Older 74 F5 no guts

[bris48]

I have a 1974 F5 master Model that had been in its case in a closet for 17 years, and it sounds like a ----- well I can't think of anything sounding so cheap. I have tried playing it alot, even took it to a BG festival and played it all day. I have even tried setting it in front of stereo speakers. I have a 2000 model Washburn M3SWB and a 2004 Gibson F9 they both put the old man to shame can anyone help get the old sound back???

[sunburst]

You've probably got the old sound there.
I wouldn't expect much from a 70s Gibson unless it's a Les Paul or something like that. Mandolins weren't much of a priority in those rock and roll days.