Looking at a Gibson F5-G

[Yellowmandolin]

I'm looking into buying a used F5-G. I have not seen a whole lot of information about how people feel about them. This could be good, or it could indicated that they are terrible mandolins and I should stay away from them at all costs. Either way, I am interested in any opionions folks have about them.

Thanks,
Jacob Hawkins

[Scotti Adams]

..Ive read and heard nothing but good things about the F5G...but I wish Gibson would just go ahead and bind the back, fingerboard and peghead and give us a middle of the road F5...theres a huge gap in price from the Gmodel to the Fern...hey Charlie, Joe or Danny...what ya think?

[jlb]

If you are interested in an F5-G, I saw one in the Classifieds for 2G, and I think thats a really good price for one. That said, Flatiron Festival Fs are basically the same thing, but usually go for the same or a bit less, so if someone jumps on that deal, a FF is probably a good alternative.

I really think those who say F5Gs are junk probably just don't like Gibsons in general. Honestly from my experience, in terms of tone, which is what I think matters, there is no difference at all mando-for-mando between F5Gs and F5Ls. To be even more honest, I think F-9s sound even better mando-for-mando, but to be even more more honest, they're butt-ugly. I think Gibson could take a lesson on how to make a low-end F-style attractive from their western competition, but that is neither here nor there.

The best advice I can give is to go try these out, and try a bunch of other stuff out in your price point, and if you are patient you will find "the one" for your budget.

[mandoJeremy]

"but to be even more more honest, they're butt-ugly."

Now now jlb, I have seen some very, very pretty butts!

[BigJoe]

Hey Scotti...
We already make that model. It's called the Fern. The only difference is the trim and binding. Oh, let's not forget the pickguard. The F5G is a great bargain for one who wants a top flight mandolin but is willing to live without all the frills. A good step from the F9. Thank you.

[pickinNgrinnin]

[QUOTE]We already make that model. #It's called the Fern. #The only difference is the trim and binding. #Oh, let's not forget the pickguard.

Let's also not forget the $3,000.00 (list) price differential.

I'm with Scotti - I'd like to see the F-5G with a bit more binding - even single like the Flatiron's. Yes, the Nashville Flatiron Festival F is essentially the same instrument as the F-5G - just less $$ One of the best values out there among USA made F styles. That's why Gibson discontinued the Flatiron line.

The F-5G listed in the classifieds today was sold early this morning. The seller practically gave it away.

I really like the F-5G's but I wish they came with a tad more binding and not $3,000.00 worth #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[jjboone101]

I have a 2001 F5G and it is fantastic. I tweaked it a bit, but the sound is out of this world. I also had a 2002 Flatiron Festival that just wouldn't open up. Moral is, play a bunch of F5Gs and get that one that sounds great. I also saw that one in the classifieds and that is at least $500 less than I've seen one used before. Obviously, I don't know how it sounds.

[Scotti Adams]

Hey Scotti...
We already make that model. #It's called the Fern. #The only difference is the trim and binding. #Oh, let's not forget the pickguard. #The F5G is a great bargain for one who wants a top flight mandolin but is willing to live without all the frills. #A good step from the F9. #Thank you.
..thats my point exactly Joe...you jump from the G to the Fern.....big gap in between.....say a guy wants a mando that looks just like the G...flowerpot but fully bound...there are no choices...'cept of course the Master Model....seems to me that there would be a sizable market for such a beast....just a simple F5 Flowerpot...or would you guys consider binding a G ??

[AlanN]

I always liked the G, a serviceable, workhorse F-5, which gets the job done, at a lesser price to boot.

Before they shut their doors and turned out the lights for good, the Mars music in Raleigh had one for the longest time. I used to go in there every lunch hour and pick it for twenty minutes (they didn't like me http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif ), but I look at it this way - I was showing the customers what a mandolin sounds like, and I was breaking her in http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[John Zimm]

I played only one F5-G, but it had really, really great bass. If I had had the money I would have bought it in a second.

-John.

[Nick Triesch]

The F5G is made to the same specs as the Master model. Last year I played a new F5G and it sounded every bit as good as the master model. It's just on the plain side. A good deal indeed! Nick

[jim simpson]

Jacob,
I've gushed about my F5-G before but that's not stopping me now. I bought mine used and have had it just about a year now. It has better tone and volume than any of my previous and current mandos. I continually get compliments on it from fellow players. People tell me they have never heard a Gibson sound this good. I have played a new one recently and I have to say it sounded pretty much the same. I plan to sell or trade-in my Yellowstone. If I can find another F5-G then I will get it. I did have a chance to play the Collings MF and was pretty impressed with it as well. It may have been a bit louder than the F5-G with a different tone. I like having two instruments for practical reasons (one in use while one gets refretted, break a string at a gig and grab spare to finish set, etc.) but I always find that I end up prefering one to the other. If I stay with two F5-G's then this shouldn't happen. It used to bother me that the F5-G didn't have headstock or neck binding. The back binding isn't so obvious but the instruments playability and sound come first. I guess the Collings MF compares in looks in this regard.

[Merc]

I was about to buy a new F9 but ran across and bought a very slightly used (you can see it at www.folkofthewood.com/page4754.htm) F5-G. #I gambled and bought it unheard. But even though she's not broken in yet, she has a lot of volume, tone color, and sounds really strong right from the start. Sounds really sweet!

I did have the slots on the nut taken down just a little. #They were a hair high at first.

My only complaint is that on the bottom side of the fret board extension, it's a little rough and messy looking. #It could've been sanded a little smoother and the glue that dripped from the fretboard onto the extension wiped off before it dried. #It honestly wouldn't have taken that much longer or cost that much more.

I would like to see a F5-G with black binding (like the Alan Bibey model) to replace the white binding. #It wouldn't make it as noticeable that only one side is binded and would blend better with the fret board as well. #This would give it a much smoother look.

Try a G for yourself, and go from there.

[Yellowmandolin]

Thanks guys. This is exactly the kind of information that I needed. I only now need to find one used. Does anyone know what a good price would be? I have seen them for around $2600-$3000. That one that went for $2000 was really cheap comparativly speaking. Any advice on further pursuit of a good mando would be appriciated.

Thanks,
Jacob Hawkins

[jjboone101]

I'd keep my eye peeled here on the Cafe as well as eBay. They come up for sale every so often. Price range of $2700-$3100 seems reasonable, based on year, condition, etc.

[Yellowmandolin]

I have just received an offer for an F5-G. I just emailed the guy back. He wants $2800 for it. It is a few years old and is in supposodly excelent condition. He is throwing in a Calton FQMS case. I am unsure of the value of such a case. Does anyone know about it? Once again, any opinions about this adventure are welcome.

Thanks,
Jacob Hawkins

Sounds like a good deal. Calton case used is about 350-375

Sounds like a good deal. Calton case used is about 350-375

[jjboone101]

yeah, I'd give that deal some serious consideration. I'd ask for a 48-hour review period, just in case the sound is not what you're after...

[Merc]

Take into consideration fret wear and stuff too. If you really dig the sound, you should be able to talk him down if it needs it done.

[KevinM]

I'd wait for a Nashville built Flatiorn Festival F at $2000 or even less. There's really no difference between them.

[pickinNgrinnin]

So true, so true.

[Yellowmandolin]

So I have heard. As stupid as it may seem, I am really stuck on getting a Gibson. Maybe it is just the fact that a Gibson has such a high alure and has seemed out of reach since I started pickin' (not too long http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif ) I got a message from the guy today, but strangely enough, no mention of pictures or future sale. He seemed interested in what I was playing now and how long I have been playing. Is this strange or am I just a little skittish about investing so much money?

Thanks,
Jacob Hawkins

[MandoA5]

I've sent you pictures. Frankly, I'm a little skittish about selling you my mandolin since you're under legal age, being 15. The legality of the sale would be in question. I would be more comfortable dealing with a parent or guardian, so there would be no question or doubts for all concerned. Look forward to hearing from you. Tim

[Yellowmandolin]

I understand your concern with dealing with a 15 year old, but my parents are behind me all the way. They would be handling all the monetary transactions. You are right, it would be better leagally if they were to handle it. I am not too concerned about the frett wear, but wonder about the thunb marks on the neck as you say that you didn't play it a whole lot. Did you shave down the varnish or is that purely from playing?

Thanks,
Jacob Hawkins

[MandoA5]

That's where I rubbed the finish off w/ steel wool. The intent was to rub it all the way down to bare wood, then seal it w/ tung oil or whatever. The lacquer finish on the back of the neck was sticky to me, that's why I did it. Anyway, let me know what you want to do. We probably need to communicate off the board so as not to tie up bandwidth. My apologies. Thanks, Tim