Archtops: The Loar versus Eastman - opinions?

[backdrifter]

I'm looking to buy an entry level acoustic archtop soon. I'm considering The Loar LH-600 (Gibson L-5 copy) and either an Eastman oval hole or f-hole archtop.

I've read enough positive reviews of Eastmans, but there is less overall information on The Loars. I'm kind of leaning towards The Loar because I like the styling and the price more. Any opinions or input are greatly appreciated!

[backdrifter]

Bump for any possible replies!

[BigPapiFan]

I would take a look at the Godin Kingpin II CW ($900 with case):

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a398/23miles/GodinKingpinCutaway.jpg

Also the Reverend Pete Anderson Signaure ($1000) looks intriguing:

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a398/23miles/pete_anderson_natural.jpg

I think the Epiphone ES-175 is a good entry level archtop too.

[backdrifter]

I appreciate the input and the Godins certainly are nice instruments, but those aren't exactly what I'm looking for. I want a solid wood, spruce-topped acoustic archtop guitar. Those are both laminate acoustic/electrics.

[googoobaby]

There's a basic Kingpin that's purely acoustic. Personally I didn't like the Loars at all. They just feel like cheap, non-resonant imports even if they're not laminated. The Eastman guitars (don't care for their mandolins at all) are very nice for the money.

[Michael Hunter]

There's a basic Kingpin that's purely acoustic. Personally I didn't like the Loars at all. They just feel like cheap, non-resonant imports even if they're not laminated. The Eastman guitars (don't care for their mandolins at all) are very nice for the money.

That's been my experience with the Loars and Eastmans I've played as well. The Eastmans can be somewhat hit or miss in terms of build quality, so hopefully you'll be able to try a few and pick the best of the bunch. J. Hale Music in WI also has a good selection, and I'd trust him to pick you a good one if you don't have a dealer nearby to do so yourself.

[backdrifter]

Thanks for the responses. That's a bit disappointing about The Loars, but I suppose I'm not surprised. I found a new/blem model for $749, which seems like a good deal. If I don't go that route, I'll probably look for a used Eastman. I'm not shopping for new Eastmans as they're higher than I'm willing to pay for this particular guitar. I'm really looking for a fairly cheap guitar that I can leave out of the case and even travel with once in a while - things that I wouldn't do with my other, much nicer, acoustics. I'll write a follow up once I've made a decision.

Thanks again!

[derekd]

Eastman has been making orchestral instruments by hand for decades, and got into guitar building early in the last decade. Initially their quality was spotty, but in the past 2-3 years, I have yet to see a bad one.

I dunno who is building Loar's (clearly a name only), but I sincerely doubt they can claim the same history and experience as Eastman.