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Thread: Gibson F-5 Info/Identification help needed

  1. #1

    Default Gibson F-5 Info/Identification help needed

    I recently inherited what I believe is a Gibson F-5 Mandolin. My grandfather played the mandolin, and I believe he had a total of three mandolins. This Gibson is the first I have seen from his collection. I have looked inside for a sticker or stamped number or any other kind of identifying marks to better learn its date of manufacture and value. I would like to be able to share it's story. I have been learning guitar from a blue grass inspired teacher, and the opportunity to add a mandolin to my collection is very exciting to me.

    Thanks in advance for your help in directing me to more information in helping me identify this piece of musical art and musical history!

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  2. #2
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: Gibson F-5 Info/Identification help needed

    Quote Originally Posted by scottyf5 View Post
    I recently inherited what I believe is a Gibson F-5 Mandolin. My grandfather played the mandolin, and I believe he had a total of three mandolins. This Gibson is the first I have seen from his collection. I have looked inside for a sticker or stamped number or any other kind of identifying marks to better learn its date of manufacture and value. I would like to be able to share it's story. I have been learning guitar from a blue grass inspired teacher, and the opportunity to add a mandolin to my collection is very exciting to me.

    Thanks in advance for your help in directing me to more information in helping me identify this piece of musical art and musical history!
    When you looked inside were there any labels or numbers?

  3. #3
    Registered User f5loar's Avatar
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    Default Re: Gibson F-5 Info/Identification help needed

    You have inhertied a really nice fake copy of a Gibson F5 Fern model. Hard to put a value on it without playing it and hearing how it sounds and plays but I would put it in the $1000 to $3000 range. It does not appear to be the work of a well known luthier that was known to copy Gibsons to me. Many did leave their marks somewhere on the mandolin. Sometimes on the underside of the top. Try putting a mirror inside the F holes to look up at the top for a makers mark.

  4. #4
    Moderator MikeEdgerton's Avatar
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    Default Re: Gibson F-5 Info/Identification help needed

    I'm actually surprised he didn't engrave the tailpiece cover as well. He went to a lot of trouble on the headstock.

  5. #5

    Default Re: Gibson F-5 Info/Identification help needed

    Quote Originally Posted by f5loar View Post
    You have inhertied a really nice fake copy of a Gibson F5 Fern model. Hard to put a value on it without playing it and hearing how it sounds and plays but I would put it in the $1000 to $3000 range. It does not appear to be the work of a well known luthier that was known to copy Gibsons to me. Many did leave their marks somewhere on the mandolin. Sometimes on the underside of the top. Try putting a mirror inside the F holes to look up at the top for a makers mark.
    I am trying to get a view with a mirror. Thought it was curious there wasn't a sticker...

  6. #6
    Registered User f5loar's Avatar
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    Default Re: Gibson F-5 Info/Identification help needed

    Well....... original Gibson stickers have been known to fall out over time as the cheap glue dries out. Some are removed on purpose while some real labels are added to fake copies. I'm surprised this one did not have a fake label to go in it. Engraved Gibson tailpiece would have been a nice addition as well as a real Gibson bridge. Tuners are kinda cheap imports.

  7. #7

    Default Re: Gibson F-5 Info/Identification help needed

    For a copy, that looks to be a very nice instrument.

    Wondering who actually made it?

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