Loar Picture of the Day

**Darryl Wolfe** · Dec-30-2005, 10:24am

Mandophil(e)-The differences are in in both the arching, graduations and finish thickness. #There are the obvious cosmetics of tuner styles, inlay and such, but the late Ferns have thicker tops and backs along with thicker shiney lacquer finishes for a heavier overall feel and sound. #The early Ferns differ from Loars in arching, but the graduations are very good and the finish is thin for simply a different and brighter sound than a Loar. #Cosmetically, the early Ferns have gold plated hardware that is identical to the silver Loar hardware.

Again, direct comparisons can be made with the modern F5's mentioned above.

**f5loar** · Dec-30-2005, 10:28am

Look for price cuts in those dealers that lost their Gibson dealership that still have old 2003/2005 inventory.
I was at at store last week that had a their 2005 Fern Varnish on sale for $7999 while a used one on the cafe was at $8500. This store had the DMM down to $18K. They had many 2004's and at least one 2003 on display. Since Gibson raised prices they are going to move this stuff cheap. Hey Darryl don't forget to post my blonde on the blonde thread.

**Darryl Wolfe** · Jan-04-2006, 2:35pm

Holy Cow. #This post could not be more timely. #Matched pair of custom ordered Fern mandolins 84264 and 84265. #Original double case. #Newly added to the journal.

**Christian** · Jan-04-2006, 3:13pm

Darryl, that is outstanding! Same batch as Earl Taylor's and Jimmy G. old Fern, right? Must me the only original double case in existence as well. What a find. Do you have any more informations on the instruments?

**Darryl Wolfe** · Jan-04-2006, 3:23pm

They were made for Robert L. Sharp in 1927 under factory order #9288 with a specially designed carrying case that holds both instruments. #He was the founder and conductor of the Memphis Plectro Phonic Orchestra in the late 1920's and early 1930's. He is pictured in Catalogs of the period

**Brian Aldridge** · Jan-04-2006, 4:32pm

absolutely astonishing... are there more pictures? They look awful red. Is that just the pic or were they a custom color as well?

**danb** · Jan-04-2006, 5:41pm

*jaw drops to floor*

**mandophil(e)** · Jan-04-2006, 5:44pm

Why would anybody order two identical mandolins, particularly when each one cost as much as a new car?

**f5loar** · Jan-04-2006, 5:48pm

Dave Apollon always kept 2 on stage at all times. Never know when you are going to break a string and the show must go on. Plus keeps from wearing out frets so fast!
As for the price, just as you have collectors paying over $100,000 for a Loar today would not be any different then paying $600 for 2 Ferns(includes the case) in 1927. They had rich mandolin pickers back then too!

**danb** · Jan-04-2006, 6:01pm

Boy, I wonder if those are coming to bakersfield

**Ken Waltham** · Jan-04-2006, 6:25pm

Just when you think yo've seen it all!!!
That totally knocks my socks off! The case is unreal.

**MML** · Jan-04-2006, 6:28pm

I'm with you Dan,

Jaw drops to floor...and eyes pop out of head

**jasona** · Jan-04-2006, 6:41pm

**grandmainger** · Jan-04-2006, 6:47pm

Darryl, do you know if the current owner prefers one to the other? And if so, why?

Man, I've always had dreams of twins

**ethanopia** · Jan-04-2006, 6:51pm

Very Tasty!

I love the double case, will these be at Loar Fest West?

Were there any Matched Loar or Fern Mandolin's and Mandolas sold together like this?

**f5loar** · Jan-04-2006, 7:44pm

What, no back photos to see if they match grains?

**Mando4Life** · Jan-04-2006, 8:20pm

Fantastic!!!

I've always thought the mid-late 20's Ferns were awesome!

It makes you wonder just what else may be lurking out there in a closet, under a bed, etc.

WBL

**mandophil(e)** · Jan-04-2006, 9:12pm

Anybody know the details related to the discovery of these beauties?

**Glassweb** · Jan-04-2006, 9:30pm

Now THAT'S the way to start a new year... what a staggering image! We'll all be laying in bed tonight thinking about those sweet, sweet twins... YOW!

**GTison** · Jan-04-2006, 10:06pm

Has one got a aluminum bridge top or is that a reflection. Got some more pics for the archive??

**danb** · Jan-05-2006, 4:44am

I'm just starting my day here and Darryl posted at the end of his last night, so I haven't spoken to him yet.. I hope to put details up on the Archives as soon as they are available. This certainly qualifies as the "find of the year" already!

**Darryl Wolfe** · Jan-05-2006, 8:03am

What you see is all I have. I'm not at liberty to say anything more than this: I was contacted by the owner. The original owner was his grandfather. He seems to know the full history of the mandos and he is contemplating selling. More to come.

**kudzugypsy** · Jan-05-2006, 8:28am

WOW - it might be a good year after all.
over the last month, there have been 3 original 30's 1pc flange flatheads come out of the attic and now, a set of matching ferns. that is wild - i hope they can stay together.