The Loar LH-600 Archtop Acoustic Guitar 

Comments about The Loar LH-600 Archtop Acoustic Guitar:

I really love this guitar. It is exactly what I had been looking for in an archtop. I restrung it with "flat top" strings to reduce finger noise, and it just rings. I have had it a week and it sounds better every time I play it. It can be voiced with different techniques to be mellow or loud, percusive or lyrical. I am just beginning to find its range.
I did experience some problems getting to this particular instrument, but the hassle was worth it.
I had originally ordered a laminated archtop from another manufacturer, and in my opinion, it really did not have the sound, and had a neck defect, so I returned it. They did not have a Loar LH-600 in stock, so I ordered one from another retailer that did (I needed the guitar for an event the following month). The instrument shipped to me was obviously a B stock guitar. It had three holes going through the finish and deeply into the wood. It looked like a staple or nail had been driven into the side at the factory after the instrument was finished, but before it was packaged for shipping. The neck angle was very shallow and the bridge was all the way down, so the action could not be lowered. It was playable (and sounded great), but there was no room to adjust it without modifying the bridge. If you have researched this guitar, you have probably seen similar stories in other reviews. I can only say that I had a bad experience with that one, but was able to return it for a full refund. I cannot say with certainty that the issue was with the manufacturer shipping a damaged instrument as "new", or with the other retailer (probably unknowingly) selling B stock as undamaged, new equipment. Either way, I had read in my research that some of the Loar instruments on the market were sub-par, and did indeed have that experience myself. I did not lose any money and the other retailer paid for shipping to return the guitar (which they apparently are selling as a scratch and dent item now). I am very grateful that I did not let that discourage me from trying again. This guitar is worth the trouble. I can't express that enough, it is worth jumping through the hoops (if you have to). With any luck at all, you'll get a great guitar at a remakable price right out of the box. Buy one now before the prices go up!
It has great looking and sounding wood, hand-carved solid spruce top and solid flamed maple back and sides. The hardware is solid, the Grover tuners hold in tune. The "V" profile neck is chunky, and actually quite comfortable.
It does not come with a pickguard, which would have been a nice feature at this price, particularly if you are considering installing a pickup at some point, although it really doesn't need one to be heard in most settings. The hybrid gigbag/case is really better than I expected. The nitro finish is very good. In all, it is a very good representation of the classic archtop of the 30's and is appropriately appointed.
This instrument is very well made. As said in some other reviews, the finish around the F holes is a little rough, the frets could have been a little better polished, slight orange peel near the fretboard extension and the top is unfinished under the fret board extension. That is all pretty nit-picky. The visual impression is that of a very beautifully built guitar, and closer examination holds up that impression. I took a mirror and a flashlight and gave the innards a good look. The work was very clean, no big glue globs or missing purfling. Very good quality work. The neck is perfectly straight, intonation is spot on (after slightly adjusting the bridge location), and the instrument feels very solid. For a guitar at this price, you can readily accept a few minor flaws, and they are minor. A less critical eye would not see them at all. If it really bugs you, get some clear lacquer and paint the inside of the F holes.
I couldn't find anything else on the market close to this. The laminated guitars for a little less money don't have the big sound, and every other solid wood guitar that I could find costs thousands of dollars more. They could sell these for twice what they are asking and still be the least expensive entry in this market.

Comments about The Loar LH-600 Archtop Acoustic Guitar:

Great guitar value. I usually prefer guitars with thinner necks(this one is thick, but not overly), but this thing played and sounded excellent right out of the case. I use mine with a vintage Dearmond pick-up and I think it sounds fantastic. It's a killer rhythm chucker! It also sounds great with a decent mic in front of it too. I tend to think most guitars these days are overpriced, so(like other players who have had a similar experience)I feel the need to post a review when I finally come across a product that is worth its price-tag. Its a great guitar that, unlike other $3,000 archtops(wont mention any names),you don't have to be afraid to take it to a gig and actually use it. This thing plays like a dream, sounds great, and looks bad-ass. what more do you want? Oh yeah, it affordable too! I'm done with all these overpriced guitars! Nice job guys!

Comments about The Loar LH-600 Archtop Acoustic Guitar:

I began 17 months ago, trying to find THE acoustic guitar I could play early jazz on, and could fall in love with. Fourteen guitars later (no kidding), I've found it in this little beauty, the Loar LH-600. The tone that bursts out of this guitar is SO LOUD and so "perfect" for acoustic jazz (think Eddie Lang, Django) I find myself stopping sometimes, to play a certain note or chord again, it sounded so amazing to me. The pictures here don't begin to show, really, the beauty of this thing. It's unbelievably beautiful. Solid wood everywhere, ebony fingerboard, Grover tuners, compensated saddle/bridge... it has it all. I can't find one thing to complain about; these guitars, remember, depend upon a fairly powerful right hand for their maximum tone. If you're a light strummer, this one isn't for you. If you're into jazz or Gypsy jazz or swing already, or are moving that way, GET ONE. It's the best I've heard, best I've played. If you rest ("post") your fingers on the face of the guitar, you're in trouble here, too -- as there's no pick guard. You can always put one on it, though. I love my Loar! It's 4 lbs. of dynamite.