Gibson f5g

[kelvin]

Hello,
I have the opportunity to pick up an f5g at a really good price. I like the gibson sound wonder what the board thinks of these mandolin's. Oh the one I am considering is like new in mint condition and of 2007 vintage.

Thanks in advance.

K

[Brady Smith]

Back when I was looking, I looked long and hard at these. I decided against it though. At the time I played three or four of them but was less than impressed. Also looked to me like they stopped putting them together before they were finished. Lack of binding and such. For that kinda cash, they need to be alot better before I'd do it. BUT...if it's a really good price, than take it if ya like it.

[Steve1452]

Hi Kelvin,

My wife gave me a new F-5G for Christmas and I love it. #Once got the action right it plays like a dream. #It sounds a little better every day. #I will probably have the extension scooped at some point, But right now I'm not putting it down very much.

Good Luck! # Steve FL

[MikeEdgerton]

I've had an F5G for a few years. I played the entire wall at Mandolin Brothers and kept coming back to this one because it sounded better than anything else no matter what the price. If it speaks to you then don't pass it by.

[mjpetrie]

I'm also not as particular about cosmetics as whether the instrument is the right tool for the job. I have had my F5G custom for about 5-6 years and have not regretted my purchase. (however, it was very competitively priced) Play a good number of mandolins and it will eventually become apparent what best meets your preferences.

[tree]

I like mine, it's a good solid ax. I've had it modified to suit me - scooped the extension and removed the finish on the neck. #I've had it refretted twice since I bought it (used) in 2002. #It wears a Tone Guard, a home-made walnut armrest, and the strap that came with a 1973 SG I bought new as a teenager. #

It fits me like a glove now. #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[Frank Russell]

I've owned one that was a killer, and played several more that were great. If you've played it and like it, get it.

[Ken Olmstead]

I've had an F5G for a few years. I played the entire wall at Mandolin Brothers and kept coming back to this one because it sounded better than anything else no matter what the price. If it speaks to you then don't pass it by.
Sage advice Mike. My experience with these is complete hit or miss. If it "THE ONE" buy it!!

[chip]

hmmm..let's see...if it sounds great...plays great...is the right price...seems like a no-brainer to me... http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[AlanN]

Mars Music in Raleigh (of all places) had one that was a dandy, and that I would go in and pick at lunchtime. They eventually got po'ed at me.

[mandopete]

Maybe ya shoulda given 'em a P.O. !

<grins>

[Scotti Adams]

I'll probably get flamed for saying this...but Ive played many new Gibsons..the F5Gs were better sounding in all respects....Bibeys personal Signature model is superb tho.

[Bernie Daniel]

Kevin: I have the opportunity to pick up an f5g at a really good price.I like the gibson sound wonder what the board thinks of these mandolin's.

If you are going for a Gibson F-style I think that you get the essentially the same sound from these five models: #
F-9; F-5G; F-5L; F-5Fern and the signatures. #

They have very similar construction specs. #The master models are different (hide glue & varnish etc.).

Of course every mandolin has its own particular sound -- but in most cases the F-5G is an excellent choice in my opinion -- it is near the lower end of the Gibson price range, it has a classic Gibson sunburst finish, and a flowerpot inlay.

On average a given F-5G will sound just as good as a Sam Bush or a Gold Rush or a Fern etc.

If I had not come across a great deal on a Fern (at the Mandolin Store of course) I would certainly have a "G".

I think it is a great mandolin -- at the last mandolin camp I attended there must have been 10 different F-5G's and they all sounded great to me. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif