The Loar LM-500 (New Version) vs LM-600 [Archive]

ryevick

Dec-30-2011, 8:39pm

Could someone please comment on these two as far as the differences between the LM-500 (http://www.folkmusician.com/The-Loar-LM-500-Mandolin/productinfo/LM-500-VS/) and the LM-600 (http://www.folkmusician.com/The-Loar-LM-600-VS-Mandolin/productinfo/LM-600-VS/). I know after you buy a case for the 500 (not included) you're only about a $50 difference between the two. The 500 is scooped already as well... anybody played them both? Thanks!

guitarpath

Dec-30-2011, 9:57pm

I believe the 500 is poly-finished, while the 600 is finished with nitrocellulose. Otherwise, they are currently similar. I know the 500 used to have pressed tops, but I believe they are now carved as are the 600 mandolins.

Big Joe

Dec-30-2011, 10:47pm

The LM 600 is a nitrocellulose finish and better wood, more "pretties" while the LM 500 is a poly finish and a bit plainer. Oh, and the case with the LM600. Overall, the LM600 is a better deal. The LM500 is nice, but not quite the same as the 600.

ryevick

Dec-30-2011, 11:44pm

The LM 600 is a nitrocellulose finish and better wood

Is one thicker or thinner than the other? Resonance, bass?

Overall, the LM600 is a better deal.

Even with the 500 pre-scooped?

almeriastrings

Dec-31-2011, 12:30am

Is it really 100% nitro, or a thin overspray of nitro on a thick poly base as the currently advertised "nitrocellulose" other models are? Certainly as recently as ones made just a few months ago are..

Lou Giordano

Dec-31-2011, 1:12am

Listen to the clips

http://www.themandolinstore.com/scripts/prodList.asp?brand=22

It's not perfect but it may help.

ryevick

Dec-31-2011, 1:15am

What is the difference between the poly-finished and the nitrocellulose? I would guess the poly is thicker and tougher and the nitrocellulose allows the wood to breath and age better and sounds better, or allows the sound to mature better as well. Am I close? I believe someone also said the poly is easier to apply and has less finish problems. Not sure.

ryevick

Dec-31-2011, 1:21am

Listen to the clips

http://www.themandolinstore.com/scripts/prodList.asp?brand=22

It's not perfect but it may help.

From those clips it kinda sounds like the 600 is a little warmer and a touch deeper.

almeriastrings

Dec-31-2011, 1:46am

The "warmest and deepest" are the LM-700 and LM400 (no tone bars or x-bracing). Generally, you will get a tighter and more focussed sound from tone bars vs. other options. If you are looking for a really "full" sound, these two are really the ones to go for. Not saying that it is a better (or worse) sound, than say an LM-600... just different. More low end there, and more "open" sounding. I have 4 "The Loar" mandolins here right now, and this is quite consistently the case.

ryevick

Dec-31-2011, 3:50am

The "warmest and deepest" are the LM-700 and LM400 (no tone bars or x-bracing). Generally, you will get a tighter and more focussed sound from tone bars vs. other options. If you are looking for a really "full" sound, these two are really the ones to go for. Not saying that it is a better (or worse) sound, than say an LM-600... just different. More low end there, and more "open" sounding. I have 4 "The Loar" mandolins here right now, and this is quite consistently the case.

Yeah the 400 is on the list to play and I know I'll have to try a 700... kinda hoping to my ear it sucks lol... little bit more than I want to spend... but I know it will sound great...