Re: Mid-range Kentucky and Loar mandolins
I am currently playing an LM400 and I really love it! I don't like the bigger frets, but that is easy for me to change. I don't know if I will bother though. I put a good CA bridge on it, dressed the frets and set it up really well and took the lacquer off the back of the neck and applied french polish to the bare wood. Plays fast, plays great, and sounds incredible. I can't believe an instrument of this quality can be had for such a little amount of money. Any of the lower priced instruments need quite a bit of setup and prep work, but once that is done, it will play and sound like a MUCH more expensive mandolin.
One of the former Gibson Bluegrass employees was in the shop last Friday. He picked up my LM400 prepared to be disappointed. He said, "Wow! This sounds as good as any of the Gibson A's I've played.". I had to agree. It makes me want to play. I have had several of these through our shop and every one was good. If you are looking for a very good A model mandolin for not a lot of money, it is hard to beat!
Have a Great Day!
Joe Vest
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