Gibson F-4 three point mandolin 1907 Spruce & Curly Maple natural
About This Listing
Below is the evaluation of Gryphon Stringed Instruments of Palo Alto Ca. A very respected high end sales and repair shop. I have Gryphon's professionally done photographs but Reverb does not allow me to post them. My iPhone pics don't really do it justice. The detail on the tuning pegs and pick guard alone are stunning. Contact me if you would like those pictures sent. My closeup of the heel crack exaggerates what it looks compared to when you hold it. As you will read, Gryphon felt the repair was very good and the instrument is solid and very playable.The piece was on consignment there for $6,500 (their valuation) but I have decided to sell it directly. The shipping price reflects careful packing and insurance.
"A very rare early Gibson F model mandolin in excellent condition. The body is original throughout, with no cracks or sign of repairs except for a slight pull to the top from shrinkage of the thin inlaid pick-guard. Neck is original but the fingerboard has been replaced, almost certainly done by Gibson. The original fingerboard had different inlay pattern than dots, but those early Gibson fingerboards were dyed hardwood, not ebony, and that material rarely survives. We don't know when the fingerboard was updated, but the work was well done and Gibson no doubt had lots of practice as so many of their early fingerboards from this period crumbled. Our guess is that the crack in the heel was repaired when the fingerboard was replaced as it's very solid. Thanks to the work Gibson did all those years ago this is a very playable mandolin, with good frets and a straight neck.
The leather case is the original style that Gibson supplied with these instruments, but it is no longer suitable for carrying any instrument, let alone a rare one in this condition. Hardshell cases are difficult to find because the body of these early F models is longer, and the headstock wider, than later F style mandolins. We're supplying the original style tooled leather case."
MODEL
F-4, NATURAL TOP MANDOLIN
TOP
ADIRONDACK SPRUCE
BACK AND SIDES
CURLY MAPLE
FRETS TO BODY
10
BRIDGE MATERIAL
EBONY
FRETBOARD MATERIAL
EBONY
NECK MATERIAL
2-PIECE CURLY MAPLE
NECK PROFILE
V
BINDING
CELLULOID
ELECTRONICS
NONE
TOTAL FRETS
24
TUNERS
ORIGINAL
SERIAL NO
6201
CASE
ORIGINAL LEATHER PLUS GIG BAG
FINISH
VARNISH
This item is sold As-Described
This item is sold As-Described and cannot be returned unless it arrives in a condition different from how it was described or photographed. Items must be returned in original, as-shipped condition with all original packaging.
Product Specs
| Listed | 2 years ago |
| Condition | Excellent (Used) Excellent items are almost entirely free from blemishes and other visual defects and have been played or used with the utmost care.learn more |
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