The mandolin reviews database is here to help educate people before they purchase an instrument. Of course, this is not meant to be a substitute for playing the instrument yourself!
90 reviews in the archive.
Where Purchased: Guitar Center
Year Purchased: 2013
Price Paid: Don't Remember
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It has a pretty decent sound. Sounds very good on the treble strings, but is a bit lacking on the middle and bass strings.
Sound Rating: 8
This mandolin was setup very well when my dad purchased it. Nothing really had to be done to it. It was good to go!
Setup Rating: 10
It's basically a stripped down version of the LM-500 because it doesn't have any peghead inlay or binding. This is Loar's version of the Gibson F-5G. Just a no-frills F-style mandolin. I really like it though.
Appearance Rating: 9
I have used this mandolin on quite a few gigs the past year and have never really had any problems with it so I could definitely rely on it for that purpose.
Reliability Rating: 10
Have never dealt with Loar directly, but Guitar Center did a great job helping with the purchase.
Customer Service: 10
I don't think anything should be upgraded on this mandolin. For the price you get very good parts.
Components Rating: 10
I played this mandolin for awhile and really liked it. I have since moved on to other mandos that in my opinion have a stronger sound than this one, but overall I don't think it's a bad instrument in any way. If you're looking to buy a decent solid hand-carved F-style mandolin without breaking the bank, this would be the way to go. I would recommend it.
Overall Rating: 8
