Question about charlie derrington gibsons

[Rocky Top]

I've noticed that the only Derrington signed Gibson mandolins that I've seen have been Master Models. Is that just a coincidence, or did he work exclusively on the Master Models? If he did in fact, work on other models, what are the odds that he had anything to do with the building of my 03 F5G? Also, how would I go about finding out who did build my F5G?

[woodysny]

Charlie worked and signed other models. I used to have a 1999 Derrington A5-L.

[Big Joe]

Charlie is responsible for all mandolin produced from about late 99-2004. He may not have personally worked on the mandolins, but he was the one who set the standards and expected everyone to follow them. He oversaw the team and ensured they were built to his specs. Even on the MM's he did not do much actual physical work himself. Sometimes he did, but he did not have the time to spend much on a bench. His management and oversight were crucial and that is what makes them what they are. He restored the Gibson mandolin to its spot in the mandolin world and it is due to his personal efforts and work. Again, he may not have worked on many of the mandolins himself, but it was all under is supervision. He was quite determined each mandolin would be the best possible.

[Rocky Top]

Thanks for the responses. Makes me proud to think that my mando was made under his supervision. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[Glassweb]

#Again, he may not have worked on many of the mandolins himself, but it was all under is supervision.#He was quite determined each mandolin would be the best possible.
Sounds like that other feller that used to work at Gibson back in the 20's... http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[56 Gibson Hoss]

I have a Derrington signed A5L from 1997. It appears to be a transition from Montana to Nashville, as it has a bolt on neck. It is absolutely beautiful.

[Snakebeard Jackson]

a 99 derrington is on my top list of mandolins to own one day

[Big Joe]

Getting one from a year or two later would likely be a better mandolin. In 99 they still used the bolt neck and all the graduations had not been completed as they are in just a short time later. Then again, it is YOUR dream and not mine http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif .

[craigw]

I have a 2000 Derrington signed F-5L Fern. It's extremely dry and woody and dang banjo killer. I think it's a precursor to the contemporary MM. It actually has a MM label signed by Charlie. I will probably hang on to this mando for lots of reasons.

[jimbob]

I, too, have a 1999 A5L signed by Mr. Derrington. It is a very fine mandolin.

[metalmandolin]

My 2000 F5-L was signed by Sim Daley, and it's the mandolin I waited all the years for! I understand now that the Sim period was definitely under Charlie's watch? I know that this is one satisfying mandolin!!!

[atetone]

I have a 1999 A5L signed by Charlie on October 15 1999 that does NOT have a bolt on neck.
I have always been under the understanding that it was during mid 1999 that the dove tail neck joint and newer graduations were incorporated.
Big Joe you handled mine when I sent it to Nashville for some repair/setup work and a fretboard scooping.
Charlie did me a big favour on this mandolin by doing the repair work free of charge even though I did not qualify for warrantee, since I was not the original owner.
I bought it from a guy who bought it from Peter Mix, so I was the third owner but Charlie said no problem, just send it to him and he would get it fixed under warrantee.
And he did!
All I paid for was the scooping.
What a great thing for him to do for me.
Charlie Derrington was a great ambassador for Gibson and I am very pleased to have a mandolin with his signature on it.

[jimbob]

Sorry, Joe....my '99 A5l has a dovetail neck joint....no bolt.