New here. Anybody got The Loar LO-18?

[Chick-N-Picker]

Try to keep it short. I'm new here. Wanted a Gibson L-1 or L-00 for as long as I can remember. Sadly any real Gibson is apparently not going to ever happen so I'll do what they always did, buy a cheap guitar.

I recently discovered The Loar and they look and sound really great on the videos. I am really interested in the The Loar LO-18 as it looks to be a perfect copy to a Gibson L-00. Does anybody have one? What is your thoughts? Does anybody have a Gibson L-00 and The Loar LO-18? How does it compare in sound and copying the body shape? Pictures are always welcome for me and would love to see the two sitting next to one another.

I also know The Loar makes LO-14, LO-16 (black), LO-16 (natural). I really like the black but I think I like the LO-18 sunburst even better, and it has a wider nut. Fine with a chunky or slim neck, but a narrow nut is something I don't like too much.

Thank you for any replies.

[Chick-N-Picker]

So nobody has one of these? Has anybody even played an LO-18?

[jklotz]

I have a LH-250SB that I like a lot. Can't help you with the LO-18, as I've never played one, but they sure look like a lot of bang for the buck.

[roylor4]

I have an early LO-16.

1.75" bone nut, Grover tuners and baseball bat sized neck. The heaviest small bodied guitar I've ever owned. It is extremely loud and it's sound/tone is "in your face". A friend that played it it liked it a lot and said - "It's got that 'ol timey sound".

Easily comes close to a Dread flatpicked. I cannot bond with the tone of mine and I'm selling it. Too bold and not enough warmth for me.

[Goat Mick]

I had a Loar LH-200 and it was a really nice little guitar but it really didn't capture the Gibson L-00 vibe. I picked up a Farida OT-22w last summer and it gets really really close. Not that much more expensive, especially if you can find a used one.

[hat]

I would second the Farida. I've not been impressed with the Loars. Heavy, overbuilt, thick finish......