Anyone have a Loar LM520?

**Mike Bunting** · Feb-03-2012, 5:55pm

Why wouldn't they put the correct bridge for the neck set at the factory?

**brunello97** · Feb-03-2012, 6:56pm

Originally Posted by houseworker

So it's the neck set angle that's inconsistent, then?

Ouch.

Mick

**Dave Weiss** · Feb-03-2012, 8:44pm

Maybe these mandolin "kits" should only be sold through authorized dealers, with the knowledge to finish them. That way they won't fall into the hands of the unknowing public. I wonder how many people have gotten these and decided that they really didn't want to play the mandolin after all...

**Brent Hutto** · Feb-03-2012, 8:48pm

Dave,

I think that probably happens every day. I suspect it's a drop in the bucket compared to all the people who have bought mandolins in a local music store over the years that are plastic-covered-plywood with cheesegrater action and a bridge that's not even sitting flat on the soundboard. I'd think very few of them would stick with it.

And many music stores have never got around to anything in the mandolin line as decent as a "kit" quality The Loar or Kentucky straight from the boat. So they're still occasionally selling some unsuspecting soul a three or four hundred dollar unplayable jobbie that wouldn't really be any great shakes even if Big Joe or Robert Fear did a setup for them.

**FloridaCracker** · Feb-08-2012, 12:31pm

I just got a call that my mandolin is ready. $45. I'll let yall know how it sounds

**Ivan Kelsall** · Feb-09-2012, 1:47am

I'd be very careful with your assertion that the nut is plastic & not bone. Many years back i removed a 'plastic' nut from a banjo of mine,& made & installed a bone nut. On having a closer look at the nut i'd removed,i found that it was bone after all. It looked 'plasticy',because it had been over-sprayed with lacquer when they sprayed the headstock,
Ivan

**FloridaCracker** · Feb-09-2012, 6:44am

No it is/was very clearly plastic. Jad no laquer on it at all. And had saw marks and plastic burrs. It was as crude as what comes on a Rover. Maybe even worse?
Now that its set up it sounds AMAZING for an F style under $400.

**Pipeous** · Feb-09-2012, 4:34pm

good it all worked out. I bought my 600 off ebay and it was a factory second. she had to replace a bad nut and carved one from bone so I don't know what came on mine originally.

**FloridaCracker** · Feb-09-2012, 9:32pm

I told the seller in an email that i want $45 refunded and a set of Grovers. Or I'm going ro leave some very HONEST feesback!

**hedgehog** · Feb-10-2012, 11:21am

That is so very odd sounding. A plastic nut and non-stock tuners. It sorta sounds like the headstock took some damage along the way requiring those parts to be replaced. Does the truss rod work properly ... sounds like it does, but I'd be looking hard at the head for some tell tale signs of something being amiss. All in all $45 to get it up and playing well is inexpensive enough though.

**FloridaCracker** · Feb-11-2012, 9:52am

The same thoughts I had. Sent the seller a scathing Email, no response. He's getting negative feedback and a scammer warning on this board.
. The truss rod still needs some messing with, I'm starting to think you spot on in your suggestion, hedgehog.

**Big Joe** · Feb-11-2012, 11:35pm

These mandolins have a bone nut and Grover tuners from the factory. If they were not on it when you got it, someone changed them out. It is not the manufacturer, but someone else who has provided you what you got. I don't know who you got it from, and it is none of my business, but you should check their return policy and should have prior to purchase. They have no obligation to take it back or refund you any money just because you don't like what you got. However, if there is an issue of misrepresentation, that is another issue entirely.

**hedgehog** · Feb-12-2012, 10:37pm

but.... if it plays and has a decent sound, is it really worth making a big fuss over it? Seconds are seconds for a reason, not all arewhat you expect.

**FloridaCracker** · Feb-15-2012, 7:39am

No Big Joe. The guy lied to me. I'm keeping the mandolin. But the seller did misrepresent the product grossly in my opinion.

**Teletodd** · Feb-20-2012, 8:27pm

Are these "pacrim kit must be set up issues" as common with Kentuckys? In particular the higher end models like km 900, I'm 1000? They're tauted as handmade in a separate factory by more experienced craftsman. Maybe in a hollow tree by Keebler elves.

**Paul Hostetter** · Feb-20-2012, 10:07pm

Originally Posted by Teletodd

Are these "pacrim kit must be set up issues" as common with Kentuckys?

Yes.

In particular the higher end models like km 900, I'm 1000?

You are?

**Teletodd** · Feb-20-2012, 10:27pm

Darn auto speller, it should read km1000. I'm only 51.

**Big Joe** · Feb-21-2012, 3:43pm

Does not matter what model number, they still need to be checked by a qualified luthier to ensure they are setup right. The factory does not do that for you for many reasons. Your retailer should, but most have a hard enough time trying to set up a basic acoustic guitar or electric let alone a mandolin.

**FloridaCracker** · Feb-22-2012, 1:35pm

Big Joe I can tell already you really know your stuff. Even some "high end" mandolins need a skilled luthier to be right.

**Ray Neuman** · Feb-23-2012, 10:23pm

OK, so tonight I just ordered a "non set up" The Loar LM 520. (Yes, even after reading this thread several times). Truth be told, I just cant afford the set up version, so I will set it up myself. Having been a musician playing guitar, banjo, and mandolin for a LOT of years, I know enough to think I can do it, and just enough to NOT break something and know when to take it in when its out of my league! I could have purchased a lower end mandolin that was set up, but figured, I will get the 520 and set it up, or save and get it done. I DID purchase it from a very respected, cafe supporter shop with a great reputation, so I am confidant in the seller. SO, we shall see! I am REALLY excited, as I have been "making do" with a bottom of the barrel Washburn for almost 18 years!

**FloridaCracker** · Feb-24-2012, 8:40am

Just know that the bridge and nut are crap-ola. It has a nice tone to it though, and I've been enjoying it. Now time to send Barry my Bulldog for repair

Good luck with your 520, I personally wouldnt buy another one, but it should do just fine if you can do all the setup. It will need a TOTAL setup.

**Ray Neuman** · Feb-24-2012, 9:08am

Thanks FC- I did buy it from one of the most reliable shops on here, so I am assuming it will come with at least structural integrity! In the $400 range its odd, just above the beginner, and below the intermediate. Just out of curiosity, what would you buy now?

**Paul Hostetter** · Feb-24-2012, 12:21pm

Originally Posted by FloridaCracker

Just know that the bridge and nut are crap-ola.

They're not. The nut is real bone, the bridge is ebony, and quite decent. It just needs to be fit better to the top. Don't assume that because you got one from some fly-by-night internet source who you believe lied to you that every (or any) Loar that comes down the line is going to repeat your situation.

**Folkmusician.com** · Feb-24-2012, 12:38pm

They're not. The nut is real bone

I can confirm this as well. I have never seen a plastic nut on one of these. Every one I have had used bone.

**FloridaCracker** · Feb-24-2012, 11:21pm

I'm not sure what I would buy but I wouldnt buy another one. Right now I'm really kind of wishing I'd waited and shopped around for a used Breedlove FO. Apples and oranges, I k.ow, but thats what I'd do if I had it all to do over again. But I'm sittin here enjoying some good whiskey playin it in the barn and I'm not unhappy with it.