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 lefty dreadnought built for fingerstyle and singer-songwriter work, while the DV-03RE is a 12-string cutaway designed for fuller harmonic shimmer and upper-fret access in folk and Americana settings. Choose the D-40 if you play left-handed and want classic articulate warmth; pick the DV-03RE if you want the chorus effect of 12 strings and need cutaway access.
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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
- ✓ Solid Sitka Spruce and mahogany delivers warm, articulate tone ideal for fingerstyle
- ✓ 650 mm scale with bone nut and ebony bridge ensures precise intonation
- ✓ Dovetail neck and scalloped bracing provide responsive playability
Why choose Larrivee DV-03RE Custom 12 Strings Dreadnought Cutaway Guitar Molasses
- ✓ 12-string configuration creates natural shimmer and harmonic chorus unavailable on 6-strings
- ✓ Cutaway design grants comfortable access to upper frets for live and studio work
- ✓ Dreadnought body maintains projection and low-end balance across all 12 courses
- ✓ Molasses finish adds visual warmth and premium aesthetic
Frequently asked questions
Who needs the D-40 vs. the DV-03RE?
The D-40 is built for left-handed players and suits fingerstyle, folk, and singer-songwriter work. The DV-03RE is a right-handed 12-string cutaway best for players who want harmonic shimmer and upper-fret access in folk and Americana settings.
What is the main tonal difference?
The D-40 delivers warm, balanced clarity with articulate definition from its 6-string Spruce and mahogany design. The DV-03RE produces natural doubling, chorus, and richer overtone content from its 12-string paired courses.
Which is better for studio recording?
Both excel in studio—the D-40 suits intimate fingerstyle and vocal-accompaniment recording, while the DV-03RE's 12-string shimmer creates a fuller, more textured sonic landscape for folk and Americana arrangements.
Does the cutaway on the DV-03RE compromise tone?
No; Larrivee's cutaway design maintains dreadnought body mass for balanced low-end and midrange presence while providing upper-fret access without sacrificing acoustic projection or sustain.