Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 4 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (6)
$849.99
Amazon
3.9 (6)
$1,288.12
Reverb
5.0 (2)
$725.00 1 available Used
Thomann
4.4 (28)
$589.00

Average Price: $863

Standard/Professional

$500

$1201+

Price Tier

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Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "The Loar LH-309 Carved Top". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* 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

Step back in time with the nostalgic charm of the Loar LH-309 Carved Top, an exquisite blend of vintage aesthetics and modern craftsmanship. This semi-hollowbody electric guitar captures the essence of the early 20th century archtop design, making it an exceptional choice for blues and bluegrass musicians who crave that authentic sound. Its hand-carved and hand-graduated spruce top ensures a resonant tone with articulate treble, while the maple sides and back provide a robust and warm foundation.

The Loar P-90 humbucker pickup is an undeniable highlight, delivering a hot output that maintains clarity and precision, allowing every note to shimmer with character. The V-shaped mahogany neck is not only a nod to classic guitar construction but also offers a comfortable grip that encourages hours of effortless play. The rounded rosewood fretboard complements the neck, adding a touch of luxury to every strum and pluck.

Finished with a gloss sheen and adorned with a Fleur-de-Lis headstock inlay, the LH-309 doesn’t just sound good; it looks the part of a timeless masterpiece. Whether you're performing on stage or lounging in a studio session, this guitar will undoubtedly become an extension of your musical expression.

Key Features:

  • Hand-carved and hand-graduated spruce top
  • Maple sides and back
  • V-shape mahogany neck with rosewood fretboard
  • Loar P-90 humbucker pickup with tone and volume knobs
  • Gloss finish with Fleur-de-Lis headstock inlay

Product specs

Number of Strings 6
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Type Hollowbody
Body Shape Archtop
Body Material Maple
Top Material Solid Spruce
Body Finish Gloss
Neck Material Mahogany
Neck Shape Soft V
Neck Joint Dovetail
Radius 16"
Fingerboard Inlay Mother-of-pearl Dots
Number of Frets 19
Scale Length 24.75"
Nut Width 1.75"
Nut Material Bone
Bridge/Tailpiece Vintage Loar, Compensated, Ebony
Tuners Nickel, Butterbean Buttons
Neck Pickup The Loar P90 Single-coil
Controls 1 x volume, 1 x tone
Strings GHS, .013-.056
Case/Gig Bag Sold Separately

FAQs

What type of music is The Loar LH-309 Carved Top best suited for?

The Loar LH-309 Carved Top is ideal for jazz and blues, thanks to its hollowbody design and P90 single-coil pickup, which deliver warm and articulate tones perfect for these genres.

How does the neck profile of The Loar LH-309 Carved Top affect playability?

The soft V neck shape of The Loar LH-309 provides a comfortable grip, making it easy to play for extended sessions and suitable for players who prefer a vintage-style neck feel.

Does The Loar LH-309 Carved Top have a solid top, and what impact does it have on sound?

Yes, The Loar LH-309 features a solid spruce top, which enhances resonance and projection, contributing to its rich, full-bodied tone.

Is The Loar LH-309 Carved Top suitable for beginner guitarists?

While The Loar LH-309 offers excellent sound quality, its hollowbody design and specific tonal characteristics may be more appreciated by intermediate to advanced players familiar with jazz and blues styles.

What is the scale length of The Loar LH-309 Carved Top, and how does it affect playability?

The scale length of The Loar LH-309 is 24.75 inches, which provides a slightly shorter reach, making it easier for players to perform bends and complex chords comfortably.

polkzoo

polkzoo

The Loar LH-309 solid carved top high end jazz tone at a working mans price $569

Video thumbnail for The Loar LH-309 solid carved top high end jazz tone at a working mans price $569 by polkzoo

The Loar LH-309 solid carved top high end jazz tone at a working mans price $569

polkzoo

polkzoo

Video thumbnail for New The Loar LH 309 Solid Carved Top P90 Pickup  $569 Steve 714-548-0385 by polkzoo

New The Loar LH 309 Solid Carved Top P90 Pickup $569 Steve 714-548-0385

polkzoo

polkzoo

Video thumbnail for The LH-309 Electric Archtop by The Loar

The LH-309 Electric Archtop

The Loar

The Loar

Video thumbnail for The Loar LH-309 - The perfect player grade jazz guitar! by Uhlik Music

The Loar LH-309 - The perfect player grade jazz guitar!

Uhlik Music

Uhlik Music

Video thumbnail for Loar LH 309 Review and Demo by Yellow Magic Dog

Loar LH 309 Review and Demo

Yellow Magic Dog

Yellow Magic Dog

Reviews

PROS

  • Stunning vintage-inspired design, reminiscent of a 50's Gibson ES-125

  • Excellent fit and finish, with high-quality construction

  • Soft V neck provides comfortable playability, especially for larger hands

  • P90 pickup delivers a powerful, wide-ranging tonal palette

  • Great unplugged acoustic tone for quiet practice

  • Low action with no buzzing, ideal for smooth playability

  • Performs exceptionally well with electric amps

  • Versatile for both acoustic and electric styles

  • Reasonably priced for the quality offered

CONS

  • Bridge may need adjustment for proper intonation with a wound G string

  • Not suitable for players with small hands

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about The Loar LH-309 Carved Top.

Comparisons

  • The Loar LH-309 is noted for having a body similar to the 1930s Gibson L-30, appealing to those familiar with vintage designs.

    Source
  • The Loar LH-309 is compared to the Godin 5th Avenue series as a modern alternative to vintage hollow bodies like the Kay.

    Source
  • The LH-350 uses a Kent Armstrong floating pickup, praised for its jazz sound, similar to the LH-309 but without the carved top.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Loar LH-309 is highlighted as a well-under-$1K option, making it an accessible choice for those on a budget.

    Source
  • The neck is notably fat, which might affect playability for some players sensitive to neck thickness.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Loar LH-309 is recommended for stage use due to its durability and ability to withstand gigging conditions.

    Source

Build quality

  • The tailpiece is described as flimsy and cheap, made out of metal, sparking consideration for a custom wooden replacement.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Feedback is a significant issue; users recommend watching amp placement, EQ settings, and using foam covers for F-holes.

    Source

User experience

  • The LH-350, despite being a plywood top, offers good acoustic tone and volume, suitable for non-professional jazz playing.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Custom wooden tailpieces are considered to enhance both aesthetic appeal and possibly durability.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

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See how Shakey Graves uses The Loar LH-309 Carved Top

Shakey Graves

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

Can be seen at 0:12. Shakey changed the pickups and took out the P90.

See how Buzzy Lao uses The Loar LH-309 Carved Top

Buzzy Lao

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

Main guitar on Lacrime d'amore videoclip

See how Alejandro Rose-Garcia uses The Loar LH-309 Carved Top

Alejandro Rose-Garcia

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

This is one of the guitars that he uses mainly in the audiotree live sessions for roll the bones, built to roam and many other songs he preformed during the session. I left the link to the video where he can be seen using it

Album Usage

The The Loar LH-309 Carved Top has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use The Loar LH-309 Carved Top, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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nevin_zemlock

nevin_zemlock

Gear IQ 116

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