1920 Gibson F-4 Black Top Mandolin-Used

$6,600.00

Details

Many of the mandolins and guitars Orville Gibson made in the 1890s had black tops, and it gives F-models like this, which was made after the company that bears his name was founded, a visual link to the company’s roots. This example was made in 1920 and Gibson had their oval soundhole mandolins dialed in by then. It has a light, bubbly tone that is not powerful enough to drive a bluegrass band, but it works very for Celtic, jazz, old-time and just about every other style.The F-4 was the highest mandolin model in their catalog for over a decade (until introduction of the F-5 in the early 1920s), and sunburst F-4 models like this one were pictured on more than one of Gibson's catalog covers.

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." Nice figure to the curly maple back, with a lovely sunburst. It has its original tuners, pearl nut, bridge, and tailpiece with the cover-late with "The Gibson" logo. Includes the original hardshell case, which is in equally clean condition.