Robee - Posted - 04/07/2011:  13:58:24

There aren't a lot of good music stores around here, but I went into one a few days ago and they had "The Loar LM 520 VS."  This was the first carved top mandolin that I have seen in any stores here.  I played it and it was quite satisfactory for the $450 that they want. 

I checked online and for $469, there are a few places that have this model with a case and free shipping.  Mandolinhut.com was one of them.  They also say that they make sure it is setup with the nut filed, if needed, bridge adjusted, frets checked for level, etc.   Would you buy this online?

Thanks,

Robert

Charley Wild - Posted - 04/08/2011:  18:26:32

It depends! Just what you wanted to hear, right? Is $500 a lot of money to you or isn't it?  My point of course, is it depends on what you expect for your $500. If I was to spend that sum on a mandolin on line or by phone I would go with the place that does a good setup! I'm not familiar with the Mandolin Hut  but I know that The Mandolin Store and Folkmusician have very good reputations for selling well set up mandolins on line or by phone. Mandolin Hut may also. Again, I'm just not familiar with them. I would take Dennis' (Mandolin Store) word or Robert's (Folkmusician) for sure! On a more expensive mando I would certainly want to play it. So for a $500 instrument I'd do it but for a more expensive instrument, even a $1000 one I want to play it. BUT that's me.

Wilbur - Posted - 04/09/2011:  08:07:56

I think you need to go back to that store and ask them questions till they are blue in the face.  Ask them about setting it up and who does it, what do they have for a warranty, ask them if they will take it back after you discover you were a victim of MAS.  Tell them you will give 475 if they throw in the hard case.  Online, you might be getting free shipping one way to your house.  What if you have to send it back?

I prefer to buy local.  Good luck on your decision!

Edited by - Wilbur on 04/09/2011 08:09:20

beegee - Posted - 04/11/2011:  14:55:00

I just bought one for $325 w. no case. I'll give a full report when I get it.  The Loars I have played are really good. I had a prototype that had a truss rod problem.

Hedgehog - Posted - 05/04/2011:  15:49:25

Well Mr. Beegee - have you gotten your The Loar?  If so, I'm looking forward to reading about it!  I suppose I might have missed it somewhere, but haven't seen it yet.

Robee - Posted - 05/18/2011:  06:57:19

I went in last week to buy the mandolin in the store.  They had sold it so I decided to give mandolinhut.com a try.  I have heard good reviews.  They were out of stock.  I checked more reviews and saw The mandolin Store had good reviews on the mandolincafe website.  I checked them out and ordered my mandolin for $449, with a case, and shipping included.  It came and was nicely set up.  I am pleased with my online purchase!