Pricing and availability
Average Price: $595
High-end/Boutique
$100
$501+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
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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
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What type of wood is used in the construction of the Loar Mandolin LM 500?
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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.
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Is the Loar Mandolin LM 500 suitable for bluegrass music?
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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.
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Does the Loar Mandolin LM 500 come with a pickguard?
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Yes, the Loar Mandolin LM 500 includes a pickguard, which helps protect the body from pick scratches during playing.
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How does the Loar Mandolin LM 500 compare to other mandolins in its price range?
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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.
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What is the neck profile like on the Loar Mandolin LM 500?
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The Loar Mandolin LM 500 features a comfortable, rounded neck profile that facilitates easy playability, suitable for both beginners and experienced players.
Videos
The Loar
The Loar LM-500 Hand-Carved Mandolin
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
Comparisons
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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.
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The Loar mandolins reportedly require more initial setup work than Eastman mandolins, which are praised for their out-of-the-box craftsmanship.
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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.
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The Loar LM-500 series is noted for a dark and woody tone, suitable for players seeking a more traditional mandolin sound.
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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.
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Some owners prefer the LM-500 over Eastman models below $2,000, citing better value at this price point.
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Setup and maintenance
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LM-520 owners have noticed the need for fret end filing to maintain playability.
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Some owners experience a tinny sound, particularly with the LM-500, which can be improved by proper setup.
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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.
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Build quality
Value and pricing
Mods and upgrades
5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating
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