Is the Loar LM-600 a decent beginner mandolin?

**GratefulDad** · Jul-26-2012, 2:04pm

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

**Mike Bunting** · Jul-26-2012, 2:07pm

It'll do.

**GratefulDad** · Jul-26-2012, 3:14pm

Originally Posted by Mike Bunting

It'll do.

Thanks Mike.....

**Brian Sharpe** · Jul-26-2012, 3:18pm

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.

**Folkmusician.com** · Jul-26-2012, 6:12pm

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.

**tburcham** · Jul-26-2012, 6:59pm

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 $...

**billkilpatrick** · Jul-27-2012, 6:35am

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.

**kirksdad** · Jul-27-2012, 6:57am

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...

**Astro** · Jul-27-2012, 7:22am

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.

**kirksdad** · Jul-28-2012, 8:06pm

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.