Pricing and availability

Average Price: $595

High-end/Boutique

$100

$501+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

The Loar LM 500 Mandolin is a tribute to classic craftsmanship and modern innovation, perfect for both seasoned players and passionate learners. This F-style mandolin captivates with its rich, vintage-inspired tones, courtesy of a hand-carved spruce top paired with finely crafted maple back and sides. Designed with the musician in mind, its scooped ebony fretboard allows for smooth playability, giving you the freedom to explore intricate melodies without the worry of hitting upper frets.

Whether you're strumming in a cozy folk ensemble or leading a lively bluegrass jam, the LM 500 delivers a warm, resonant sound that stands out. Its beautifully arched body not only enhances its visual appeal but also contributes to its dynamic sound projection, making it a reliable companion on and off stage. As a striking combination of elegance and practicality, this mandolin offers an ideal balance between affordability and exceptional quality, ensuring it fits seamlessly into any collection – be it as a primary instrument or a trusty backup.

Key Features:

  • Hand-carved solid spruce top for enhanced tonal clarity
  • Maple back and sides for a warm, resonant sound
  • F-style body for traditional aesthetics and increased volume
  • Scooped ebony fretboard for effortless playability
  • Suitable for intermediate to professional musicians looking for quality craftsmanship at an accessible price

Product specs

Brand The Loar
Model LM-500
Finish Vintage Sunburst
Year 2010 - 2017
Made In China
Categories Mandolins

FAQs

What type of wood is used in the construction of the Loar Mandolin LM 500?

The Loar Mandolin LM 500 features a solid hand-carved spruce top and maple back and sides, which contribute to its rich, resonant sound and traditional aesthetic.

Is the Loar Mandolin LM 500 suitable for bluegrass music?

Yes, the Loar Mandolin LM 500 is well-suited for bluegrass music due to its F-style body and bright, punchy tone, which can cut through in ensemble settings.

Does the Loar Mandolin LM 500 come with a pickguard?

Yes, the Loar Mandolin LM 500 includes a pickguard, which helps protect the body from pick scratches during playing.

How does the Loar Mandolin LM 500 compare to other mandolins in its price range?

The Loar Mandolin LM 500 is noted for its quality craftsmanship and sound projection, making it a strong contender in its price range, particularly for those seeking an F-style mandolin.

What is the neck profile like on the Loar Mandolin LM 500?

The Loar Mandolin LM 500 features a comfortable, rounded neck profile that facilitates easy playability, suitable for both beginners and experienced players.

The Loar

The Loar

The Loar LM-500 Hand-Carved Mandolin

Video thumbnail for The Loar LM-500 Hand-Carved Mandolin by The Loar

The Loar LM-500 Hand-Carved Mandolin

The Loar

The Loar

Video thumbnail for Shawn Brock- The Loar LM 500 VS mandolin demo by ShawnBrockMusic

Shawn Brock- The Loar LM 500 VS mandolin demo

ShawnBrockMusic

ShawnBrockMusic

Video thumbnail for Shawn Brock plays Red Wing on The Loar LM 500 VS mandolin by ShawnBrockMusic

Shawn Brock plays Red Wing on The Loar LM 500 VS mandolin

ShawnBrockMusic

ShawnBrockMusic

Video thumbnail for Banjo.com video: demo of a new The Loar LM-500 F-Style Mandolin by banjodotcom

Banjo.com video: demo of a new The Loar LM-500 F-Style Mandolin

banjodotcom

banjodotcom

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Loar Mandolin LM 500.

User experience

  • One owner noted that the LM-500 can be a gateway to more expensive mandolins, as players often develop a strong interest in mandolins quickly.

    Source
  • Some Loar mandolins required adjustments like bridge sanding and tuner lubrication upon purchase to meet player expectations.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Kentucky mandolins, such as the KM1000 and KM900, are noted for their exceptional value and distinct character, offering an alternative to The Loar and Eastman.

    Source
  • The Loar mandolins reportedly require more initial setup work than Eastman mandolins, which are praised for their out-of-the-box craftsmanship.

    Source
  • Eastman MD315 features a matte finish and solid maple back, offering a different aesthetic and tonal quality compared to the gloss finish of the 500 series.

    Source
  • The Loar LM-500 series is noted for a dark and woody tone, suitable for players seeking a more traditional mandolin sound.

    Source
  • When comparing the Loar LM-500 to the Eastman 515, users note a significant improvement in sound quality, with the Eastman offering better balance and warmth.

    Source
  • Some owners prefer the LM-500 over Eastman models below $2,000, citing better value at this price point.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • LM-520 owners have noticed the need for fret end filing to maintain playability.

    Source
  • Some owners experience a tinny sound, particularly with the LM-500, which can be improved by proper setup.

    Source
  • Intonation and action issues on high frets can be resolved by a luthier; older models may have uneven nut slots and poor quality fret wire.

    Source

Build quality

  • The Loar LM-700 and LM-400 provide a dark/woody sound profile, distinct from the brighter profile of Eastman mandolins.

    Source
  • Later models have improved build quality, with symmetrical fluer de lis headstock inlay and scooped frets under A and E strings.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The Loar LM-500 is recognized as a good entry-level choice, with some owners upgrading to higher-end models like Eastman or Collings as they progress.

    Source
  • $350 is considered a decent price for a well-maintained LM-500, especially with a piezo installed, compared to past prices over $400.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Installing an LR Baggs pickup and a custom nut can significantly enhance the LM-500's playability and tone.

    Source
  • Applying a speed neck mod is recommended due to the thick and sticky poly finish that can snag fingers during play.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Loar mandolins are often recommended as great starter instruments for those interested in exploring mandolin without significant financial investment.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
joy_robin_whitley

Best mandolin

This mandolin is beautiful visually and musically. It projects well for an F style mandolin and is resonant. The only other mandolin I've found that I like better was a vintage Gibson that I missed out on.

More Mandolins

Rogue RM-100A Mandolin

$69.99 - $129.99

# 1

Rank

Gene Ween Rob Scallon Zachary M. W. Corsa
5 artists using
Ibanez M510E

$199.00 - $232.00

# 2

Rank

Mauricio Durán Gene Ween Aaron Freeman
4 artists using
Ibanez M510 Mandolin

$180.49 - $199.99

# 6

Rank

Ariza
1 artist using
Washburn M3SWK

$599.00 - $849.99

# 14

Rank

Lil Nas X
1 artist using
Gibson F5-G Mandolin

$5,999.00 - $6,199.00

# 15

Rank

Marcus Mumford Chris Thile Zac Brown
3 artists using

Accessories & Related Items

Artist usage

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides