Loar LM590MS F Style Mandolin Sunburst Recording King

The Loar LM-590-MS F-Style Mandolin (Sunburst)

The Loar is a brand known for producing vintage-inspired instruments, often based on classic designs from the 1920s and 30s. Their mandolins, including the LM-590-MS, are highly regarded for offering all-solid, hand-carved construction at a very competitive price point, which is rare for an F-style mandolin.

Key Features and Specifications:

• Body Style: F-Style. This is the more elaborate mandolin body shape, characterized by its distinctive scroll and points. It requires more complex carving and construction, which typically makes F-style mandolins more expensive than A-styles. It's the iconic shape for bluegrass mandolins.

• Soundholes: F-holes, which are standard for the F-style and contribute to a punchy, focused, and projecting tone, ideal for cutting through a band mix.

• Construction:

  • Hand-Carved Solid Spruce Top: This is a standout feature. A hand-carved solid spruce top is crucial for rich, resonant, and complex acoustic tone that will improve significantly with age and playing.

  • Hand-Carved Solid Maple Back & Sides: Also a premium feature for the price. Solid maple contributes to bright, clear, and powerful projection, with excellent "chop" for rhythm playing.

• Neck:

  • Maple Neck with Rounded "V" Profile: A "V" neck profile is common on vintage instruments and can be very comfortable for many players, offering good hand support.

  • Rosewood or Ebony Fingerboard: Depending on the specific production run, it could be either, both are high-quality fingerboard materials.

  • 1-1/8" Nut Width: A common and comfortable nut width for mandolin players.

  • Pearl Dot Inlays: Simple, traditional position markers.

  • Flat Fretboard Extension: Designed to provide maximum picking clearance, which is appreciated by players who pick close to the neck joint.

• Hardware and Aesthetics:

  • Finish: Thin Satin Sunburst finish. The "MS" in LM-590-MS indicates "Matte Sunburst" or "Satin Sunburst." This thin, non-glossy finish is often preferred by players as it allows the wood to vibrate more freely, contributing to a more open and resonant sound. The sunburst itself is typically a classic tobacco-style burst.

  • Tuners: High-quality, often Grover tuning machines with pearloid buttons. These are reliable and hold tuning well.

  • Bridge: Adjustable Compensated Ebony Bridge, crucial for precise intonation and setting the action.

  • Tailpiece: Often a stamped brass or nickel-plated tailpiece with a cover.

  • Hardware Color: Nickel.

• Overall Tone: The LM-590-MS is praised for its strong volume, clear articulation, and good "chop." The all-solid, hand-carved construction gives it a tone that often competes with mandolins at significantly higher price points, making it an excellent value for bluegrass and folk musicians.