Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (1)
$749.99
Guitar Center
4.5 (7)
$749.99
Amazon
4.1 (48)
$749.99
Reverb
5.0 (17)
$699.99 New
$649.95 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (31)
$749.99
Thomann
4.5 (38)
$566.00

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.

* 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

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

What type of wood is used in the construction of The Loar LM-520 mandolin?

The Loar LM-520 mandolin features a solid spruce top and solid maple back and sides, providing a rich and resonant sound.

What is the neck profile of The Loar LM-520 mandolin?

The neck of The Loar LM-520 mandolin has a thin V profile, which offers comfortable playability for both beginners and experienced players.

Is The Loar LM-520 mandolin suitable for bluegrass music?

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.

Does The Loar LM-520 mandolin come with a case?

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.

What strings are equipped on The Loar LM-520 mandolin?

The Loar LM-520 mandolin comes with D'Addario J74 strings, known for their balanced tone and excellent playability.

wehappyfewmusic

wehappyfewmusic

Mandolin comparison/review. The Loar verses Epiphone

Video thumbnail for Mandolin comparison/review. The Loar verses Epiphone by wehappyfewmusic

Mandolin comparison/review. The Loar verses Epiphone

wehappyfewmusic

wehappyfewmusic

Video thumbnail for The Loar LM-520-VS Mandolin by LarrysMusicCenter

The Loar LM-520-VS Mandolin

LarrysMusicCenter

LarrysMusicCenter

Video thumbnail for Banjo.com video: demo of a new The Loar LM-520 F-Style Mandolin by banjodotcom

Banjo.com video: demo of a new The Loar LM-520 F-Style Mandolin

banjodotcom

banjodotcom

Video thumbnail for The Loar LM-520-VS 2013 All solid wood Mandolin soundcheck by Tamás Pógyor

The Loar LM-520-VS 2013 All solid wood Mandolin soundcheck

Tamás Pógyor

Tamás Pógyor

Video thumbnail for The Loar LM-520-VS Performer F-style Mandolin by Sweetwater

The Loar LM-520-VS Performer F-style Mandolin

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for Deck The Halls - Loar LM520 Mandolin by Weed Patch Music Company

Deck The Halls - Loar LM520 Mandolin

Weed Patch Music Company

Weed Patch Music Company

Reviews

PROS

  • Excellent tone and resonance for the price range

  • Solid wood, hand-carved construction enhances sound quality

  • Beautiful, clean design with a flawless finish

  • Comfortable V-style neck, even for smaller hands

  • Reliable tuners that maintain tuning well

  • Factory setup often near perfect out of the box

  • Great value, competes with higher-priced models

  • Sounds improves with use, wood "opens up" over time

  • High-quality materials used, like ebony bridge

  • Ideal for beginners or intermediate players seeking an upgrade

CONS

  • Fingerboard extension may interfere with some playing styles

  • Some craftsmanship issues, such as binding imperfections

  • Requires setup adjustments for optimal playability

  • Bridge may need sanding for a flush fit

  • 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

  • Some users find the Loar LM-520's sound to be sharp, but it's noted for being well-made and maintaining tune reliably.

    Source
  • The Loar LM-520 features a thick poly finish that some users find to be overly applied, potentially affecting the instrument’s resonance.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners recommend professional setup for the LM-520 to avoid issues, with some opting for luthier assistance for optimal playability.

    Source
  • Owners have reported needing to file down fret ends on the LM-520, indicating potential for sharp fret edges out of the box.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Loar LM-520 and KM-252 are considered similar in craftsmanship, but the choice often depends on aesthetic preference rather than tonal differences.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source
  • 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

  • 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.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source

User experience

  • Some players transition from the LM-520 to higher-end models after gaining experience, indicating it's a good stepping stone for serious learners.

    Source
  • Some owners find the LM-520's neck too big and its top too thick, lacking the desired "bark" in sound.

    Source
  • Despite needing setup adjustments, such as action tweaks and bridge sanding, the LM-520 can become an excellent instrument once properly set up.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The LM-520 is often regarded as more affordable than comparable Eastman models, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers seeking an entry-level mandolin.

    Source

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