Gibson F-9

[Merc]

I think it's time to upgrade from my Tacoma M3 and was considering the Gibson F-9. #

I thought I'd post to try to get some feedback from anyone that might own or have tried one. #Any and all feedback is cool.

[Frank Russell]

Merc - I've had mine for a few months now, as well as an A9, and I couldn't be happier. I've owned Webers, other gibsons, Kentucky's, MK's etc..., but these two 9's have the bluegrass tone and volume I was looking for in spades. If it were me, I would save some money and go for an A9. Mine is just killer. But if you're dead set on the scroll, I sure love my F9. Our resident F9 critic Dale has made some complaints about the 9 series in the past, and truthfully, they were valid. I had to address a few small issues with both mandolins, including sanding down the really sharp-edged binding, putting a new nut (fossilized ivory from Kurt Gisclair: incredible difference), and a new set of tuners on my F, as I prefer Grovers to Schaller. Other than those few relatively cheap improvements, these two are hands down the best mandolins for sound and playability I have come across. Go for it, I don't think you will regret it. Sorry this went so long, but I'm a big fan of this series. Frank

Merc, you'll be going from a great radiused fretboard to a flat with small fretwire.....Frank covered it very well, Thanks Frank! Play one first if possible & consider buying used.....you can save some real $$$.....

[tiltman]

I've had and played an F9 for a little over 1 1/2 years. Absolutely love it and I get a lot of compliments on the tone from other mandolin players - some of whom have more expensive mandolins!
I've never had to replace anything on it. The nut is fine and the tuners work well. I read on the cafe about the finish "problems". To be honest before I read these comments I had never looked at the underside of the scroll or deep under the fretboard extension. Now that I have I see what they are talking about but who cares. It sounds great and looks pretty good as well.
I did have 3 different F9's around town that I played and they did sound different. So if you have the chance to play several you should.
Let me know if you have any questions and good luck!
Kirk

[Merc]

I did consider buying one used but I read a post earlier this week about a F9 that had to get the fretboard replaced because of a crack. #I know the chances are slim of defects happening from Gibson but I'd rather be the original owner just in case.

I'll sure check under the scroll and the fretboard extension, I wasn't aware of any problems there.

My minds made up. #Let the hunt begin!

Thanks for all the replies. #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[yoods]

An additional 2 cents worth...during some of my recent travels I have come across an A-9 and F-9 that had more of a light brown or dark tan finish than the dark finish my 2003 A-9 has. I got the sense from talking to folks that that is how they are being produced now. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but I liked what I saw. I also noticed that the 2004 A-9's peghead is shaped to look like the old snake head design, which I like. My 2003's peghead is similar the Flatiron A peghead.

As far as sound, the A-9 sounds very similar to the F-9. I do admit that I did have a little scroll envy when playing the F-9, but was able to resist! Of course, as has been said here and elsewhere, try out more than one and find one that talks to you.

[Greenmando]

I have been looking for that special F9 to compliment my A9. Play as many as you can, there are some real beauties out there.

http://mediaservice.photoisland.com/auction/May/20045178655933341077351.jpg

[mmukav]

It was my A9 that had a crack in the fretboard and Gibson repaired it, they didn't replace the board, but the repair is great, can't even tell. Mine really sounds good, plays nice too, but has the real dark finish. It's a shame too, 'cause there is flame on the back but the dark stain eats it up. I've seen quite a few pictures of lighter colored ones and they looked great! Look around for a nice one. You won't be sorry.

[PCypert]

There's an A9 at a shop here in Dallas that has some nice flame to it. Much like the one pictured above. The others I've seen have been pretty bland. If anyone's in the market for a new A9 with flame I'll give you the details. No financial interest (in fact the shop owners an idiot) but like to help folks out.
Paul

[Ted Eschliman]

The F9 really is a good choice. A cost-effective, affordable opportunity to acquire a piece of mandolin tradition, most F9s offer great, powerful tone over elaborate cosmetic frills.
Get one. Don't fear the scorn and persecution (http://members.aol.com/teesch/images/bagdad.jpg).

[KevinM]

I always chime in on this F9 issue to say you've got to look at a used Nashville built Flatiron Festival F (2000-), cause it's really an F5G in disguise, has the same Loar dimensional specs that an F9 has, plus the finish etc, and they can be had for under $2000 (but for how long?). A great looking Flatiron Performer F-5 from Montana just went on eBay for about $1750 and I thought that was a real bargain. With the Gibson/Nashville built Flatiron though, I think you get the "new design", and the Gibson folks standing behind it if you have a problem, even if you don't have the warranty.

[mmukav]

Know where any are available?

[KevinM]

Within a two week time span, I bet at least one will appear on eBay (NOT MINE!) and maybe one in the Cafe classifieds (DITTO) (the latter should be checked first) - they go when they are listed so you have to keep an eye out. Mine is a 2001 that is sounding really nice. Any price under $2000 is well worth it. I'd lean towards a Nashville built one only becuase you can it serviced by Gibson should you need to do that, and I believe Joe and Charlie would take care of you even without the original warranty.

Now the mando I was talking about was sold to another dealer - maybe he'll make a quick deal with you ....this is the item - it is worth checking out...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws....IT&rd=1 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3722155021&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1)

[Frank Russell]

Once again, personal preference rules, but I traded my Flatiron Festival F in for the F9 I have now, and for bluegrass, there is no comparison. Not as pretty, but I definitely got the sound I wanted. Not a slam on Flatirons, but these F9s are graduated just like the higher end Gibsons, just plainer looking. Same sound, only sometimes a bit louder from the get-go, due to the thin satin finish. I'm really happy with mine, and I loved my Flatiron. Frank

[mandofiddle]

Looks like there's one up in the Classifieds right now...

Flatiron (http://www.mandolincafe.com/cgi-bin/classifieds/classifieds.cgi?search_and_display_db_button=on&db_id=9807&query=retrieval)