Pricing and availability

Average Price: $369

Standard/Professional

$200

$601+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Step back in time with The Loar LO-16, a guitar that elegantly marries vintage charm with modern craftsmanship. This acoustic gem captures the essence of golden-era parlor guitars, offering an authentic experience for musicians who cherish a classic vibe. The Loar LO-16 isn’t just about looks; it’s about creating an intimate connection with your music. With a hand-selected solid spruce top paired with mahogany back and sides, this guitar delivers rich, resonant tones that are perfect for the soulful expressions of singer-songwriters and solo blues artists alike.

The attention to detail is evident in its upscale appointments. Featuring Grover tuning machines for precise and stable tuning, and a striking mother-of-pearl headstock inlay, the LO-16 offers both visual and auditory delight. Its double-bound body adds a touch of elegance, making it as much a joy to behold as it is to play. Despite its compact size, this small-bodied instrument packs a powerful punch, channeling authentic vintage sounds that resonate with warmth and clarity.

Whether you're strumming in a cozy room or performing on stage, The Loar LO-16 is your perfect companion, inviting you to explore the depths of your musical creativity with a nod to the past.

Key Features:

  • Hand-selected solid spruce top with mahogany back and sides
  • Grover tuning machines for superior tuning stability
  • Mother-of-pearl headstock inlay
  • Double-bound body for classic aesthetics
  • Ideal for singer-songwriters and solo blues musicians

Product specs

Brand The Loar
Model LO-16
Finish Black, Natural
Year 2010 - 2018
Made In China
Categories Parlor Guitars
Active Preamp No
Back Material Mahogany
Body Shape Parlor
Color Family Black, Natural, Tan
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 19
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup None
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Sides Material Mahogany
String Type Steel
Top Material Spruce

FAQs

What type of wood is used in the construction of The Loar LO-16?

The Loar LO-16 features a spruce top with mahogany back and sides, providing a warm and balanced tone typical of classic parlor guitars.

Is The Loar LO-16 suitable for fingerstyle playing?

Yes, the parlor body shape and tonewoods of The Loar LO-16 make it well-suited for fingerstyle playing, offering a clear and articulate sound.

Does The Loar LO-16 come with a built-in pickup?

No, The Loar LO-16 does not come with a built-in pickup, making it a purely acoustic guitar without electronic amplification.

How does the parlor body shape of The Loar LO-16 affect its sound?

The parlor body shape of The Loar LO-16 provides a focused, intimate sound with a strong midrange, ideal for blues and folk music.

What kind of finish does The Loar LO-16 have?

The Loar LO-16 features a gloss finish available in black, natural, and tan, enhancing its visual appeal while protecting the wood.

How many frets does The Loar LO-16 have?

The Loar LO-16 has 19 frets, allowing for a comfortable range suitable for most acoustic playing styles.

MusicAcumen

MusicAcumen

H.M. Blues : The Loar LO16 BK

Video thumbnail for H.M. Blues : The Loar LO16 BK by MusicAcumen

H.M. Blues : The Loar LO16 BK

MusicAcumen

MusicAcumen

Video thumbnail for The LO-16 Small Body by The Loar

The LO-16 Small Body

The Loar

The Loar

Video thumbnail for The Loar LO-16 Acoustic Guitar | Elderly Instruments by Elderly Instruments

The Loar LO-16 Acoustic Guitar | Elderly Instruments

Elderly Instruments

Elderly Instruments

Video thumbnail for The Loar LO-16 sound test by DK Joshua (김대국)

The Loar LO-16 sound test

DK Joshua (김대국)

DK Joshua (김대국)

Video thumbnail for LOAR / LO-16 by サウンドハウス

LOAR / LO-16

サウンドハウス

サウンドハウス

Video thumbnail for Loar LO-16BK Unboxing Video by NorthWriter

Loar LO-16BK Unboxing Video

NorthWriter

NorthWriter

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about The Loar LO-16.

Use cases and applications

  • The Loar LO-16 is praised for its warmth and midrange growl, making it ideal for blues and slide guitar styles.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The 00-sized body of the LO-16 offers enhanced comfort, especially appreciated by players of smaller stature.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the vintage aesthetic, describing it as an "old timey black-and-white tuxedo look," adding to its visual appeal.

    Source

User experience

  • The LO-16's solid-top construction is highlighted as a significant upgrade for those transitioning from electric to acoustic guitars.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The LO-16 is likened to other Loar models, suggesting consistent value across their product line, despite its classification as a budget guitar.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Sara Bareilles uses The Loar LO-16

Sara Bareilles

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Theloar

Grammy-Nominated singer Sara Bareilles really needs no introduction. She's known for her inspirational piano-driven songwriting, but she picks up the guitar frequently for both writing and performance. Her instruments of choice? The Loar LH-200 and LO-16. They're the perfect fit for her style - classy, elegant and a little bit playful.

You'll catch her playing The Loar on her hit "I Choose You" from stages all over the world.

See how Justin Townes Earle uses The Loar LO-16

Justin Townes Earle

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

“I got tired of fans coming up and asking me what kind of guitar I was playing, and having to tell them it was a $6,000 guitar,” Earle says. “I wanted a working guitar, where I could tell people, ‘It’s under $1,000. And you can easily find one.’ So I just bought a Loar LO-16, and that’s what I’m playing. It’s a small-body guitar with a pickguard, similar to the Gibson L-00, and it’s loud. Really loud. It’s got a great balance, not too high and not too low, with a neck that’s wide without being super-wide. As far as playing goes, the string reaction is great, and there’s absolutely no delay. You strike the string and hear the note immediately.” -- From Acoustic Guitar Magazine September 2012

See how Christian Letts uses The Loar LO-16

Christian Letts

Singer, Guitarist

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

...
Verified via Photo

According to The Loar's website Letts plays a LO-16.

Genre Usage

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

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use The Loar LO-16, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

The Loar LH-200
The Loar LH-200 Steel-string Acoustic Guitars
1

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