Pricing and availability

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

Sweetwater
5.0 (1)
$1,199.99
Guitar Center
4.5 (5)
$1,199.99
Amazon
3.4 (5)
$1,199.99
Reverb
5.0 (7)
$1,099.99 New
$899.00 Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (21)
$1,199.99
Thomann
4.5 (21)
$866.00

Average Price: $1,095

High-end/Boutique

$100

$501+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "The Loar LM-600-VS Professional F-Style Mandolin". 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

Crafted for the discerning musician, The Loar LM-600-VS Professional F-Style Mandolin is a testament to timeless craftsmanship and vintage allure. This mandolin is a hand-carved masterpiece, echoing the classic 1920s F5-style design with a modern touch. The solid spruce top and flamed maple back and sides are meticulously carved, offering a rich, resonant tone that takes you back to the golden age of mandolin music.

The vintage sunburst finish, achieved through a delicate nitrocellulose lacquer, not only enhances its visual appeal but also maximizes its acoustic projection. A bone nut and adjustable ebony bridge ensure superb intonation, while the ebony fretboard provides a smooth playing experience. The one-piece maple neck, shaped into a comfortable rounded V profile, allows for effortless playability, whether you're strumming chords or diving into intricate solos.

Adorned with a custom flower pot inlay of abalone and mother-of-pearl, the headstock is as much a visual delight as it is a nod to the mandolin's rich heritage. The nickel-plated Gotoh tuners guarantee precise tuning stability, making this instrument as reliable as it is beautiful. Perfect for both seasoned players and those aspiring to join their ranks, the LM-600-VS stands out as a professional-grade instrument that doesn't break the bank.

Key Features:

  • Hand-carved solid spruce top with gloss finish
  • Flamed maple back and sides with nitrocellulose lacquer
  • Ebony fretboard with binding
  • Custom abalone and mother-of-pearl headstock inlay
  • Nickel-plated Gotoh tuning machines
  • Bone nut and adjustable ebony bridge
  • Vintage sunburst finish
  • Includes protective case

Product specs

Type Acoustic
Body Shape Professional F Style
Finish Gloss
Top Material Solid Spruce
Body Material Solid Figured Maple
Neck Material Figured 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 Gotoh Nickel with Ivoroid Buttons
Hardware Nickel
Strings D'Addario J74
Case/Gig Bag Hardshell Guardian Case

FAQs

What type of wood is used in The Loar LM-600-VS mandolin, and how does it affect the sound?

The Loar LM-600-VS features a solid spruce top and solid figured maple body, providing a bright, punchy tone ideal for bluegrass and ensemble playing. The combination of these woods enhances projection and clarity.

Is The Loar LM-600-VS mandolin suitable for bluegrass music?

Yes, The Loar LM-600-VS is well-suited for bluegrass, offering a bright and punchy tone that cuts through in ensemble settings. Its F-style body and solid wood construction contribute to its strong projection and clarity.

What is the neck profile of The Loar LM-600-VS mandolin?

The neck of The Loar LM-600-VS features a thin V profile, which provides comfortable playability and easy access across the fretboard, making it ideal for fast-paced bluegrass and folk playing styles.

Does The Loar LM-600-VS mandolin come with a case?

Yes, The Loar LM-600-VS comes with a hardshell Guardian case, offering excellent protection for the instrument during transport and storage.

How many frets does The Loar LM-600-VS mandolin have?

The Loar LM-600-VS mandolin features 29 frets, allowing for a wide range of notes and expressive playing across the fingerboard.

AXLMusicLink

AXLMusicLink

LM-600-VS

Video thumbnail for LM-600-VS by AXLMusicLink

LM-600-VS

AXLMusicLink

AXLMusicLink

Video thumbnail for The Loar 600 by Penny Lane Music Emporium

The Loar 600

Penny Lane Music Emporium

Penny Lane Music Emporium

Video thumbnail for The Loar LM600-VS Mandolin by The Mandolin Store

The Loar LM600-VS Mandolin

The Mandolin Store

The Mandolin Store

Video thumbnail for The Loar Professional Mandolin F-Style LM-600VS Demo - Papaw Odell's in Cleveland, TN by Papaw Odells

The Loar Professional Mandolin F-Style LM-600VS Demo - Papaw Odell's in Cleveland, TN

Papaw Odells

Papaw Odells

Reviews

PROS

  • Rich low-end tone with balanced mids and highs for beautiful sound quality

  • High-quality materials used in construction, offering durability and solid build

  • Gorgeous flamed maple back and sides enhance visual appeal

  • Excellent abalone and mother of pearl inlay work adds elegance

  • Tuners are of very good quality, ensuring stability

  • Nitrocellulose finish provides a classic appearance

  • Well-appointed fretboard with clean workmanship

  • Competitive pricing for its quality, outperforming similar models

  • Good tonal balance with harmonically rich sound

  • Suitable for both beginners and advanced players looking for an upgrade

CONS

  • Requires extensive setup, including fret leveling and bridge adjustments

  • Poor craftsmanship in some areas, notably the scroll and lacquer finish

  • Bridge elevation screws can cause discomfort when playing

  • Action may need adjustment for optimal playability

  • Machine heads reported as stiff by some users

  • Initial strings may sound dull and need replacement

  • Some finish flaws detected, affecting overall aesthetic quality

  • Quality control issues, with potential unfinished areas

  • High action can impact playability for techniques like pull-offs and hammer-ons

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about The Loar LM-600-VS Professional F-Style Mandolin.

Setup and maintenance

  • Users report the Loar LM-600-VS often requires setup, particularly for intonation issues above the 5th fret and potential buzzing unrelated to fret noise.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners suggest experiencing the instrument firsthand, as Eastman mandolins can be inconsistent; trying them in person is recommended to find the right fit.

    Source
  • One owner transitioned from guitar to mandolin due to mobility issues and found the Loar to be comfortable for lap playing, aiding in their recovery period.

    Source
  • Owners mention the LM-520 maintains tune well and has a satisfactory hand-carved feature, appealing to buyers interested in craftsmanship.

    Source

Comparisons

  • It's noted that Eastman 800 series primarily differ aesthetically from the 600 series, with significant tonal improvements seen in higher-end models like Northfield or Weber.

    Source
  • The Loar models reportedly have thicker necks and larger frets compared to Kentucky and Eastman mandolins, which affects playability preferences.

    Source
  • Kentucky mandolins are noted for a classic, dry sound, while Eastmans are described as having a darker, more modern tone.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Loar LM-600-VS is appreciated for its sound but recognized for limitations in classical and bluegrass styles, prompting users to consider upgrades.

    Source
  • A bluegrass enthusiast found the mandolin suitable for learning theory and improving soloing, aligning with their musical interests.

    Source
  • The LM-520 has been favorably used for home recordings in folk and country genres, appealing to multi-instrumentalists branching out.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Modifications such as a Cumberland bridge and Allan tailpiece have been implemented by enthusiasts to enhance the LM-600's performance.

    Source

Build quality

  • The Loar LM-590 was criticized for not staying in tune and having a tinny tone, while the LM-520 is praised for a solid build and pleasing sound.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • It's highlighted that A-style mandolins offer more value for money compared to scroll models, which tend to be pricier.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

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Genre Usage

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

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