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* Due to the historical significance of this piece, we kindly ask that any interested buyer contact us to make an appointment to see and evaluate this instrument in person before finalizing sale.
*It will be available for inspection by qualified buyers by advance appointment only.*
*This item is not stored on site in our store*
At that time we can also discuss special handling and payment requirements for this high value item. The owner is not a mandolin player but more of a guitar player, so trade offers with great/unique/rare/vintage guitars are greatly encouraged.
* This item falls under our used/vintage policy and will therefore be ineligible for return.
GIBSON F-5 MANDOLIN FERN w/Virzi Tone Producer Signed by Lloyd Loar March 31, 1924 Ser.#76785
From Wikipedia: “Loar worked for Gibson from 1919 to 1924. His contributions include building the instrument top with F-shaped holes, like a violin; introducing a longer neck, thus moving the bridge closer to the center of the body; and floating the fingerboard over the top, a change from prior Gibson Instruments that had fingerboards fused to the top. He also pioneered the use of the Virzi Tone Producer, a spruce disc suspended from the instrument topthat acts as a supplemental soundboard. Loar also signed a rare subset of F5 mandolins called Ferns, of which approximately twenty are known to exist. The name refers to the distinctive fern inlay design of the peghead.
Not only is this one of the rarest of all Loar signed F-5’s, this is a “Lost Loar” that was not even known to exist until we found it, and it’s the only one we have ever seen in “untouched” condition---a true attic find that has not been polished or repaired or re-fretted . The smell is heavenly—the patina is real—this is what magic is all about! Check out the others that are out there and then look at this one.
THIS ONE IS THE HOLY GRAIL!!
The original case still has dozens of New-Old Stock Strings in it, just as found. It HAS NOT been set-up or molested by a technician - it is just as found with the original strings except one we replaced from the old stock in the case that was broken. The case handle is missing (very typical of leather that is almost 100 years old).
THE BEST PART IS: IT SOUNDS GREAT!!! Mandolin experts and World class players, Lloyd Stark, Gary Vessel, and Joe Weed played it here in the store, and it was unbelievable! Joe owns a Loar and he said “This one blows mine away! And with old strings!
This instrument falls under our used/vintage policy and is therefore not eligible for return.
As pictured, please contact us with any questions.
Thanks for shopping with Guitar Showcase!
WHO WE ARE:
Guitar Showcase, located in the heart of Silicon Valley in San Jose, CA has been serving musicians since 1965 offering the widest selection of new musical instruments as well as the most sought after vintage instruments on the planet. Our staff of seasoned musicians is ready to help you find the best instrument for you, whether you are a beginner looking for your first instrument, or a vintage collector looking for the crown jewel of your collection. Guitar Showcase is an authorized dealer for many of today’s biggest brands including Fender, Gibson, Paul Reed Smith, Mesa/Boogie, Ibanez,Marshall, Taylor, Martin, and many more… visit us at or contact us to ask about our massive selection of new, used and vintage instruments, and when in Silicon Valley, please stop by for a visit and see the Vintage Vault with hundreds of iconic Vintage and Collector Instruments as well as hundreds of other instruments.
PAYMENT TERMS:
Please contact us to discuss payment details for this unique high value piece.
SALES TAX:
Guitar Showcase collects sales tax on all orders shipped to California at the San Jose. CA rates.
SHIPPING TERMS:
This premium piece requires special handling; please call or email us before buying.
Returns - USED/VINTAGE GEAR:
Used and Vintage gear is, by definition, old and fragile. This gear is subject to age and handling wear. Scuffs and scrapes, dents and dings, repairs, modifications and replacements all are to be expected. So, while Guitar Showcase strives to accurately document and describe each piece we list, we can only accept responsibility for what we detail in the listing and what is visible in thephotos. Guitar Showcase is eager to verify any additional details necessary to address any concerns you may have:just make sure to contact us with any questions you may have before bidding or buying. Beyond this, Guitar Showcase can offer no guarantee and can accept no returns on Used or Vintage gear.Please be sure you know what you are buying, and please do not think that older, used and Vintage Instruments should be set up in perfect playing condition.
For this high value vintage instrument, we kindly ask that you contact us to make arrangements for an in-person evaluation before completing purchase.
CONSIGNED GEAR:
Some of the gear in the Guitar Showcase eBay store is listed on behalf of a consignor. These pieces are not the property of Guitar Showcase and as such we can accept no returns on any consigned equipment. Consigned gear is also subject to the same stipulations as Used and Vintage gear, as described above. Please make sure to contact us with any questions you may have before bidding on or buying any consignment item.
INTERNATIONAL SALES:
Some listed items that contain Rosewood and other protected species may be ineligible for international sale; please make sure to read listing details carefully. For eligible sales, Guitar Showcase is happy tooffer international shipping through USPS to select countries, with calculated shipping cost based on location. Please contact us PRIOR to purchase for an exact shipping quote to your country. Due to additional expense and complication,we are unable to accept returns on any international sales and all payments must be pre-arranged, please contact us for details. CAUTION, SEE BELOW!
Beginning Jan.2, 2017, CITES documentation is required for import and re-export of many newly listed wood species (including all Rosewoods, not just Brazilian) and items made from them(like Guitars and their parts). These new rules will not allow the import or export of most Vintage Guitars and many newer Guitars and other instruments. We are not able to furnish the required permits at this time, and in the foreseeable future. You may be able to carry a personally owned Instrument across your border, but we cannot guarantee this, nor be responsible for the consequences and you are advised to check with your Country’s authorities before attempting to do so. The Instruments may be confiscated by Customs or Border Authorities! For more information, see:
California Proposition 65WARNINGS:
California's Proposition 65 requires special warnings for products that contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm if those products expose consumers to such chemicals above certain threshold levels. We cannot reliably determine which products may contain such chemicals, so we are warning you that all the products we sell, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO: New Electrical cords and cables, and especially used and vintage products, such as Guitars, Basses, Horns, Amplifiers, PA gear, Mixers, Patch Bays, Effects Pedals, Speakers, Keyboards, Processors, Interfaces, Microphones,Headphones, Cables, parts and accessories which were typically made using LEAD SOLDER, may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm, wash hands after handling.
For More information, please visit California’s Proposition 65 Warnings websites.
* Due to the historical significance of this piece, we kindly ask that any interested buyer contact us to make an appointment to see and evaluate this instrument in person before finalizing sale.
*It will be available for inspection by qualified buyers by advance appointment only.*
*This item is not stored on site in our store*
At that time we can also discuss special handling and payment requirements for this high value item. The owner is not a mandolin player but more of a guitar player, so trade offers with great/unique/rare/vintage guitars are greatly encouraged.
* This item falls under our used/vintage policy and will therefore be ineligible for return.
GIBSON F-5 MANDOLIN FERN w/Virzi Tone Producer Signed by Lloyd Loar March 31, 1924 Ser.#76785
From Wikipedia: “Loar worked for Gibson from 1919 to 1924. His contributions include building the instrument top with F-shaped holes, like a violin; introducing a longer neck, thus moving the bridge closer to the center of the body; and floating the fingerboard over the top, a change from prior Gibson Instruments that had fingerboards fused to the top. He also pioneered the use of the Virzi Tone Producer, a spruce disc suspended from the instrument topthat acts as a supplemental soundboard. Loar also signed a rare subset of F5 mandolins called Ferns, of which approximately twenty are known to exist. The name refers to the distinctive fern inlay design of the peghead.
Not only is this one of the rarest of all Loar signed F-5’s, this is a “Lost Loar” that was not even known to exist until we found it, and it’s the only one we have ever seen in “untouched” condition---a true attic find that has not been polished or repaired or re-fretted . The smell is heavenly—the patina is real—this is what magic is all about! Check out the others that are out there and then look at this one.
THIS ONE IS THE HOLY GRAIL!!
The original case still has dozens of New-Old Stock Strings in it, just as found. It HAS NOT been set-up or molested by a technician - it is just as found with the original strings except one we replaced from the old stock in the case that was broken. The case handle is missing (very typical of leather that is almost 100 years old).
THE BEST PART IS: IT SOUNDS GREAT!!! Mandolin experts and World class players, Lloyd Stark, Gary Vessel, and Joe Weed played it here in the store, and it was unbelievable! Joe owns a Loar and he said “This one blows mine away! And with old strings!
This instrument falls under our used/vintage policy and is therefore not eligible for return.
As pictured, please contact us with any questions.
Thanks for shopping with Guitar Showcase!
WHO WE ARE:
Guitar Showcase, located in the heart of Silicon Valley in San Jose, CA has been serving musicians since 1965 offering the widest selection of new musical instruments as well as the most sought after vintage instruments on the planet. Our staff of seasoned musicians is ready to help you find the best instrument for you, whether you are a beginner looking for your first instrument, or a vintage collector looking for the crown jewel of your collection. Guitar Showcase is an authorized dealer for many of today’s biggest brands including Fender, Gibson, Paul Reed Smith, Mesa/Boogie, Ibanez,Marshall, Taylor, Martin, and many more… visit us at or contact us to ask about our massive selection of new, used and vintage instruments, and when in Silicon Valley, please stop by for a visit and see the Vintage Vault with hundreds of iconic Vintage and Collector Instruments as well as hundreds of other instruments.
PAYMENT TERMS:
Please contact us to discuss payment details for this unique high value piece.
SALES TAX:
Guitar Showcase collects sales tax on all orders shipped to California at the San Jose. CA rates.
SHIPPING TERMS:
This premium piece requires special handling; please call or email us before buying.
Returns - USED/VINTAGE GEAR:
Used and Vintage gear is, by definition, old and fragile. This gear is subject to age and handling wear. Scuffs and scrapes, dents and dings, repairs, modifications and replacements all are to be expected. So, while Guitar Showcase strives to accurately document and describe each piece we list, we can only accept responsibility for what we detail in the listing and what is visible in thephotos. Guitar Showcase is eager to verify any additional details necessary to address any concerns you may have:just make sure to contact us with any questions you may have before bidding or buying. Beyond this, Guitar Showcase can offer no guarantee and can accept no returns on Used or Vintage gear.Please be sure you know what you are buying, and please do not think that older, used and Vintage Instruments should be set up in perfect playing condition.
For this high value vintage instrument, we kindly ask that you contact us to make arrangements for an in-person evaluation before completing purchase.
CONSIGNED GEAR:
Some of the gear in the Guitar Showcase eBay store is listed on behalf of a consignor. These pieces are not the property of Guitar Showcase and as such we can accept no returns on any consigned equipment. Consigned gear is also subject to the same stipulations as Used and Vintage gear, as described above. Please make sure to contact us with any questions you may have before bidding on or buying any consignment item.
INTERNATIONAL SALES:
Some listed items that contain Rosewood and other protected species may be ineligible for international sale; please make sure to read listing details carefully. For eligible sales, Guitar Showcase is happy tooffer international shipping through USPS to select countries, with calculated shipping cost based on location. Please contact us PRIOR to purchase for an exact shipping quote to your country. Due to additional expense and complication,we are unable to accept returns on any international sales and all payments must be pre-arranged, please contact us for details. CAUTION, SEE BELOW!
Beginning Jan.2, 2017, CITES documentation is required for import and re-export of many newly listed wood species (including all Rosewoods, not just Brazilian) and items made from them(like Guitars and their parts). These new rules will not allow the import or export of most Vintage Guitars and many newer Guitars and other instruments. We are not able to furnish the required permits at this time, and in the foreseeable future. You may be able to carry a personally owned Instrument across your border, but we cannot guarantee this, nor be responsible for the consequences and you are advised to check with your Country’s authorities before attempting to do so. The Instruments may be confiscated by Customs or Border Authorities! For more information, see:
California Proposition 65WARNINGS:
California's Proposition 65 requires special warnings for products that contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm if those products expose consumers to such chemicals above certain threshold levels. We cannot reliably determine which products may contain such chemicals, so we are warning you that all the products we sell, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO: New Electrical cords and cables, and especially used and vintage products, such as Guitars, Basses, Horns, Amplifiers, PA gear, Mixers, Patch Bays, Effects Pedals, Speakers, Keyboards, Processors, Interfaces, Microphones,Headphones, Cables, parts and accessories which were typically made using LEAD SOLDER, may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm, wash hands after handling.
For More information, please visit California’s Proposition 65 Warnings websites.
