Gibson f5g

[jhbaylor]

I am considering a used Gibson F5G either regular or in the wide neck. #Are there better years for this mandolin and anything I need to know about before playing as many as I can and deciding on one. I am not going to spend more than $4,000.
Thanks

[J.Albert]

You might want to to check out the "flameburst" versions of the F-5g (actually designated F5-FB on the label) that were originally built for the now-defunct "Music Machine" stores out on the west coast. I get the impression that Music Machine was kind of like "Guitar Center", in that they did not cater to bluegrass in general or mandolin players in particular, but SOMEbody in that outfit knew and loved mandolins, because the F5-FB is well-conceived custom design that includes:

- Red spruce top (instead of Sitka)
- Neck bound as well as body (with antiqued ivorod binding)
- Pearl nut
- Highly flamed sunburst on back

About 43 total were made, 40 in laquer and 3 in varnish.

When Music Machine went out of business, much of their remaining stock of the F5-FB's was aquired by Buffalo brothers, and the rest to a few other places.

Check here for Buffalo Brothers:
http://www.buffalobrosguitars.com/mandolins.html
http://www.buffalobrosguitars.com/images1....ex.html (http://www.buffalobrosguitars.com/images19000-19999/nmb19379-gibsonf5gcustom/index.html)
http://www.buffalobrosguitars.com/images1....ex.html (http://www.buffalobrosguitars.com/images19000-19999/nmb19378-gibsonf5custom/index.html)

Also, Gryphon has one (but they want $950 more for it):
http://www.gryphonstrings.com/instpix/26219/26219.html

The "19378" at Buffalo Brothers looks to be the best-looking of the three.

There have been a few message threads here at the cafe about these.

I have one myself, picked up thru a cafe classifed ad here. A very nice instrument, the most refined and "complex" sound of my mandolins (though not quite the "loudest", at least not yet).

These are "a cut above" a production F-5g, and the Red Spruce top probably gives it a sound closer to what you'd get with the Master Model (the only other production instrument that has them).

- John
(disclaimer, no financial connection to above links)

[JimW]

I'll echo what John stated above. I have one of the varnished ones of this batch and it's the best mandolin I've had the opportunity to own, and I've owned quite a few. I'll preface that comment with the fact that I play bluegrass and love the perceived "gibson" sound that has been the voice of bluegrass down through the years. I think all that's left are the lacquered ones, but I've heard them played and they are all hosses also. I don't think you can go wrong for the money on the ones at buffalo brothers. I also think they'll give you an approval period as well.

If you're interested in listening to a few clips and videos of my varnished F5G, Click Here (http://#############################/gibson.htm).

Jim

[Doug Edwards]

Nice sounding mandolin Jim (good playing too).

Exactly how are you holding that pick? Not being critical by any means, I just don't get it. It looks like your thumb is twice as long as mine.

[Greg H.]

Well, I'll have to agree with jim and John above. I have one of the laquer F5-FBs and I've loved it. Great tone with lots of volume. As is the case with most Red Spruce topped mandolins it may take a bit longer to start loosening up, but once it does!!!!!

[jjboone101]

I've owned a '02 F5G and a '06 F5G wideneck with the Bush inlays. Dollar for dollar, a great instrument. You can find them on the Cafe once in a while for as low as $2500 (like last week) but they normally seem to sell for $3000-$3500 used...

[Troyer]

Can anyone tell me how the F5G master model is different than the regular F5G and how does it affect the price for a used one.

[Chris Biorkman]

There is no difference. All F-5Gs say master model on the label. I also owned one of the F5-Gs with the flameburst on the back and bound finderboard that they sell at Buffalo Brothers and I loved it. I sold it to finance another purchase, but it was an excellent instrument. I would suggest that you try to play one before you buy it due to the fact that Gibson's quality control isn't the greatest.

[jhbaylor]

Thanks for the responses.

[Greenmando]

All Gibsons say Master Model on the label, but there is a Master Model model. Many people are confused and there are sellers making use of the confusion.