The loar lm-370-vsm

[Artie1957]

I did a search and could not find this Mandolin. I have found one, new for $399.00. Is this good deal?
It is local so I wouldn't have to worry about shipping.
What does the VSM stand for?
My apologies in advance I'm new to the mandolin world.

[Folkmusician.com]

Hello,

$399 should be the current street price for one. It is a good deal if it is setup well. :)

In case you are not aware, the Grassroots series uses laminated back and sides. This isn't such a bad thing and I would choose the LM-370 over any other $400 F-model I have seen, but there is an advantage jumping up to the LM-520 which is all solid, or going with the LM-220 (A style) at the same price as the 370.

VSM, is the finish. "Vintage Sunburst Matte" maybe?

[darrylicshon]

That's about what they go for, does it come with a setup , i think elderly sells the same one with a setup and i think free shipping, and same price, atleast last time i looked, it has a carved solid top but laminated sides and back, i would try to get an all solid wood used it would be a better deal. I think vsm means vintage sunburst not sure about the m. Save a little more get a nicer all solid mandolin used. Just my 2cents, i do like the loar mandolins i have one myself

[Artie1957]

Thank you guys for your input.