View Full Version : The Loar 600-VS vs Kentucky KM-805
Marc Berman
Apr-19-2011, 9:12pm
I've got a young player looking at these two F's. Any thoughts on one vs the other. FYI - he has already narrowed down his choice to these two instruments and I've already given him the more "A" for the money lecture.
Rick Cadger
Apr-21-2011, 10:09am
I've played both and personally prefer The Loar. I like the thick necks.
IIRC the 805 has a rosewood fretboard - either that or it's a very light, patchy ebony. I wasn't keen on that. Also, the 805 didn't strike me as terribly loud, whereas one of The Loars I played was really pretty loud. The other was... kind of average.
They are both decent import mandolins. Either one would be a good choice for a young player on a budget. As well as preferring the feel of The Loar, I also think it is marginally better value.
Marc Berman
Apr-22-2011, 6:18am
Rick,
Thanks for the reply. I will pass it along to him.
Doesn't Jimmy Gaudreau play the 805 model, I know I read where he really likes it.
mandolin tony
Apr-29-2011, 10:55am
I have both,I like my 805 better.I like the rad fret board better than a flat board to me its easyer to play sound wise there both real good.the finish work on the Kentucky is much better than my Loar also.