Acoustic Guitar Forum 2010 Guitar of the Year - The Loar LH-200

[J.R. Rogers]

Beginning last year, I started a tradition of honoring a special guitar with the "Founder's Choice Award", selecting the acoustic guitar that stood out to me the most. This year's winner was a bit of a surprise for me. I was introduced to the Music Link's line of guitars at the NAMM shows the past few years, but it wasn't until the ACI Show (LA-Based Acoustic Instrument Show) that I got to sit down with these guitars in a quiet setting. The Music Link owns several brands of good quality musical instruments, and in the case of their Recording King and The Loar series, they have created some easy-to-play, good sounding instruments that are well-built and reliable - at a price point that makes it tempting to own several different models from their line-up.

Inspired by classic American designs from yesteryear, The Loar and the Recording King instruments are updated with modern hardware and construction techniques for playability and tone. I selected the LH-200 from their range of acoustics, and proceeded to fall in love with this little gem. Its small body is so comfortable for me to play, even for extended periods. The setup was surprisingly good from the factory and I haven't yet been inclined to take the guitar to my tech for a setup. Sound and projection are very good from this little box, and suit a variety of situations. The midrange is most dominant allowing you to dig in to your playing to get a range of goodness from warmth to sparkle and nice treble spank. The LH-200 is equally at home in a jam session, recording session, practice, or just quiet playing while watching the sunset. I'm not too worried about playwear on this acoustic thanks to its relatively low price tag. And if a friend stepped in it, I'd just get another one. For this reason, the guitar is usually accessible and finds itself sitting in corners and chairs all over the house, just begging to be played. And it gets played. A lot.

The LH-200 uses a smaller "pre-war" body style that is comfortable for long playing sessions. Back and sides are Mahogany - probably laminated - and the top is solid spruce. Ivoroid/black binding all the way around, and lovely MOP headstock inlay designed by Greg Rich. Standard scale at 25.5" and 14 frets clear of the body. No cutaway, no pickup included, and mine came sans pickguard. Bone nut and Grover open tuners that work. Only 4.25" deep.

The LH-200 is a simple, well-designed, great-sounding little guitar that becomes your best friend while your fine handbuilt guitars are all happily humidifying in their cases. Without a doubt, the LH-200 has been the most-played acoustic guitar at my house in 2010.

J.R. Rogers
AGF Owner and Founder

[gitnoob]

I am speechless.

[DrBromiAndufEwd]

This one will have to go on my watch list.

[Glennwillow]

Very nice JR... Thanks for the reminder about these guitars.

Regards, Glenn

[Taylorplayer]

Season's Greetings JR ~

That looks like a great guitar. It's really nice to have a guitar that doesn't cost an "arm and a leg" - one that you can simply play & enjoy. Great post!

Thanks,
Tp

[bkharmony]

Thanks. I wasn't aware of this model, but I like!

[Chordchunker]

Nice box! I didn`t know there was a vote.

[Idaho John]

John!

I have wanted one of these for quite a while but the 1 11/16th nut width has always kept me from making the purchase.

But the LH-200 is a fine guitar. Well worth the bucks spent.

john

[Rexfordbridge]

Check out these videos. Very cool!

http://theloar.com/LH-200.html

[FLDavid]

That is a bee-you-ti-ful sunburst (!)
(and thanks for maintaining the AGF, JR)

[zombywoof]

If that guitar is half as good as the Loar 600 mandolin it is definitely a winner.

[bfloyd6969]

Great price too!!!

[Zorker]

Do they come with or without a pickguard? I've seen them pictured both ways.

[TJChapin]

or a case? Might swap out my sc T-170 for one.

[Fretbuzzz]

Thanks JR, I just ordered one in Germany. Only 275 Euros, that's a safe price to buy it unseen. It will get here on the 27th. Very much looking forward to it, and will post my findings here.