My 1991 Gibson F-5G -- Anybody know how much it's worth?

[Nate_Schwartz]

Hello, I got this 3 or four years ago (with a "friend" discount) for $2400. New, these babies are about $4600. I want to upgrade. Anyone know how much this mandolin would be worth? There are a few cosmetic issues (scratches, a chip on one of the curls, and some finish wear on the back of the neck, all shown), but the back is in pristine condition, as are most of the front and the headstock, and it sounds wonderful.

Built in Nashville in 1991. Serial number 91129019. Any advice regarding pricing would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

Nate

[norm351]

If it is a 1991, I really think it was built in Montana,and is a very early F5G, They did not start making the F5G until around Oct. of 91
( I THINK) I use to have on that was built in May of 1992, and I called Gibson in Montana at that time and found out it was the 35 F5G built so you have a prize as far as far as I'm concerned call Gibson, they can give you info on it...great mandolin you have there...I had to sell mine when I got layed off..

[mrmando]

This is a '99, not a '91.

Last digit plus first digit = year built. So it's a '99, completed on Nov. 29 of that year, and the first mandolin completed on that date.

If you can get $4,600 for this, go for it! That sounds awfully high to me ... it's a lot more than I gave for mine or got back when I traded it.

[Bill Snyder]

He did not say he was hoping to get $4600. He said new they are going for $4600, that is why he wants to know what he might be able to get for it.

[almeriastrings]

I would have thought that in that kind of cosmetic condition, you are probably looking in the $2K to $2.3K range.

[OldGus]

I think it is worth what you paid, pretty back! I suggest putting it on Ebay at you break even price and let the market decide. You might get a little more...

[greg_tsam]

Nice back. Like the color but is that CAPO MARKS on the neck? For shame.

[Nate_Schwartz]

My mistake! Just checked the Gibson blue book. It was built in '99, in Bozeman, Montana. But I'm hoping to get upward of $3k for it. Is this reasonable? And @greg_tsam: HELL NO. I would NEVER use a capo on a mandolin. I'm pretty sure those are just from my thumb.

[Bernie Daniel]

Its a fine mandolin and it is worth what someone will pay you for it -- start high, you can always reduced your price. Your goal of $3K seems perfectly reasonable to me.

[J.Albert]

I disagree with Bernie above. If the instrument were in excellent shape, $3,000 would be a good target price. But the cosmetic damage I see in the pics you posted would lower that estimate considerably. I'd reckon $2,100-2,500, and be very happy to get $2,500 at that....

For just a little more than $3,000, I have a near-mint condition F-5FB (F-5g with Red Spruce top, bound fingerboard, and finished in sunburst) I'd let go of...

[Grommet]

I've only been watching the Cafe classifieds for 3 yrs, but I've noticed F5G's are usually offered used at $3,250-$3,750. Of course I have no info on what they finally sold for. Yours looks to be a pretty nice one despite the light distressed look. Good luck on your upgrade.

Grommet

[Bernie Daniel]

If I were to buy that F-5G I'd probably fix those pick scratch marks on the face up pretty quickly with just a light touch of stain (were needed) and then some thin layers of nitro-lacquer followed by micromesh. You'd be hard pressed to see them in the end.

On the other hand -- much as I dislike dings -- maybe I'd just let them go as it give the mandolin some real world character!
Those F-5G's always have been a favorite of mine for some reason.

[GarY Nava]

And I thought that distressed mandolins cost more
Cheers Gary

www.navaguitars.co.uk

[OldGus]

I never understood why so many people scratch up instruments with an elevated fretboard. I do like the way elevated pick guards look and feel though. They give you something to rest your fingers on and some people might claim they add stiffness to the top. I suggest getting one on your next mando.