Gibson F9

[Slim Pickins]

The finish on the F9 look kind of drab, for want of a better word. Any info on the F9 is appreciated. ie tone, ease of playing etc. I can get one for less money than what I paid for my Weber Bitterroot Custom

[Philip Halcomb]

I think the tone and playability is close to the higher end gibsons. Just without the fancy inlays and bindings. I've owned one for 2 years now and have been very pleased with it.

[jlb]

I've played a couple 9's and they sound fantastic, but I couldn't get over the drab looks myself. I wonder if Gibson would do a burst (ala the bare-bones Collings) for a reasonable price.

[PaulD]

I was not very inspired by the appearance of the F9 when I first checked them out, but I'm pleased with the sound of mine and the look is kinda growing on me.

pd

[Professor PT]

I actually like the look. The newer ones have nicer wood and a lighter finish, so the wood grain comes out a bit more. I really like the matte finish. I don't think I could ever go to a gloss finish again. My only complaint is the lack of dots, which has been discussed at length on previous threads. It might be interesting to do a dot inlay in a contrasting wood instead of MOP. The playability and tone are just great on mine. When you look at those bargain prices some of us are getting now and comparing them with those of the Webers, it seems very tempting to go Gibson at this point. All aesthetics aside, the tone is what sold me on the F-9. I knew that when I upgraded, the mando would have to sound great from the beginning--none of this, "Well, I'm sure it'll open up after a few years of hard playing." The F-9 sounded that good to my ears.

[Philip Halcomb]

Prof,

Just a suggestion, when I had my F9 refretted I had the repairman put in abalone dots. This looks pretty good and doesn't jump out as much as the straight MOP ones. You might want to check into some dark colorful pieces of abalone. Take care...

flip

[Professor PT]

How much did it run you? I'm also curious if this has any effect on the warranty.

[Charlie Derrington]

No change in the warranty, unless the repair guy messes it up. Of course we can't cover his mistakes.

Charlie

[tiltman]

Just wanted to weigh in here....
Had an F-9 for 2 years and really liked the tone, playability and (yes) the looks of it. I happen to not like a mandolin with a thick glossy "shell".
The only problem with mine was that it had a very thin neck (1 inch exactly at the nut) with a promiment V-shape which became uncomfortable after about 3 hours of playing.
(the only reason I parted with that great mando.)The necks are individually made and vary from instrument to instrument so check that out carefully.
Kirk

[Philip Halcomb]

Prof,

The dots are very inexpensive. They can be purchased for next to nothing on say www.stew-mac.com or from a custom inlay artist, there are several on the web. My repairman charges by the hour and not by the job, he actually had the dots in stock too. He charges something like 17-20 bucks and hour. I can't imagine a job like that taking him more than 2 hours tops (the dots not the refret). Also, you can get different size dots too, I can't remember what size mine are, but they're one size down from the typical mandolin dot size. That makes them less instrusive to the appearance too. Hope that helps, good luck!

-flip

[Lane Pryce]

Dude I purchased one that was two years old and had many playing hours. It has a very woody tone and big ole whomp to the chop. It plays easy up and down the neck and lack of dots is something you will get over rather quickly. I say jump on in an get yerself an F9. Cuz u'll be glad u did. Lp

[ronlane3]

I have a F-9 and a friend that has a Steffy, continues to say how much he likes my F-9. Makes me feel good, even though I must admit to trying to trade him straight up for the Steffy.

[Professor PT]

Here's a question for Charlie: how much would Gibson charge to put on dots? Just curious. Also, I registered for the warranty on the Gibson website; is that sufficient, or do I need to send in a card as well?

[MandoHobbit]

I guess it is just a matter of personal preference, but I like finishes like the F9/A9. Just don't care for bursted or overly glossy finishes. I guess I'm a "less is more" kind of guy.

[GVD]

Any info on the F9 is appreciated. ie #tone, ease of playing etc.

All of the ones I've tried had good playability although I might have set some of them up a little differently to suit my personal preference but I can say that about just about any mandolin. As far tone goes they just flat out have it in spades if you like that classic Gibson sound.

GVD

[cascadepicker]

I just got my A-9 the other day. There was no paper work in the case except for the proof of purchase. Not even a warrenty card, which I think is not a problem since I plan on doing that online. I was wondering if I was missing any important papers?
I bought it over the phone. Even on the phone I could hear how great it sounded.
#How do you care for the different finish on the Gibson F-9 and A-9?
##My A-9 came in a #F style tkl hsc and fits nice and snug. Is that the standard case they come in?
# Is there a correct or standard position to install a strap button?
# How do I read the serial # to tell what date and where it was made?

[Ashville Picker]

What's a good price for a new F9? I have not been able to quit thinking about the F9 in the glass case beside the Fender I bought instead. I have convinced myself that owning a Gibson would transform my entire life. By the time I have to face the hard truth of reality, I will at least own a new F9. So, what should I be willing to pay? Thanks.

[Darren Kern]

I just got my A-9 the other day. There was no paper work in the case except for the proof of purchase. Not even a warrenty card, which I think is not a problem since I plan on doing that online. I was wondering if I was missing any important papers?
#I bought it over the phone. Even on the phone I could hear how great it sounded.
#How do you care for the different finish on the Gibson F-9 and A-9?
##My A-9 came in a #F style tkl hsc and fits nice and snug. Is that the standard case they come in?
# Is there a correct or standard position to install a strap button?
# How do I read the serial # to tell what date and where it was made?

There should be a warranty card, the one I'm getting had it in a clear plastic price tag holder. #I'm sure Gibson would send you a new one if you contacted them.

[Darren Kern]

What's a good price for a new F9? I have not been able to quit thinking about the F9 in the glass case beside the Fender I bought instead. I have convinced myself that owning a Gibson would transform my entire life. By the time I have to face the hard truth of reality, I will at least own a new F9. So, what should I be willing to pay? Thanks.

Here's one on eBay for a pretty decent price, they claim it's a new demo model- F9

[Landgrass]

cascadepicker....You just asked all the questions I was about to post. (Warranty card, finish care, strap button, serial #). Just picked up my A-9 on Sunday and I'm lovin' it! I upgraded from a plastic-dipped, plywood Pac-Rim "F" and I'm really digging the shape, the finish and the TONE. Mine came with a TKL "A" case.