Results 1 to 10 of 10

Thread: Is the Loar LM-600 a decent beginner mandolin?

  1. #1
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Jul 2012
    Posts
    11

    Default Is the Loar LM-600 a decent beginner mandolin?

    I've been playing guitar for a few years, but am in love with the sound of the mandolin, and I wanted to get a decent one to bang around on, and grow with. I don't mind spending a little extra, and the reviews on this are pretty good. Any advice anyone could empart would be greatly appreciated.....


    Mike

  2. #2
    Registered User Mike Bunting's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2002
    Posts
    5,732

    Default Re: Is the Loar LM-600 a decent beginner mandolin?

    It'll do.
    Mike,
    Edmonton, Ab.

    "Take me back to 1953."

    Stanley V5
    Collings MF5
    Gibson A Jr.

  3. #3
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Jul 2012
    Posts
    11

    Default Re: Is the Loar LM-600 a decent beginner mandolin?

    Quote Originally Posted by Mike Bunting View Post
    It'll do.
    Thanks Mike.....

  4. #4
    crusty curmudgeon..... Brian Sharpe's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Ottawa ON Canada
    Posts
    26

    Default Re: Is the Loar LM-600 a decent beginner mandolin?

    The LM-600 would make a very nice first mandolin (I owned and enjoyed one) but my suggestion would be - if possible - visit a shop with a variety of mandolins in stock and try a few out. Between your fingers and your ears you'll fall in love with something.
    B#

    Breedlove American OF
    Eastman MD504

  5. #5
    Robert Fear Folkmusician.com's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2004
    Location
    Reno, NV
    Posts
    1,629

    Default Re: Is the Loar LM-600 a decent beginner mandolin?

    The LM-600 is hard to beat at the price point. They have had quite a few "tweaks" over the years, so things you read about the huge neck, no longer apply. Even the last batch I received had a slightly different toner in the finish. You can also drop down to the LM-520 and still do quite well. The 600 does have better tone, but the 520 is much better than any mandolin for the price should be.
    Robert Fear
    http://www.folkmusician.com
    1-800-493-4922

    "Education is when you read the fine print; experience is what you get when you don't.
    " - Pete Seeger

  6. #6
    Tim Burcham tburcham's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Location
    Martin, TN
    Posts
    548
    Blog Entries
    1

    Default Re: Is the Loar LM-600 a decent beginner mandolin?

    Excellent beginner....check out the LM-400 if you don't need the scroll. The Kentucky Km-900 is also highly rated by Cafe owners, but might be a little more $...
    Tim Burcham
    Gibson F-9 Custom - Monster!
    Collings MT2v - Killer!
    Distressed Silverangel #257
    1942 Strad-O-Lin
    1948-54 Gibson LG-3
    2011 Gibson J-45 True Vintage
    2007 Martin D-21 Special
    Bailey Mandolin Straps
    Bell Arm-rests

  7. #7
    Registered User billkilpatrick's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    europe
    Posts
    4,624

    Default Re: Is the Loar LM-600 a decent beginner mandolin?

    excellent mandolin period. but you should be warned that there are those who begrudge the use of the loar name and simply can not and will not forgive the makers for choosing it. can't help thinking that the few negative comments it's received were tempered by the seven little letters it has inlaid on the headstock and has nothing what-so-ever to do with the instrument itself.

    i also agree with brian's advise - if possible, find a music instrument shop, play around and fall in love.

  8. #8
    Registered User kirksdad's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Location
    Wake Forest
    Posts
    230

    Default Re: Is the Loar LM-600 a decent beginner mandolin?

    I have a Loar 600 to play out with. It has a K and K twin p/u.....and plays and sounds pretty good. The only change I made was to add a CA bridge....which made a huge difference in the sound (louder) playablity, and ability to hold tune...
    One day I'll stop all this crazy buyin', practicin', and playin'........course I'll be dead.......

  9. #9
    Registered User Astro's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2012
    Posts
    537

    Default Re: Is the Loar LM-600 a decent beginner mandolin?

    RE " CA bridge....which made a huge difference in the sound (louder) playablity, and ability to hold tune..."

    Can a CA bridge really have an effect on playability and holding tune ?

    I'm learning. Just trying to think through how.

  10. #10
    Registered User kirksdad's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Location
    Wake Forest
    Posts
    230

    Default Re: Is the Loar LM-600 a decent beginner mandolin?

    Based on what I have seen, heard and felt since I made the change....yes I notice the effect of the CA bridge on tone and playability.......

    Better materials and manufacture with the CA bridge I believe is responsible for this.
    One day I'll stop all this crazy buyin', practicin', and playin'........course I'll be dead.......

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •