The Loar LH-650 Archtop

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Page last updated Apr 28, 2026

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Price

Average Price: $799

Standard/Professional

$500

$1201+

Price Tier

In the Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars category, The Loar LH-650 Archtop is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Description

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Dive into the world of vintage-inspired sound with the Loar LH-650 Archtop, a semi-hollowbody electric guitar that merges classic aesthetics with modern playability. This guitar is a true nod to the golden age of jazz guitars, boasting a meticulously carved Spruce top that resonates with warm, articulate tones. The Florentine cutaway not only adds a touch of elegance but also provides easy access to higher frets, making it a versatile choice for both rhythm and lead guitarists.

The LH-650 is equipped with a single Kent Armstrong pickup, renowned for its ability to capture the subtle nuances of your playing, whether you’re strumming complex chords or delivering a smooth solo. Its rich mahogany back and sides contribute to a full-bodied sound that is both dynamic and responsive. As part of The Loar's commitment to quality craftsmanship, this guitar is designed for musicians who appreciate both vintage charm and contemporary performance. Whether you're a seasoned jazz cat or a blues enthusiast, the LH-650 offers a unique voice that will inspire your creativity.

Key Features:

Carved Spruce top for enhanced resonance
Mahogany back and sides for a warm, full-bodied sound
Single Kent Armstrong pickup for precise tonal capture
Florentine cutaway for easy access to higher frets
Vintage-style aesthetics with modern playability

Product specs

Brand	The Loar
Model	LH-650
Finish	Black, Natural, Vintage Sunburst
Year	2010 - 2018
Made In	China
Categories	Archtop Electric Guitars, Hollow Body Guitars
Body Shape	Single Cutaway
Body Type	Hollow Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type	Stop-Bar
Color Family	Black, Brown, Natural, Tan
Finish Pattern	Sunburst
Finish Style	Gloss
Fretboard Material	Ebony
Neck Construction	Set-Neck
Neck Material	Mahogany
Number of Frets	19
Number of Strings	6-String
Pickup Configuration	H
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed
Scale Length	24.75"

FAQs

What type of music is The Loar LH-650 Archtop best suited for?: The Loar LH-650 Archtop is ideal for jazz, blues, and swing music due to its rich, warm tones and classic archtop design. Its single humbucker pickup enhances its suitability for these genres by providing smooth, mellow sounds.
What is the neck profile of The Loar LH-650 Archtop like?: The Loar LH-650 Archtop features a comfortable C-shaped neck profile, which is designed to offer a smooth playing experience, making it suitable for both rhythm and lead guitarists.
Does The Loar LH-650 Archtop have a solid or laminated top?: The Loar LH-650 Archtop is crafted with a hand-carved solid spruce top, which contributes to its superior acoustic projection and tonal clarity compared to laminated tops.
Is The Loar LH-650 Archtop suitable for beginners?: While The Loar LH-650 Archtop offers professional-level features and craftsmanship, its playability and comfortable neck make it accessible for dedicated beginners who are serious about learning jazz or blues guitar.
What kind of pickup does The Loar LH-650 Archtop use?: The Loar LH-650 Archtop is equipped with a single Kent Armstrong humbucker pickup, known for delivering a warm, vintage tone that complements the guitar's acoustic properties.
How does The Loar LH-650 Archtop compare to other semi-hollowbody guitars?: The Loar LH-650 Archtop stands out with its hand-carved solid spruce top and vintage-style aesthetics, offering a distinct tonal character and superior craftsmanship compared to many other semi-hollowbody guitars in its class.

Videos

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mark honeyman

The Loar LH 650 - review after 3 months playing.

mark honeyman

The Loar New Blond LH-650 $1799 $1349 SOLD Best value on the planet in an archtop

polkzoo

The Loar LH-650-VS Part1

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Review The Loar LH-650 Hollowbody Guitar

GuitarThai

The Loar LH-650 VS Archtop guitar presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg and Martin Flindt

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The Loar LH 650 VS

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Reviews

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PROS

Exceptional build quality with a beautiful finish
Loud, clear acoustic sound with great projection
Comfortable, thicker C-shaped neck fits well in hand
High playability with clean pickup sound across strings
Minimalist design with volume-only knob and elegant pickguard
Solid maple back and sides add to the guitar's heft and substance
Well-constructed, durable craftsmanship from Chinese production
High-quality Tune-O-Matic bridge contributes to sound quality
Amplified tone offers depth and richness, enhancing musical experience
Competes with high-end brands like Gibson and D’Angelico

CONS

Occasional buzzing on B and G strings due to saddle inserts
Heavier than other guitars due to solid wood construction
Slightly lower volume on high e string requires adjustment
Feedback issues unless amp EQ is adjusted
Acoustic performance may not suffice for unamplified bandstand use

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about The Loar LH-650 Archtop.

Features and functionality

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The LH-650 features a Kent Armstrong floating pickup, praised for jazz applications and clarity when plugged in.
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A floating mini humbucker integrated into the pickguard preserves acoustic tone better than body-mounted electronics.
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Build quality

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The tailpiece is described as flimsy and metallic, suggesting the potential benefit of upgrading to a custom wooden tailpiece.
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Setup and maintenance

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Feedback issues are common; owners recommend using foam covers for the F holes and managing amp positioning and EQ settings to mitigate this.
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Comparisons

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The LH-350 offers similar build quality to the LH-650 and could save users around 400 euros, though it features a plywood top rather than solid.
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The Eastman Ar610, priced 500 euros above the LH-650, is perceived to offer superior quality.
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Peerless guitars are noted for their quality and may be worth considering alongside The Loar archtops.
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User experience

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The neck is notably fat, which may not suit all players, although some adjust without issue.
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Use cases and applications

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Despite being a plywood top, the LH-350 provides a decent acoustic tone and sufficient loudness for unplugged practice.
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A non-cutaway archtop is suggested for better acoustic sound, as cutaways can reduce volume and tone.
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A 17-inch body is recommended for enhanced acoustic projection over a 16-inch body.
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Mods and upgrades

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A vintage Gretsch New Yorker paired with a DeArmond floating pickup is suggested for a charming and affordable vintage setup.
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Critic Reviews

The Loar LH-650 Archtop Guitar Review – Carillon Audio

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The Loar LH-650 Archtop is a mixed bag with its bright sound and increased volume after some play, making it a promising jazz guitar for around $1200. However, it falls short on finer details, with a less-than-ideal fretboard design that limits top vibration, and subpar visual appointments like a cheap-looking pick guard. Initial setup issues, such as bridge misplacement, suggest quality control inconsistencies. Despite these flaws, it's a decent choice for those seeking an intermediate archtop, particularly if found used at a lower price.

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