Loar Archtops - LH600 and LH309 the same besides pickups added to 309?

lespaul_79 · #1 10-02-2014, 11:21 AM

Are these 2 guitars the same besides the 309 having pickups added.
I compared the specs and they look kinda similar. Both have:

Upper Bout: 11-1/2"
Lower Bout: 16"
Nut, Width: Bone, 1-3/4"
Depth: 3-3/4"
Body Length: 20-1/4"
Total Length: 40-1/2"

Except, 600 has Finish Type: Nitrocellulose (main difference in tone...?)

http://www.theloar.com/products/arch...stic-lh-600-vs

http://www.theloar.com/products/arch...-309-vs#second

If they're basically the same, not sure why they just dont call the one with pups the LH-600 VSe or something. Perhaps I'm not understanding the 309...

Eitherway, u think the 309 sounds just as good acoustic? Thanks.

mr. beaumont · #2 10-02-2014, 11:49 AM

600 is all solid wood, top back and sides.

309 is solid top, laminated back and sides.

Big difference in tone. Also seems the Loar spends more time on their higher priced instruments...I've played a few 600's and 700's and they've been quite nice in the fit and finish department (still needed good setups though)

The two 309's I've run across were much rougher around the edges. Also, one of the worst excuses for a P90 I've ever heard. Didn't think much of the acoustic tone either....the 600 and up sounded much more like an archtop should...but these 309's also had relatively thin nickelwounds on 'em.

Personally, if you're looking for a single p90 style archtop, the Godin Kingpin is so much better, it's not even a comparison worth making.

lespaul_79 · #3 10-02-2014, 12:02 PM

Thanks. I assume the 319 is a similar story.

Yeah, been checking out the Godin Kingpin. Just heard the tone is not as good played acoustic as the Loar.
Tough to find best of both worlds on a budget, I guess.

mr. beaumont · #4 10-02-2014, 12:17 PM

Tough to find the best of both worlds period, imho. But, I'm always the guy who says versatility is overrated...

jcarlos · #5 10-02-2014, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lespaul_79

Thanks. I assume the 319 is a similar story.

Yeah, been checking out the Godin Kingpin. Just heard the tone is not as good played acoustic as the Loar.
Tough to find best of both worlds on a budget, I guess.

I didnt like the Godins, I ended up getting a LH350 and I love it.

I don't think there is an all around guitar though for any budget. You have to use your strengths as a player to get the most of whatever instrument you choose.

Archtop Guy · #6 10-02-2014, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcarlos

You have to use your strengths as a player to get the most of whatever instrument you choose.

jcarlos: you're my friend! Well said. That should be at the top of every thread on the forum.

I like the Loars for looks, but I think the Godins are better for fit and finish and out of box playability. Just me though, you choose your poison.

jcarlos · #7 10-03-2014, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Archtop Guy

jcarlos: you're my friend! Well said. That should be at the top of every thread on the forum.

I like the Loars for looks, but I think the Godins are better for fit and finish and out of box playability. Just me though, you choose your poison.

Thanks, poison indeed, haha.