Loar LM-310F F-Style Mandolin

 Very few F-Style mandolins for under $400 are worth the strings they’re strung with, but this one is worth its price times two!  Absolutely perfect for the beginning bluegrasser due to its quality and playability. The solid, hard-carved spruce top makes this mando stand out by giving it a quality tone and projection that’s rare as hen’s teeth for this kind of money.  The profile of the maple neck fits comfortably in the player's hand and the removal of the fretboard extension beyond the 20th fret allows the player to access that “sweet spot” without the added clacking of the pick on the fingerboard. Also interesting is how this mandolin sounds, not just how it looks. It's very full and warm, with woody characteristics.  Not a ton of brightness, and the projection isn’t quite what you’d get on a much more expensive option, but overall it is a joy to play and listen to.  It almost has a tone in its own class.  Includes Manufacturer Lifetime Warranty, Free Professional Setup, and Free S