The Loar

collapse expand iconDescription

The Loar LM-520 Hand-Carved F-Model acoustic mandolin offers premiere craftsmanship and an unparalleled acoustic tone. Available at , this hand-carved mandolin provides musicians a broad dynamic range and resonance. The Loar constructed the LM-520 with solid tonewoods, including a Sitka spruce top, maple back and sides, and an ebony fretboard, to produce rich basses, crisp highs and everything in between. The rounded V-neck profile and 29 frets spanning 13.9" scale length provide comfortable playability for musicians of all styles. For mandolin players seeking an instrument with superior sound and construction at an affordable price, the LM-520 is an ideal choice.

Hand-Carved Solid Tonewoods for Unmatched Acoustic Sound

The Loar hand-selected and hand-carved the LM-520's solid Sitka spruce top, maple back and sides to maximize the instrument's acoustic potential. The spruce top produces a broad dynamic range and resonance. The maple back and sides provide tight, focused tones with clear note separation. Combined, these tonewoods generate a balanced acoustic voice with rich lows, crisp highs and note definition across the tonal spectrum.

Rounded V-Neck and 29-Fret Rosewood Fretboard

The maple neck has a rounded V-profile and rosewood fretboard, providing a comfortable playing experience for musicians of all styles. The neck offers easy access to 29 frets along the 13-29/32" scale length. The rosewood fretboard generates warm, complex overtones that enhance the LM-520's acoustic tone.

Adjustable Ebony Bridge and Grover Tuners

The Loar equipped the LM-520 with an adjustable ebony bridge and Grover tuning machines to provide precise intonation and tuning stability. The ebony bridge can be adjusted to ensure accurate intonation across the fretboard. The Grover tuners are designed to withstand aggressive playing styles while keeping the mandolin in tune.

The Loar LM-520 Hand-Carved F-Model Acoustic Mandolin Sunburst
The Loar LM-520 Hand-Carved F-Model Acoustic Mandolin Sunburst
The Loar LM-520 Hand-Carved F-Model Acoustic Mandolin Sunburst

collapse expand iconFeatures

  • Top: Solid hand-carved, fully graduated spruce
  • Back & Sides: Solid hand-carved, fully graduated maple back, solid maple sides
  • Neck: Maple with rounded "V" profile
  • Fretboard: Bound rosewood
  • Headstock Inlay: M.O.P. Logo
  • Finish Type: Gloss
  • Finish Options: Vintage Sunburst
  • Tuning Machines: Grover with pearloid buttons
  • Scale Length: 13-3/4"
  • Truss Rod: Adjustable
  • Frets: 29
  • Binding: Ivoroid
  • Nut and saddle: Bone
  • Bridge: Compensated adjustable ebony
  • Upper Bout: 6-3/4"
  • Lower Bout: 10"
  • Nut, Width: Bone, 1-1/8"
  • Depth: 2-1/2"
  • Body Length: 12-3/4"
  • Total Length: 27-1/4"
  • Case sold separately

Featured Articles

collapse expand iconReviews

4.5

6 Reviews

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

Filters
Best Uses
  1. Practicing3
  2. Concerts1
  3. Jamming1
  4. Songwriting1
Cons
  1. Haven't found any cons yet1
  2. Made In Asia1
  3. Some Small Finish Issues1
Describe Yourself
  1. Experienced2
  2. Novice1
  3. Professional Musician1
Pros
  1. Good Tone5
  2. Consistent1
  3. Well Built / Quality1
  4. Didn't Cost Five Thousand1
  5. Easy to play1
  • A real Beauty

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted3 years ago

    bymike

    fromColorado

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    My first mandolin and it played great right out of the box

  • A very solid sound for the money. I'm happy with my decision

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted4 years ago

    byScott H

    fromFredericksburg, VA

    I have a home recording studio, just for my own pleasure. I've been wanting to expand my bluegrass capabilities, and decided on this LM-520 as the most promising within my budget. It's really improved the sound I'm getting on my recordings, and is motivating me to spend more time practicing and getting better on the mandolin.

  • Nice little Mandolin for the $$

    4

    submitted5 years ago

    byCoolieB

    fromSt. Louis

    Great looking and sounding starter mando! I am happy with my purchase:)

  • Nice little Mandolin

    5

    submitted6 years ago

    byPiccard

    fromKentucky

    Wanted a good sounding mando for a working man's price. I was surprised with the nice tone, good looks, and the fine craftsmanship the mando displayed. Great instrument for the price.

  • Prob would not purchase again

    4

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted8 years ago

    bytim

    fromundisclosed

    Good sound Construction detail fair.

  • The Loar LM-520-VS Mandolin more than I hoped for!

    4

    submitted10 years ago

    byBenjamin fish

    fromWestern,New York

    The Loar LM-520-VS Mandolin a lovely addition to my instrument collection.Fun to play, excellent instrument extremely affordable price for tone and overall quality this was absolutely worth the money I pay for it,has returned the investment and I've only had it week. Minor finish issues especially around the neck and under the tongue can't really see it when playing and I don't think anyone noticed it nothing that I care about. Guys at guitar Center were extremely lovely nothing but awesome.

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collapse expand iconQ&A

Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

  • asked byBJ Bear

    fromJacksonville, FL

    Where is it made?

    Where is it made?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    The The Loar LM-520 is made in China.
  • asked byJB

    fromLouisville, KY

    What hardball case is best for this?

    What hardball case is best for this?

    Open Reply - Thomas
    Please see "Washburn F Style Mandolin Case"
  • asked byletsgobrandn

    fromTomsriver nj

    Is this instrument  playable right out of the box

    Is this instrument playable right out of the box

    Open Reply - Thomas
    Yes
    Open Reply - Beau
    This instrument may need to be tuned but would be playable right out of the box.
  • asked byJeff

    fromCorvallis, OR

    Looking for a hard case for my The Loar LM-520 Hand-Carved F-Model Acoustic Mandolin. Any suggestions, verified fit?

    Looking for a hard case for my The Loar LM-520 Hand-Carved F-Model Acoustic Mandolin. Any suggestions, verified fit?

    Open Reply - Thomas
    Take a look at the TKL Prestigue Arch-Top F-Style Mandolin Case. It hasn't been tested but I think it would be a good fit. Give us a call if you would like some help.877 687 5403
  • asked byBrian

    fromMcLean, VA

    Is a left-handed Loar LM-520 Hand-Carved F-Model Acoustic Mandolin Sunburst available?  Does Guitar Center carry any left-handed mandolins?  Thanks.

    Is a left-handed Loar LM-520 Hand-Carved F-Model Acoustic Mandolin Sunburst available? Does Guitar Center carry any left-handed mandolins? Thanks.

    Open Reply - Thomas
    I'm sorry, a left handed version is not available. Please see Gold Tone Left-Handed A-Style Mandolin with Pickup Vintage Sunburst
  • asked byBilly Bones

    fromWheaton, Illinois

    Hey, 
Is the finish For the LM-520 satin, matte, or gloss?
William

    Hey, Is the finish For the LM-520 satin, matte, or gloss? William

    Open Reply - Ronald
    It's a satin finish.
  • asked byKeith

    fromMount Juliet, TN

    Is the Loar mandolin available in a left handed model.  I only want an F style mandolin. 
Thank you
Keith

    Is the Loar mandolin available in a left handed model. I only want an F style mandolin. Thank you Keith

    Open Reply - Kenneth
    Please contact a Sales Agent for Special Order placement
  • asked byScott

    fromNorth Carolina

    Does this mandolin come set up so it can be played out of the box?

    Does this mandolin come set up so it can be played out of the box?

    Open Reply - Beau
    This mandolin does come with a factory setup.