Lawson on ebay -be aware

**G. Fisher** · Nov-10-2007, 1:05pm

If you are considering this mandolin make sure to ask a lot of questions about it. After looking at the pictures I was sent and the ones on Ebay and the location of the seller. I believe it is the same mando I was told was in excellent plus condition only to find major issues once I recieved it.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws....hosting

**f5loar** · Nov-10-2007, 1:11pm

What kind of major issues could possibly be on a Lawson Gibson? They aren't that old yet! Any major issues should have been handled by the original owner through Gibson under their warrenty. Do tell us the gore!

**G. Fisher** · Nov-10-2007, 1:22pm

The top is sinking and the top seam is starting to seperate.

**G. Fisher** · Nov-10-2007, 1:23pm

Here is a pix of the top. It is .080 low which is close to 1/8"

**MikeEdgerton** · Nov-10-2007, 1:26pm

When and who did you return it to Greg?

He purchased it from Mitch Simpson in July.

Closed Auction

The rest of his auctions look pretty clean.

I'm surprised they didn't run a piece of sand paper along the bottom of that f hole binding.

**G. Fisher** · Nov-10-2007, 1:29pm

Here is a pix I was sent of the mando it looks like the back is the same as the pix on Ebay.

**G. Fisher** · Nov-10-2007, 1:32pm

I traded one of my mandos for it about a month ago.

I also explored the posibility of Gibson repairing it under warranty. I was told only the original owner could have it reapired free of charge.

**MikeEdgerton** · Nov-10-2007, 3:19pm

You're in Minnesota, he's in Durham, NC. It appears he's had it since July. Did you trade it with a guy in North Carolina?

**G. Fisher** · Nov-10-2007, 3:33pm

It isn't the Lawson he got from Mitch. The one from Mitch has a 2 piece back and this one has a 1 piece back.

Yes the trade was with a guy from NC.

**MikeEdgerton** · Nov-10-2007, 3:43pm

ok then.

Nov-10-2007, 5:01pm

Greg, the mando on ebay right now is serial number 40828039. Is that the one you had?

**G. Fisher** · Nov-10-2007, 6:18pm

Originally Posted by (neptune @ Nov. 10 2007, 18:01)

Greg, the mando on ebay right now is serial number 40828039. Is that the one you had?

I never thought to write it down and I should have.

**G. Fisher** · Nov-10-2007, 6:32pm

Here is the Ebay pix. It looks the same to me.

**foldedpath** · Nov-10-2007, 7:23pm

Originally Posted by (Kevin S @ Nov. 10 2007, 19:01)

That finish looks like someone cleaned it with steel wool. And whats up with the funky scroll binding?

That scroll binding in the closeup looked weird to me too, but here's another Lawson for sale at Elderly with that same flat turn on the inside binding:

http://elderly.com/images/vintage/90...t-detail-2.jpg

Here's the full ad:

http://www.elderly.com/vintage/items/90U-4862.htm

So is that an intentional part of the Lawson design? Seems kinda odd to me, but maybe that's what he wanted.

**Chris Biorkman** · Nov-10-2007, 8:22pm

Originally Posted by (Kevin S @ Nov. 10 2007, 19:01)

That finish looks like someone cleaned it with steel wool. And whats up with the funky scroll binding?

That's wierd. I've never heard of a Gibson with any fit and finish issues.

**Bernie Daniel** · Nov-11-2007, 6:54am

Originally Posted by

G. Fisher: Here is a pix of the top. It is .080 low which is close to 1/8"

Can you clarify that statement and pic please? #I guess you have a steel rule there which is divided as a metric rule (i.e., 10th's and 100th's).

So you are saying that 1.75" depth (bottom to finished surface of the top)at the front of the f-hole is between 2/32"(0.062") and 3/32" (0.093") too low? #

Isn't that expecting tolerances beyond what would be reasonable for the luthiers to achieve? #It is a carved top so there has to be normal variance in the entire process I would expect(sides, top, kerfed support etc.).

My 1952 F12 is nearly 2", my 2002 F5L is 1.72" and a 2002 A9 I have is 1.69" assessed by that test - none of them look deformed.

What do you suggest is acceptable for a Gibson F-model?

BTW the surface plane of the inside curve of that f-hole does not look like it is below the plane of the outer curl? #Would this not be the case if the top was sinking?

Just asking.

**G. Fisher** · Nov-11-2007, 8:50am

The rule is in 10ths and 100ths of an inch it is not metric.

I've added a picture that better shows the sinking the inside edge is lower than the outside edge. It has nothing to do with the depth of the body.

**Bernie Daniel** · Nov-11-2007, 9:53am

Originally Posted by

G. Fisher: The rule is in 10ths and 100ths of an inch it is not metric. #I've added a picture that better shows the sinking the inside edge is lower than the outside edge. It has nothing to do with the depth of the body.

Thanks for the clarification. Yes, if the inside measures that much less I agree there is some sinking.

Just a bit more thought on that though. #Since the graduation of the top plate possibly results ina raising plane surface as you proceed toward the edges toward the recurve, I suppose the inside of the curve would be a bit lower even with no string pressure? I'm guessing here.

If that were true then I guess to really tell what is going on one should make the test both with and without string pressure?

Also a clarification about my statement. #I did not say your rule was metric -- I said it was graduated LIKE a metric - i.e., in 10th's etc. not in the English system of 1/8's and 1/16's etc.

Thanks

I must say I am also surprised at the messy looking inside edge of the f-hole binding that one must have missed the QC inspection.

**mandolooter** · Nov-11-2007, 10:12am

Im just glad its not mine cuz it may never sell now.

**Gutbucket** · Nov-12-2007, 11:44am

Take a good look all Ye who have Gibson "FEVER"! #Must have #run out of sand paper that day.

**G. Fisher** · Nov-17-2007, 9:46pm

Bumping to top for those who didn't see it. It has been re-listed.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws....hosting

**cooper4205** · Nov-18-2007, 12:23am

Originally Posted by (Gutbucket @ Nov. 12 2007, 12:44)

Take a good look all Ye who have Gibson "FEVER"! Must have run out of sand paper that day.

**MikeEdgerton** · Nov-20-2007, 8:35am

Perhaps the person that had this auction on eBay would like to respond on the forum regarding this mandolin. I'm sure he or she must have something to say about it. Perhaps their story would be different. Let's see if that happens.

**MikeEdgerton** · Dec-16-2007, 1:57pm

Kevin, for a guy that wants to stay anonymous you seem hell bent to out yourself. Merry Christmas.

**Bill Snyder** · Dec-16-2007, 2:40pm

The two back pictures posted above are definitley from TWO DIFFERENT mandolins.
If you look closely at the two backs they are similar, but if you pick a small area to concentrate on you can see the difference.