I think you'll get some decent responses here UB. WE have several 'Catters with past or present experience with each brand.

Only you know the sound you're looking for and perhaps you ARE a mahogany person.......I am. In any case, have someone play them for you with your back turned as part of the decision process. Of course your feelings toward the actual "feel" are your own too and everyone has a certain amount of vanity in the appearance department. Both are excellent builders of fine quality instruments.

You don't say which models your friend is bringing, but as you know I'm sure, the sound of different body styles can be significantly different. If you're looking at dreadnoughts or whatever, be sure you're not comparing apples to oranges.

I am a big fan of Jean Larivee's guitars. His bracing patterns are unique and most remark on the "fit and finish" of his products. They are not as pricey as others but the quality is superb and they have an excellent reputation for standing behind their products. Larrivee has a wide range of bodies and depending on what you're after, the sound cahracteristics do differ. Many people feel the "Larrivee Small" body, designated LS, is one of the better balanced finger picking guitars around, but others don't care for the smaller size. I think its widely believed that Larrivee's are very "sweet" but lack projection. If that was ever true, I don't believe its true today. Several of our members have found to their surprise that the volume and sweetness are both there.

Rick and Willie-O have a shared Lowden, but its an older model. I have no experience to any degree with them, only a few "sample pickin's." They seem quite well made, have a fine reputation too and I liked the ones I've played, but that's not too much time. Others will be along to chime in I'm sure.

Good Luck and I hope you find what you're after!

Spaw