Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
3.5 (3)
$1,999.99
Guitar Center
5.0 (4)
$1,749.99
Amazon
5.0 (5)
$1,999.99
Reverb
5.0 (13)
$1,999.99 1 available New
Thomann
4.5 (21)
$1,285.00

Average Price: $1,807

High-end/Boutique

$200

$601+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "The Loar LH-700 VS". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Immerse yourself in the golden era of jazz with The Loar LH-700 VS, an acoustic guitar that captures the essence of the 1920s archtop sound. Designed for discerning musicians and connoisseurs of classic tones, this instrument offers a hand-carved AAA-flamed spruce top that resonates with unmatched clarity and warmth. The AAA maple back and sides, along with a figured maple neck, provide both visual allure and robust tonal depth, making it a standout choice for professional jazz guitarists and archtop enthusiasts alike.

The LH-700 VS is more than just a visual marvel; its sound is a testament to meticulous craftsmanship. With an ebony fingerboard and bridge, each note sings with precision and a rich, dry timbre that projects effortlessly, filling any room with its vintage-inspired voice. Whether you're strumming chords or weaving intricate melodies, this guitar delivers a dynamic range and responsiveness that will inspire and elevate your performances.

Key Features:

  • Design: Archtop
  • Hand-carved AAA-flamed spruce top
  • AAA maple back and sides
  • Figured maple neck
  • Ebony fingerboard and bridge
  • 19 frets
  • Scale: 630 mm
  • Nut Width: 44.5 mm
  • Grover Vintage style tuners

Product specs

Brand The Loar
Model LH-700
Finish Vintage Sunburst
Year 2010s
Made In China
Categories Archtop Acoustic Guitars
Active Preamp No
Back Material Maple
Body Shape Archtop
Color Family Brown
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Satin
Fretboard Material Ebony
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 19
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup None
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Sides Material Maple
String Type Steel
Top Material Spruce

FAQs

What type of music is the Loar LH-700 VS best suited for?

The Loar LH-700 VS, with its archtop design and vintage tone, is ideal for jazz and blues. Its construction enhances midrange frequencies, making it perfect for ensemble settings where clarity and projection are important.

Does the Loar LH-700 VS have a pickup for amplification?

No, the Loar LH-700 VS does not come with a built-in pickup. It is a fully acoustic archtop guitar, but you can add a pickup if you need amplification for performances.

What materials are used in the construction of the Loar LH-700 VS?

The Loar LH-700 VS features a solid spruce top and maple back and sides, with an ebony fretboard. This combination of materials contributes to its warm and resonant tone.

Is the Loar LH-700 VS suitable for beginner guitarists?

The Loar LH-700 VS is better suited for intermediate to advanced players due to its specific tonal characteristics and playability. Beginners might find it challenging to fully utilize its potential without prior experience.

How does the Loar LH-700 VS compare to a flattop acoustic guitar?

The Loar LH-700 VS offers a distinct tonal quality with less brightness and bass compared to a flattop acoustic guitar. Its archtop design provides enhanced volume and projection, making it ideal for ensemble performances.

sockenfrank

sockenfrank

The Loar LH 700 VS Archtop

Video thumbnail for The Loar  LH 700 VS Archtop by sockenfrank

The Loar LH 700 VS Archtop

sockenfrank

sockenfrank

Video thumbnail for The Loar LH-700-VS by Jim Pankey

The Loar LH-700-VS

Jim Pankey

Jim Pankey

Video thumbnail for The Loar LH-700-VS Kent Armstrong Custom by lastguitarcom

The Loar LH-700-VS Kent Armstrong Custom

lastguitarcom

lastguitarcom

Reviews

PROS

  • Stunning finish with polished nitro-cellulose paint and gold-plated hardware

  • Comfortable neck, ideal for players who prefer a thicker neck profile

  • Excellent sound projection, cuts through ensemble with ease

  • Rich, clear, and woody tone with natural reverb

  • Constructed with solid woods, including spruce top and flamed maple back and sides

  • Ideal for jazz and vintage swing sound reminiscent of 1920s-30s guitars

  • Great value for price, especially when compared to high-end vintage guitars

  • Versatile for various genres, from jazz to Celtic music

  • Ebony fretboard and bridge add to the aesthetic and functional appeal

  • Arrives well-packed in a sturdy hard-shell case

CONS

  • Some minor cosmetic imperfections in fit and finish

  • Bridge and tailpiece may require upgrades for optimal performance

  • Occasional buzzing or ringing issues reported

  • Neck may feel too thick or flat for some players

  • Quality control inconsistencies across different units

  • Initial action setup might need adjustments for ideal playability

  • Some users report lack of volume and sustain initially

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about The Loar LH-700 VS.

Comparisons

  • The Loar LH-700 is described as more "choppy" compared to the fuller sound of Eastman models like the AR805 or AR610.

    Source
  • The Loar LH-700-VS is strictly acoustic, while Epiphone Masterbilt models like the Zenith offer acoustic-electric capabilities, influencing purchasing decisions based on playing needs.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • A floating pickup is recommended for archtops to enhance the acoustic volume, with solid wood construction preferred over laminate.

    Source
  • The Loar LH-700-VS comes with a matching pickguard pre-installed, enhancing its visual appeal for sunburst enthusiasts.

    Source
  • The neck of the LH-700-VS is described as "old school chunky," requiring some adjustment if transitioning from electric or modern acoustic guitars.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Loar LH-700 is suitable for those seeking a distinct, more percussive sound, contrasting with the richer tones of other archtops.

    Source

User experience

  • An owner noted the Loar LH-700 as a good value alternative to pricier options, despite its different sound character.

    Source
  • Owners report an increase in practice time, highlighting the guitar's ability to reignite passion for playing due to its attractive design and satisfying sound.

    Source
  • The LH-700's sound is described as midrange and flat, particularly suited for jazz and alt-country, with Martin monel nickel 13s enhancing its tone.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners highlight that neck angle on the LH-700 can be flatter than ideal, affecting the bridge height and potentially requiring adjustment for purists.

    Source
  • It's crucial to inspect for cracks and loose bindings on archtops like the LH-700, as these issues are more challenging to repair than on standard acoustics.

    Source

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Artist usage

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See how Jimmy Vivino uses The Loar LH-700 VS

Jimmy Vivino

Guitarist

Jimmy Vivino and the Basic Cable Band

...
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Today's dressing room guitar #Loar LH-700 VS new old style archtop "Sweet & Lowdown"

Genre Usage

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

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