- The Loar 700 w/ needed ca bridge upgrade = 1175.00 range
The Kentucky km1000 = 1350.00 - 1400.00 range( have seen for 1300.00 recently)
The Eastman 515 = 1000.00 range, 815v 1350.00 - 1400.00 range
- Fit and finish quality imho = Kentucky km1000, Eastman, The Loar (in this order)
- Sound/tone quality= toss up, depends on subjectively what you like. I happen to like all three although the eastman and kentucky's have a more focused tighter sound than The Loar which has a more open sound (probably due to tone bars vs no tone bars).
All three makes are clearly in the sub 1500.00 range (1175.00 - 1400.00 range). This price range should appeal to the same buyer. The Loar is one of the best values going. Is it better than kentucky and eastman? I don't think so especially if fit/finish is important to you (although I have seen some sloppy eastmans,however kentucky and eastmans overall have better qc in the fit/finish deparment).
Almeriastrings, again, thanks for the honest and candid review. I knew there would be some resistance to your review...it's just the nature of internet forums. Your analysis is very much spot on and like mine on these makes/models. I don't see where you have said anything negative about the tone/sound of The Loar. Your pictures of fit/finish are worth a thousand words.
One more thing. I see no logic in comparing quality of an instrument by the number of sales that particular model has had as one poster has suggested. The Loar's have a very attractive price point...nuff said.
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