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Please note this is an archived topic, so it is locked and unable to be replied to. You may, however, start a new topic and refer to this topic with a link: http://www.mandohangout.com/archive/35879
Voyager_Records - Posted - 12/14/2013: 09:36:51
Hey all!
This is my very first post here––I'm not quite a mandolin player yet, but I've been really looking to learn recently, so I've decided to buy myself one for Christmas! I've played acoustic guitar for six or seven years, so I've learned my way around a fretted instrument before, and I have a solid sense of what a quality instrument sounds and feels like. My budget is $300 MAX on a used solid-wood, hand-carved mando, a good setup, and a durable case...all my research has pointed me to the Loar LM-220 and the Kentucky KM-160. Is there anyone here who has played both, or anybody with a particular fondness for either mandolin? It would be hard for me to test both out, so I thought I'd get some opinions from the good people here!
Thanks so much in advance!!
TI_USER - Posted - 12/14/2013: 16:58:57
In that price range you are looking a mandolins that are pretty similar in quality. With either model you are likely to find some decent ones and some mediocre ones. I don't think either brand will be consistently better. Both models have a decent reputation for a beginner mandolin.
flyod - Posted - 12/14/2013: 17:57:29
I have a KM-160, and it sounds fine. I did put on some j-74 strings and it did make some difference in sound, a little brighter. My lesson teacher likes the sound also. As far as the Loar, I have not played one. Just my own experience.
Good luck, and have fun learning.
ErikForGod - Posted - 01/12/2014: 18:18:33
I played a Loar LM520 over Christmas and was surprised at how much mandolin it was for only 560 bucks. All solid carved, graduated tops backs and sides, really purty nice....has a thick heavy laquer finish that I didnt like though.
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