My Loar LM-590 is in the house

[Richard J]

Morning everyone. In September I ordered a The LM-590 mandolin to see/play and hopefully to buy. Because of unforeseen circumstances, it finally arrived at the Homestead Pickin’ Parlor (Richfield, MN.) yesterday (11/20). They set it up, called me, and I was there at 7:00p.m. Walked in, saw it hanging on the wall, and thought “oh yeah”. Sat down with it, first just looking at the wood & finish, the workmanship, the tailpiece, the turning machines… everything was spot on. Then time to tune it. The Grover tuning machines were very easy, the bridge seems to have been set up perfectly. When every string was in tune, I played G –D – A – E chords, maybe it’s just me, but I thought I could hear it singing. When playing those first 4 chords, my left-hand fit perfectly. Then it was “which song should be its first song”. I decided Lisa Jane, then Kitchen Girl, then Swinging on a Gate, in those first 10-15 minutes I fell in love. Spent the next hour in the Pickin’ Parlor, playing, playing & playing. Playing almost every song that came to mind. I could not have been happier. At 8:00p.m. I looked at the guy who was manning the store, and said “please find a hard case for my new baby, I can’t take it outside in the cold”. We laughed, found a case, my paid the bill, drove home, and spent another 2 hours playing and dreaming about my new found fortune. Bought it to work with me today and will be jamming with others during my lunch hour. It’s only been played for a few hours and not only does it look beautiful it sounds great. Can't wait to discover it's full voice after it's been played for many many more hours. I’m as happy as a clam (as the phrase says), but now I have to discover if my new axe is male or female so I can find “it” a name (decisions, decisions). Keep on Picking everyone.

[Folkmusician.com]

Hello Richard,

Congratulations on the new mandolin and welcome to the forum!

[Hudmister]

Now that's the way it's supposed to work. Nothing better than a nice mandolin to play. I too have a "The Loar" which really did blossom into a beautiful sounding instrument after about 3 months of playing. Some guys have all the luck.

[John Garcia]

I bought a LM-590 last June. I've gotten numerous compliments on the satin finish, and also the sound. I did Rob Meldrum's setup on it (I wanted to lower the action), and I love it. Enjoy.

[lflngpicker]

Hey Richard, I too want to congratulate you-- nice mandolin! Welcome.

[darrylicshon]

Glad you like it, i got a Loar 600 last week and love it. I hope you have lots of fun playing it enjoy

[Buddy Bellwether]

Congratulations on your new baby! I have Loar aspirations, but unfortunately I have an Ibanez budget.lol
It could be worse, I could be picking on a Rogue. Maybe one day I can afford one of those sweet instruments. Here's to hoping!

[Caleb]

Great post. Exactly what it's all about. Enjoy.

[allenhopkins]

All I can say is -- go back and read all the lyrical things you're writing about the Loar, in a couple years when you're tempted by that Gibson, Collings, Weber, whatever. Mandolin infidelity, the curse of MAS, it's everywhere...

[Richard J]

What? MAS is a curse? When I bought my Loar I was told that when the time comes I can trade it in for that Weber Yellowstone I hunger for. Thanks everyone for all your replies.

[Michael Bridges]

Makes me happy to hear from someone enjoying a new baby! Congrats, now just play the frets off of it.

[John Garcia]

All I can say is -- go back and read all the lyrical things you're writing about the Loar, in a couple years when you're tempted by that Gibson, Collings, Weber, whatever. Mandolin infidelity, the curse of MAS, it's everywhere...

What allenhopkins said ^^^^^ I have had my Loar LM-590 for just 6 months, but I have my eyes on a nice Breedlove right now........

[Mandoplumb]

[QUOTE=Richard J;1345411 When every string was in tune, I played G –D – A – E chords, maybe it’s just me, but I thought I could hear it singing.

All strings in tune at the same time?!! That alone is reason to buy it.