Loar Lh-350

jayx123 · #1 06-06-2011, 04:00 AM

Hi,

Anyone tried these? especially how they sound amplified?

10x

spiral · #2 06-07-2011, 02:26 PM

Sorry I haven't tried the 350, but i'm a huge fan of the LH-700. It is one of the best acoustic archtops i have played in any price or age range. I posted some ramblings at the Acoustic Guitar forum and here.

The 350 may be braced differently for amplification, but if you are in the US, you could always order it online and return it if you aren't a fan.

You can find a tiny LH-350 thread here where jtizzle gives it some praise. Maybe PM that person.

djelley · #3 06-07-2011, 06:31 PM

Over the last couple of years I have had in my possession about five Loar guitars, including an LH-350. The basic idea is awesome. Unfortunately, every one of the guitars has had some sort of quality control issue.

My 350 arrived and looked, played, and sounded great. I had my repair guy do a setup with flatwounds and install a strap button (they don't come with strap buttons at the neck - I HATE that!). He called to tell me that there was no adjustment nut at the end of the truss rod. Therefor, there was absolutely no way to adjust it. I sent it back.

About a month ago, I ordered an LH-650. When it arrived, I noticed a large clump of rubbing compound on the back. Upon careful removal I noticed that it was covering a dime-sized burn-through in the finish. Back it went.

Last week I received another 650 from a different vendor. This one is the best so far. It only had two dimples through the finish and the pickguard was hanging loose. Because it plays and sounds so good, and because the vendor turned out to be a total jerk (Instrument Alley), I decided to fix the pickguard (easy), ignore the dimples (they don't show badly) and keep the guitar.

Bottom line - nice idea, but absolutely NO quality control.

jayx123 · #4 06-08-2011, 12:46 AM

spiral and djelley thanks a lot for that information!

bborzell · #5 06-08-2011, 01:52 AM

Prior to buying a Godin 5th Avenue, I considered a The Loar LH-350. In fact, I really wanted to find a reasonable basis for ordering one (no local dealers had them in stock). After talking to three dealers and failing to get any response from the distributor, I concluded that these instruments are a crap shoot; with some you win and with others you lose.

With the clear exception of The Loar mandolins which have a strong and well deserved following in the mandolin community, the guitar offerings seem to be less than reliable. Dealers can't get promised deliveries, quality control is suspect and the distributor does not appear to exist for anyone who needs information or, apparently problem resolution.

The Loar fell of my short list and was replaced by the Godin. I'm quite happy with the Kingpin.

Scolohofo · #6 06-08-2011, 12:43 PM

I got me a the Loar LH-300 wich is pretty and plays wonderfull!But i was confidence that the seller won't sell garbage,he's a musician too and love guitars!

Geert · #7 06-08-2011, 02:15 PM

I can't comment on the LH-350 but I have a LH-600 (in natural finish) that very much enjoy.
Some of the finishing issues (as discussed here and in other threads) also appear on my guitar (no lacquer under the end of the fretboard, poor finishing of the F holes) but no major flaws in the overall construction.

I love the feel of the guitar, the fat neck is very comfortable (even though I have relative small hands) The v-shape (as on the 350) took some getting used to but plays great now.
Since it's a natural finish all woods are visible and they look fine IMHO (particularly the back is very beautifull).
To me the guitar has a very solid feel (lot's of wood in your hands) which I didn't have for example with the Godin 5th avenue I tried.

I guess if you are lucky with The Loar's quality control (which obviously IS lacking) or find a store where you can try, you can end up with a very nice guitar for the money...
I ordered mine online and got lucky I guess.

djelley · #8 06-08-2011, 02:31 PM

Its too bad when you feel "lucky" that your guitar only has minor flaws.

The Loar could be REALLY great. Like I said, it is an awesome idea. There is really no excuse for such shoddy QA. I would pay an extra $100 per guitar for the same quality that Ibanez puts into their Artcores.

Soon · #9 06-08-2011, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djelley

and because the vendor turned out to be a total jerk (Instrument Alley),

I bought an LH-700 from Instrument Alley a couple months ago. I noticed prior to the purchase that their return policy is tough and that it would cost me at least $100 to return if unsatisfied. Is this what your refer to as being a total jerk? Perhaps they are.

My guitar arrived in very good condition with the only exception being an unfinished look under the bridge where it meets the body. My GUESS is they're not finished because they are the same necks as the 650's which have a pickup brace covering that area. It's a great looking and great sounding guitar but I'd have to give it a grade of B+ for the QC on mine. Not too shabby.

djelley · #10 06-09-2011, 07:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Soon

I bought an LH-700 from Instrument Alley a couple months ago. I noticed prior to the purchase that their return policy is tough and that it would cost me at least $100 to return if unsatisfied. Is this what your refer to as being a total jerk? Perhaps they are.

My guitar arrived in very good condition with the only exception being an unfinished look under the bridge where it meets the body. My GUESS is they're not finished because they are the same necks as the 650's which have a pickup brace covering that area. It's a great looking and great sounding guitar but I'd have to give it a grade of B+ for the QC on mine. Not too shabby.

Here was my experience: I placed the order and waited. For over a week my order was marked "Ready to ship". I sent several emails asking for an update with no reply. I tried to call - no answer. I tried to use their "online chat" which never seems to have anyone at the other end.

I started to get very nervous, so I began searching the web. I found a TON of complaints about them, many stating that the customer was completely "ripped off". I know that you have to take Internet complaints with a grain of salt, but with no communication and a bad rep, I got more nervous.

I wrote a threatening email stating that, if I didn't hear from them within 48 hours, I would contact my credit card company to dispute the charge. Shockingly, I got a reply straight way. The "gentleman" who responded was extremely sarcastic and basically, a complete smart a**. They may follow-through with the goods and they do charge less, but their customer service is the worst I have ever seen, and I've dealt with Comcast!

Waynedog · #11 12-13-2011, 01:14 AM

I just joined this site....and I didn't realize there were so many complaints about the Loar archtops. I just placed my order for the new LH-309 from Saint Fishy's Music Stand...out of Bartlett, TN. The lady there told me that they have them shipped to her store first, so the luther can make sure everything is right.... Got my fingers crossed.... Can anyone tell me the best amp for this guitar? Thanks