dreadnought body shape for commanding volume and full-spectrum projection
- Cutaway design for upper-fret accessibility and improved ergonomics
- Molasses finish exposing premium tonewoods with visual depth
- Smooth neck profile designed for fluid fingerstyle and chord work
- Clear, articulate high-end with full-bodied low-frequency response
- Sustained note decay and harmonic complexity across the range
- Custom build specification from respected luthier Larrivee
- Versatile tone suited to folk, indie, and studio recording contexts
- Responsive dynamics handling both delicate and aggressive playing styles
- Lush cathedral-like chorus from 12-string pairing and tonal balance
This Larrivee DV-03ME is a workhorse that demands to be played—professional-grade construction and genuine sonic depth that rewards consistent use and lives up to the demands of serious musicians who rely on their instruments night after night.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Dexterity | Right handed |
| Country of Manufacture | United States |
Reviews
At a Glance
The Larrivee DV-03ME is a professional-grade 12-string dreadnought cutaway that delivers lush, shimmering harmonic complexity with articulate, bell-like tone—ideal for fingerstyle, folk, and indie performers who need upper-fret access without sacrificing full-bodied resonance. The smooth neck and ergonomic cutaway body make extended gigs and studio sessions comfortable, while the premium tonewoods sing with punchy fundamentals and ethereal sustain that fill a room. Choose this if you want a giggable 12-string that rewards both delicate picking and confident strumming with genuine tonal depth and professional playability.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Folk
- ✓ Indie
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Fingerstyle
Not the best pick for
- – Metal
- – Hard Rock
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a 12-string configuration different, and will it suit my playing style?
A 12-string pairs each note with an octave or unison string, creating a naturally lush, orchestral chorus effect—even simple strums sound full and complex. This design excels in folk, indie, fingerstyle, and studio recording; it is less suited to metal or hard rock applications where clarity and aggression are priorities over harmonic richness.
How does the cutaway design affect playability and tone?
The cutaway eliminates upper-fret fatigue during extended sessions by allowing comfortable hand positioning near the body, while the dreadnought shape preserves commanding volume and full-spectrum projection. You gain ergonomic accessibility without sacrificing the resonance expected from a quality 12-string instrument.
What tone should I expect from this guitar?
The premium tonewoods deliver a bright and warm voice that is simultaneously articulate and bell-like, with punchy fundamentals paired with ethereal sustain. The 12-string pairing adds a cathedral-like chorus and lush harmonic complexity across the range, making it ideal for recording, live performance, and daily playing.
Is this guitar suitable for intermediate players, or do I need advanced skills?
The Larrivee DV-03ME is rated for intermediate, advanced, and professional players. The smooth neck facilitates fluid fingerstyle passages and confident rhythmic strumming, so intermediate players can access its playability, though the instrument's tonal depth and responsiveness reward consistent practice and development.
How does this compare to other professional 12-string models?
The DV-03ME sits alongside comparable models like the Taylor 856ce, Martin DCPA4, and Takamine EF385SC in the professional 12-string dreadnought category. Larrivee's custom build specification, smooth neck profile, and emphasis on both articulate clarity and lush harmonic chorus distinguish its approach to tone and playability.
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