New -the loars

[jim bevins]

I've heard the new batch of "The Loar" F-5s are supposed to be pretty nice Mandos.
Has anyone tried or own one? And is there any place around Albany,N.Y. or upstate N.Y. where one can be seen and tried out?
Or is there anyone on the internet who gives a trial period on one? Thanks!



77 Deneve F-5 #M-6
2007 Gibson A-9

[mandoforme]

Gruhn in Nashville have two of the new Loar models. I am sure they allow an approval period.

[mandoforme]

Oops, I guess Gruhn sold one of the new Loar models. They only have one left! Look rather nice for the money!

[Paul Hostetter]

Try Mandolin Brothers.

[clarksavage]

My local music store guy down in Arroyo Grande, CA., says he'll be getting a few in soon. You might check some of your local stores where they sell any "The Loar" stock (aaack, I can hardly type that name, but it is "sound" I want, after all ).

Do let us know what you think. I'll do the same.

Clark

[Steve Perry]

"The Loar" stock (aaack, I can hardly type that name, but it is "sound" I want, after all # #).

Do let us know what you think. #I'll do the same.

Clark

I'm with ya there, Clark. #For me, this would be a candidate for electric tape over the logo!

[cooper4205]

check the Mandolin Hut website, it looks like he has a few in stock for $749 with free shipping (assuming he hasn't sold out yet).

[Paul Hostetter]

Wherever you think you've found one, just make sure they're the 600 series, NOT the 500. They look the same, but boy, are they different!

Understanding the "why" of the brand name "The Loar" requires some understanding of Greg Rich and a bit of a sense of humor. Once you have those in placce, you can forget about the electrical tape and just enjoy playing the instrument.

[clarksavage]

Paul Hostetter writes:

> Wherever you think you've found one, just make sure they're the 600 series, NOT the 500. They look the same, but boy, are they different!

Thanks for that, Paul. I'll keep that in mind and check for it.

> Understanding the "why" of the brand name "The Loar" requires some understanding of Greg Rich and a bit of a sense of humor. Once you have those in placce, you can forget about the electrical tape and just enjoy playing the instrument.

Fair enough. I don't know Greg, though I must thank him for some of the changes he's brought about in the world. I do like some of his work!

I'll be back when/if I get hold of one of these.

Clark

[Paul Hostetter]

You can't imagine the fun the Music Link folks are having with their brand name Johnson. Or perhaps you can.

[Steve Perry]

You can't imagine the fun the Music Link folks are having with their brand name Johnson. Or perhaps you can.

I gotta a question for you, Paul...

The person who came up with the brand name of Johnson...

Smart-A$$ or Clueless?

and if you say it's Rich... then I'll understand.

[Jeff Hildreth]

Considering they once also used the brand "Sterling"...

let's see do I want to be seen playing with my Sterling or my Johnson...

I played the early version of the Loar mandos and came away neutral.. ok but nothing special ( same goes for the archtop guitars) I am anxious to try the new ones.

[MikeEdgerton]

At least they haven't started using the Miracle brand name.

[Fretbear]

That 600 from the mandolin hut link looks like a nice instrument for the money....the scroll work on instruments in that price range rarely look that good....

[man dough nollij]

You can't imagine the fun the Music Link folks are having with their brand name Johnson. Or perhaps you can.

Just don't get caught playing with yours on the subway. DAMHIK.

[mastermodel-F5]

The "Loars" are not that great. I actually AB'd them againts the Chineese Flatirons. and the flatirons sounded much better. I still think the Kentucky Km1000's are the best bang for the buck however. Just my 2 cents

[Bill Snyder]

The "Loars" are not that great. I actually AB'd them againts the Chineese Flatirons. and the flatirons sounded much better. I still think the Kentucky Km1000's are the best bang for the buck however. Just my 2 cents

When? The 600 series "The Loar" is brand new and according to Mr. Hostetter it is a good'n.

[Rick Cadger]

Actually, a group comparison of the current generation of handmade pacrims would be very interesting. Say, The Loar, KM-1000, Chinese Flatiron, Jade and Eastman.

Even those with a reflexive fear of anything Asian should be getting the message that many of these are way different to the plywood toffee-apples that used to represent instruments from this region.

I would dearly like to try all of those myself but as far as I know only the Eastman and Kentucky lines retail over here in the UK.

Paul, any idea if The Loar 600 is to be distributed in Europe?

**

Disclaimer: Although I do have some connection with Jade, (not financial), the group review suggestion is based on my curiosity as a player and potential buyer!

[Paul Hostetter]

Music Link, makers of "The Loar" and so on, are known as AXL in Europe. I'm not an expert on their internal machinations, but I know most of their product lines are sold there as well as here. The prototype I've been playing for a couple of months now had been in Shanghai until it went to Musikmesse in Germany, and Steve, the prez, brought it back here. They took orders from that prototype at Musikmesse, so they must be there somewhere.

It would be interesting to compare the various Chinese mandolins, I like them all, but it's important to bear in mind that the MSRP for the Loar is about half of the others. I understand some higher-end models are contemplated, as well as oval-holes and A styles. Right now they're just getting the 600 series up and running.

[Stephen Perry]

"The Loar" demo at NAMM was decent. So was the archtop guitar. At those price points.

As usual, comparisons need to involve instruments with equal amounts of setup that have broken in quite a bit. Difficult with new things on the market. Some of the best instruments are tight to begin with.

Players also have different demands and tastes. We're lucky to have such a range available.

But in the properly made instruments, there's no clear "best," just a wide range that satisfy different players.

[Rick Schmidlin]

I think they are good for a beginner with musical pre experience.

[forestabri]

There's one at Elderly Instruments for $750, free shipping, 48 hr trial period, you pay return shipping.
http://www.elderly.com/new_ins....0VS.htm

[Amandalyn]

I spoke with the mfg. 2 days ago, and he said the initial shipment was a small one, and they are all gone. The next shipment is coming in soon, but could not give me a date. I have 2 on order from this next batch.
Teri
The Music Tree

[Folkmusician.com]

From what I hear, Folkmusician has two of them in stock. One is accounted for, the other arrived a couple of hours ago and has yet to be inspected.

[Dave Cowles]

From what I hear, Folkmusician has two of them in stock. #One is accounted for, the other arrived a couple of hours ago and has yet to be inspected.

So, Robert, what are your impressions of these 600 series The Loars? I told Greg I'm anxious to try one out, but I guess you're the one to offer up some commentary.

Dave