2001 Gibson F-5 Master Model Mandolin - Used

$14,500.00

Details

This Gibson F-5 Master Model was crafted in 2001 and has a label signed by Charlie Derrington and dated 8/27/2001. Derrington, as many of you know, was the craftsman chosen to restore Bill Monroe’s F-5 after it was badly damaged. He knew as much about Lloyd Loar mandolins as just about anyone and the mandolins he made for Gibson before his untimely death in 2006 really captured the sound and feel of those classic Loar-era instruments.

As you can see from the photos, this Master Model has been played quite a lot, and since the varnish is softer than lacquer there are little finish nicks here and there plus a couple of light pick marks. The pickguard did its job and absorbed the pick and finger scuffing, but there are some changes to the varnish where the player's right arm went over the edge of the top near the tailpiece (see photos).

There are no cracks and no repairs, with the exception of a partial refret, using proper Gibson fret wire, done here at Gryphon, and note that playing wear to the neck has worn off some of the darker varnish from the ivoroid binding (something you see on original Lloyd Loar F-5s). We've sold a number of these special F-5 models over the years, including several new ones back in the day, and this example has the most convincing vintage appearance we've seen, plus great coloring on the one-piece back. The tone and volume are also exceptional. Comes with a Calton case.