acoustic guitarists: ever played a Larrivee?

[Bertha Venation]

I want a Martin, but have a friend who plays Larrivees and he swears by them. Have you ever played one? What did you think? What do you play?

[asthmaticeog]

1. I've played 'em in the store

They're too pricey for me to bring home for the endurance test. I like them a lot, though - the construction is top-notch, and they project with great clarity. Some of their models are really attractive, too. If I were shopping for a new one and money weren't an issue, though, I'd probably get a Guild.

My current acoustic is an Epiphone Jeff "Skunk" Baxter signature model. It's a jumbo acoustic/electric with a single cutaway and a little picture of a skunk inlaid into the 12th fret. I've had it since 1996 and it sounds great, but it has the usual Epiphone problem of being a wee bit temeramental about staying in tune.

[BrewerJohn]

2. I have one

It was a choice between that and a Martin for me also. I played both of them in the shop for about an hour before finally deciding. It was close, but I liked the tone of the Larrivee just a little better. It's held up very well and I've never regretted the choice.

[bmbmd]

3. How does that compare to a Taylor

cost-wise and otherwise?