Gibson copies...or not?

Something struck me recently w/all this discussion about the Gibson flowerpot and the legal issues involved....it has been brought up that perhaps builders should stop using the body design of the F5 mandolin as well....and i ask myself...are people really trying to re-create the Gibson sound or just the body style? Gibson is famous for that throaty midrangy thing right? Don't most builders today try to open the range up a bit more and don't alot of builders today attempt to juice up the low end? Seems to me that the design is being used but i think many builders are attempting to create their own modern sound. Just a thought.

[Kbone]

I think the thought on bracing has evolved , and the effect has brought many changes in tone etc.. The good thing is , a guy/gal can go to a small builder ( if he's skilled enough )and request say - (eg) more bottom end , and by changing the bracing he can get the desired effect.

[JeffS]

I would guess the some of the handmade builders are going for the sound of an original Loar while the Asian builders are going simply for the look and then there is a whole lot of in between.

I don't know if at this point Gibson could stop people from copying the F5 design since there are just so many makers making that style. I take that back, they probably could but they might not want the public's reaction to it.

[futrconslr]

Gibson may have a hard time tryin to claim that the f5 design is proprietary given the fact that people have been making copies for literally years.

[tiltman]

I wonder who made the first acoustic guitar?

Could their kinfolk patent that!?! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif