New Gibson Fern Vrs. F5G? F9?

[lindensensei]

I've been playing over 35 years and over that time have accumulated several nice instruments, an MM70, and F5G, and a wonderful new F9, BUT - over all these years I've wanted a Gibson F5L Fern. #My wife finally said "Go get one and be done with it before you drive me crazy" #Now I'm wondering if they are really any better sounding or playing than what I have. #The problem is - there is not a single F5L in a single music store in Florida, so I don't really have anything to compare it to. #And I want a new one. #I've been considering a trip to Nashville, but the feet are getting cold and I am wondering if they could really be that $$$ much better. #I'd appreciate any comments good or bad.

[mandofiddle]

Boy, I wish I had the same problem you do http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif It'll be a cold day in ... before my wife says "Go get one and be done with it before you drive me crazy".

If I were you, I'd take a look at some of the independent builders. You already have 2 Gibsons, why a 3rd? I'd look at Hilburn, Wiens, Brentrup, etc...

[mandoJeremy]

Dan, I would highly recommend you make the trip to Nashville because they have several in there that are just killer mandos and I know that BigJoe would treat you right. #To my ear there is a difference between the G, 9, and Fern and you should check it out for yourself.

[mikeyes]

Dan,

By all means make the trip to Nashville, go to all the stores in town and taste every mandolin you see. By then you will be overloaded, I guarantee, but you should be able to make a decision a little better.

I have two F5Ls: a 2003 in varnish and a 1987 made by Jim Triggs. Each is a terrific instrument but they do differ. When I compare them to F5Gs, F9s and most of the signature models, they are equal or to my ear, better.

Since there is a sharp demarcation in cost between the F5L and the Master Models, the F5L may also be at your economic tolerance level, too. I think that looking and listening are the only way to go if you are going to buy a top end instrument and that you should consider a Fern V very seriously even if it exceeds your tolerance level.

[lindensensei]

Thank you guys, I appreciate it. #I've been looking so hard at the gold and the binding that I was afraid that that might be the only difference. #I really enjoy playing a bound neck and that has been a main reason I was interested in the Fern. #I think Nashville is about 11 hours away...

[ronlane3]

I'd for sure go to Nashville and meet with BigJoe and maybe even Charlie (if available), what could it hurt to tour the factory, play their instruments and maybe even take home a new member to the family. [As I dream about my wife saying that to me, YEAH RIGHT].

Good luck to you.

[mandoJeremy]

I also agree with Mike in the fact that you should probably check out the varnish Fern. #If you are buying a mando for life then go ahead and spend the extra cash. #They have two Gibson Varnish Ferns in their shop right now that will blow you away and one of them even sounded better than the Distressed Master Model I played! #Also, varnish may not be for you....just compare a lacquer Fern and a varnish one.

I used to own a nice F-9, One of the first ones made, and I really liked it. I sold to Butch Baldisarri And I think he was giving it to a student I belive. Oh hey Mando Jeremy are you in Nashville?

[onlyagibsonisgoodenuff]

I'm not sure how the F-5L Ferns are, but I have a F-5V (varnish) Fern that I absolutely love! I played a 1923 Loar last weekend, and I think my varnished Fern sounds every bit as good. They are a bit more than the lacquered models but if you sell the rest of your mandos, no problem! I'm sure Scott Tichenour can also testify to the quality of these varnished Ferns.

[Eric F.]

Dan, my belief is that it is lust, desire AND common sense. Sometimes you can only handle an itch by scratching it. By all means, play every mando you can get your hands on in that price range. But if your brain and your heart (and your wife) are still saying get the Fern, get it. And enjoy!

[mandoJeremy]

Demetrius, no I am not in Nashville. I live in North Carolina but I play at the Ryman every Sunday so I am in Nashville a good bit.

[Bradley]

Nashville is such a visitor friendly town and such a great and affordable trip...take in the downtown area and all the history about the city.The Gibson store is also a great visit....Look at the Doyle Lawson Model and the Bush model too, and the Bibey Model is much more attractive in person than in the pix....

This is your greenlight "My wife finally said "Go get one and be done with it before you drive me crazy"

Take her with you and stay at the Opryland Hotel...major brownie points there!!!

[GTison]

to purchase a mandolin ....
It's about 8 or 9 hours for me to nashville. ... I had to go TO NASHVILLE anyway. But if I was ready to buy one I would go and I would plan on making some stops on the way. You might depending on what highways you are going to travel. Birmin'ham has the "FRET SHOP" and he keeps some top end gibsons there. Gruhns in Nashville has some. Of course the Gibson Factory(if money is no object). I would consider going then to Louisvill Ky. to First Quality they have several usually it's only about 3 hours away(whats another day when you are searching for the holy grail. I bought my new fern at Gruhns. I played about 30 top end mandololins on my trip. If you haven't already got one, get one of those mandolin tasting CDs from Ken Cartwright. That will tell you what YOU think about tone. do the blindfold test with it. Does the binding make the sound better? After playing alot of them when I shopped, I think different mandolins sound different. My fern is pretty but I did see several ferns that were more purdier that mine. I just like the way she talked to me and looked at me etc.. So I brought her home and changed her name.
Now if I could afford it I would consider the varnish. I have a fiddle I could trade for a MM. But I'm not sure that would be wise. So I just married the fern. You just have to make the choices. Give them all a listen Let us know what you do and your experience when you go. GOOD LUCK.