Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $702
High-end/Boutique
$100
$501+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 4 merchants for "The Loar LM-520". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Dive into the heart of music with The Loar LM-520, a mandolin that marries simplicity with sophistication. This hand-crafted, F-style mandolin strips away the frills to focus on what truly matters: quality sound and playability. Perfect for both the aspiring and seasoned musician, its unembellished design speaks volumes of its confident, rich tones. Affordable without compromising on quality, The Loar LM-520 proves that true beauty lies in the music it creates, not just in ornamental flair.
Key Features:
- Hand-carved F-style design, emphasizing a sleek, minimalistic aesthetic
- Crafted for superior sound quality and ease of playability
- Ideal for both beginners and experienced players looking for an affordable, high-quality instrument
- Focuses on essential features to deliver rich, confident tones
- Lacks unnecessary ornamentation, prioritizing sound and functionality
Product specs
| Type | Acoustic |
| Body Shape | Performer F Style |
| Finish | Gloss |
| Top Material | Solid Spruce |
| Body Material | Solid Maple |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Neck Shape | Thin V Profile |
| Fingerboard Inlay | Mother-of-Pearl Dots |
| Number of Frets | 29 |
| Scale Length | 13.9" |
| Nut Material | Bone |
| Nut Width | 1.12" |
| Bridge Material | Ebony |
| Tuners | Nickel with Ivory Buttons |
| Hardware | Nickel |
| Strings | D'Addario J74 |
| Case/Gig Bag | Sold Separately |
FAQs
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What type of wood is used in the construction of The Loar LM-520 mandolin?
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The Loar LM-520 mandolin features a solid spruce top and solid maple back and sides, providing a rich and resonant sound.
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What is the neck profile of The Loar LM-520 mandolin?
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The neck of The Loar LM-520 mandolin has a thin V profile, which offers comfortable playability for both beginners and experienced players.
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Is The Loar LM-520 mandolin suitable for bluegrass music?
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Yes, The Loar LM-520 is well-suited for bluegrass music due to its F-style body shape and solid wood construction, which deliver a bright and punchy tone ideal for this genre.
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Does The Loar LM-520 mandolin come with a case?
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No, The Loar LM-520 mandolin is sold separately from a case or gig bag, so you may need to purchase one to protect your instrument.
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What strings are equipped on The Loar LM-520 mandolin?
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The Loar LM-520 mandolin comes with D'Addario J74 strings, known for their balanced tone and excellent playability.
Videos
wehappyfewmusic
Mandolin comparison/review. The Loar verses Epiphone
Reviews
PROS
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Excellent tone and resonance for the price range
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Solid wood, hand-carved construction enhances sound quality
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Beautiful, clean design with a flawless finish
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Comfortable V-style neck, even for smaller hands
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Reliable tuners that maintain tuning well
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Factory setup often near perfect out of the box
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Great value, competes with higher-priced models
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Sounds improves with use, wood "opens up" over time
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High-quality materials used, like ebony bridge
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Ideal for beginners or intermediate players seeking an upgrade
CONS
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Fingerboard extension may interfere with some playing styles
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Some craftsmanship issues, such as binding imperfections
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Requires setup adjustments for optimal playability
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Bridge may need sanding for a flush fit
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Lacks some features like a pickguard and inlays
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about The Loar LM-520.
Build quality
Setup and maintenance
Comparisons
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The Loar LM-520 and KM-252 are considered similar in craftsmanship, but the choice often depends on aesthetic preference rather than tonal differences.
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The Loar LM-520 is favored as the best-selling F model at its price point, but for better tone, the LM-600 is closer to the Eastman MD-315.
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Some players perceive Eastman mandolins to have superior craftsmanship and finish compared to The Loar, which can feel less refined in hand.
Source
Use cases and applications
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The LM-520 is praised as a solid starter mandolin that can handle extensive playtime, making it suitable for beginners wanting to delve deeper into the instrument.
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The Loar LM-520 is considered a solid choice for beginners, though some users eventually upgrade to Eastman or Kentucky models for a different tonal experience.
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User experience
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Some players transition from the LM-520 to higher-end models after gaining experience, indicating it's a good stepping stone for serious learners.
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Some owners find the LM-520's neck too big and its top too thick, lacking the desired "bark" in sound.
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Despite needing setup adjustments, such as action tweaks and bridge sanding, the LM-520 can become an excellent instrument once properly set up.
Source
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
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