Gibson F5 Styles

[Lane Pryce]

When the folks at Gibson are building F5 mandolins are they constructed as Ferns,G's and 9's, or at somepoint after assembly and before the finish is applied is the determination made as to what the final model will be? In other words do they began life as a Fern,G or a 9. Lp

[Big Joe]

Essentially they start life as the mandolin they are intended to be. While they are all constructed the same, there is different binding on some of the mandolins. In addition, the grain pattern on the back is different from one model to another. Some have a tighter flame and others a wider flame. In addition, there are differences in the necks on the Bush model and fingerboards are different on each of the mandolins. So, it is pretty imporant to know what mandolin you are making right from the start. The MM is a different top wood and other minor differences so it must be noted also.

[Lane Pryce]

Thanks Joe. Lp

[Willie]

Big Joe....I believe you stated in an earlier post that Gibson would build a left handed mandolin if the customer wanted one...How does one go about this since Gibson mandolins can only be bought through a dealer, at least I was led to believe that a person can`t buy one directly from Gibson...Please enlighten me on this....Thanks....Willie