1917 Gibson F-4 Mandolin – Used

An exceptionally clean and original F-4, from the period when it was the highest Gibson mandolin model and was featured on the cover of the catalog. All parts are original, including tuners with pearl-inlaid buttons, pearl nut, tailpiece with cover, and compensated bridge. Original shellac-varnish finish throughout which is in excellent condition with very little playing wear. The one-piece curly maple back resonates with a nice low tone when tapped, and this mandolin has a warmer bass response than most of its type. Neck is very straight and string action nice and low. Only cracks are hairlines to the top, both are often found on Gibson F-models: one is a 1&1/2″ long at the lower point on treble side, the other about the same length in the upper bout on the bass side (just below the curl). All that’s missing is the pickguard, almost certainly because it succumbed to celluloid deterioration (the upper 5 frets show some typical discoloration as a result).

A great sounding oval-soundhole Gibson.