This market is dominated by the American guitars from Martin, Gibson and Fender but this small company has managed to capture a loyal and secure share. The formula for success started with a unique X brace that gave the guitar considerable range, tone and volume. The company is known for its stunning inlays and quality of materials (woods sourced from Canada) and are growing in popularity with serious and novice players alike. Buy now, the few that end up on the used market are quickly snapped up and are destined to become serious collectables in the future. Larrivee was the primary building block in Canada emerging as a custom guitar producing hotspot. His students include William “Grit” Laskin, David Wren, and Linda Manzer, who have all become famous as builders.