GuitarDogs62 - Posted - 05/21/2014:  12:25:38

I purchased three weeks ago a new Loar LM-400 A-Style Mandolin from the Folk Musician. I have played this Mandolin a little bit before writing my review:

Looks:

I really do love the burst and inlay work done on this mandolin. I feel it looks classy and sharp.

Feel:

This mandolin is very comfortable to play and hold. I have played as long as three hours at one sitting. I could have played more but had to go to my weekly Saturday night jamming session at Albert Music Hall in the picking shed. I find there is more than ample room for my finger to move and play on the neck. I find the neck to be smooth and fast when needed. The mandolin has a nice balance to it.

Sound:

I first off have installed a tone guard on this Mandolin that I have on my F style as well. The tone guards really do make a difference in volume. Highly suggest them. The sound is clean, crisp and can be loud when called for. I can hear the notes ring clear and not muffled and no buzzing on any of the strings. My Mandolin had a good setup and intonation done prior to shipping from the folk musician. This Mandolin far as sound and volume will keep up and compete with a lot of the other Mandolins that I have heard in the same class and step above.

Case:

My Mandolin came with a hard case that I feel is ample and protective. I do use a damp it system in my mandolin and seems to last in the case for quite some time.

My Feeling and Recommendation:

This is a really good to great mandolin in the price range. This mandolin will hold it's own in a Bluegrass Jam. I see myself with this mandolin for a good long time to come. The Mandolin does sound sweet and is built to compete with any other mandolin in it's class and dare I say a class above. The Loar LM-400 is built to be played and have fun with. It is not a beginners mandolin when you listen to it voicing and sound. This is a instrument built for fun and sound and is very good quality. The instrument sounds good on stage and in a Jam. Would I recommend this mandolin to anyone to buy and play. My answer is simply yes. I am very impressed by this instrument specially in the price range.