Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $863
Standard/Professional
$500
$1201+
Price Tier
Budget
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.
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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
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What type of music is The Loar LH-309 Carved Top best suited for?
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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.
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How does the neck profile of The Loar LH-309 Carved Top affect playability?
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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.
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Does The Loar LH-309 Carved Top have a solid top, and what impact does it have on sound?
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Yes, The Loar LH-309 features a solid spruce top, which enhances resonance and projection, contributing to its rich, full-bodied tone.
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Is The Loar LH-309 Carved Top suitable for beginner guitarists?
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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.
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What is the scale length of The Loar LH-309 Carved Top, and how does it affect playability?
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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.
Videos
polkzoo
The Loar LH-309 solid carved top high end jazz tone at a working mans price $569
Reviews
PROS
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Stunning vintage-inspired design, reminiscent of a 50's Gibson ES-125
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Excellent fit and finish, with high-quality construction
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Soft V neck provides comfortable playability, especially for larger hands
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P90 pickup delivers a powerful, wide-ranging tonal palette
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Great unplugged acoustic tone for quiet practice
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Low action with no buzzing, ideal for smooth playability
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Performs exceptionally well with electric amps
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Versatile for both acoustic and electric styles
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Reasonably priced for the quality offered
CONS
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Bridge may need adjustment for proper intonation with a wound G string
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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
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The Loar LH-309 is noted for having a body similar to the 1930s Gibson L-30, appealing to those familiar with vintage designs.
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The Loar LH-309 is compared to the Godin 5th Avenue series as a modern alternative to vintage hollow bodies like the Kay.
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The LH-350 uses a Kent Armstrong floating pickup, praised for its jazz sound, similar to the LH-309 but without the carved top.
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Features and functionality
Use cases and applications
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The Loar LH-309 is recommended for stage use due to its durability and ability to withstand gigging conditions.
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Build quality
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The tailpiece is described as flimsy and cheap, made out of metal, sparking consideration for a custom wooden replacement.
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Setup and maintenance
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Feedback is a significant issue; users recommend watching amp placement, EQ settings, and using foam covers for F-holes.
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User experience
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The LH-350, despite being a plywood top, offers good acoustic tone and volume, suitable for non-professional jazz playing.
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5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating
Artist usage
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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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