Details
Many of the mandolins and guitars Orville Gibson made in the 1890s had gleaming black tops, and it gives F-models like this a stunning visual link to the company’s roots. This example was made in 1920, by then Gibson had perfected their oval soundhole mandolins and this example has the tonal power and volume to prove it.
Except for the celluloid point on the treble-side cutaway, it's original throughout and its varnish finish is in excellent condition. The wear to the finish on the top, just above the bass side of the fingerboard, plus minor fret wear, tells us it has been played. And there's a bit of finish missing on that treble-side point from when the celluloid tip was replaced. The center seam of the two-piece top had opened slightly and was glued and reinforced here at Gryphon. The original pickguard is missing because it succumbed to "celluloid disease," a fate shared by many of these models. Nice figure to the curly maple back, with a lovely sunburst. It has its original tuners, pearl nut, bridge, and tailpiece cover with "The Gibson" logo. Includes the original hardshell case.
Specs
-
Back sides
Figured Maple
-
Binding
Ivoroid
-
Fingerboard
Ebony
-
Finish
Varnish
-
Frets to body
10
-
Inlay
Flower Pot
-
Neck material
3-Piece Mahogany
-
Nut width
1 3/16"
-
Scale length
13 7/8"
-
Top material
Carved Spruce
-
Total frets
24
-
Tuners
Waverly
-
Year
1920
-
Case type
Original Hardshell
-
Serial number
58183
-
SKU
GIBF4-58183
-
UPC
121249
