1913 Gibson F-4 Blacktop Mandolin – Used

Thanks to a recent refret at Gryphon, this hundred-and-a-dozen years old Gibson F-4 plays as smoothly as a new mandolin, and its vintage vibe is both visual and sonic. It’s very loud when pushed, but a lighter touch brings out sweet ringing tones you just can’t get from an f-hole mandolin. This was purchased from David Grisman back in 1993, and Grisman’s note to that effect is included. While there is a fair amount of surface wear to the original finish, we couldn’t find any cracks and both the Handel tuners with inlaid buttons and the patent-stamped celluloid fingerrest are still in service. All the other parts are original as well, including the hardshell case.