My new 'old' Mandolin - Gibson 1917 F-4

[evanreilly]

This is a rare one; probably unplayed for 90 years. Still has original flat-wound strings. Case is immaculate also. Not a spot of rust or tarnish on hardware. Virtually no fret wear. Only thing lacking is the case key!

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?s...4326957&type=1

[f5loar]

If Jimmy Martin were alive today he would approve. Nice flames! Nice looking oysters. These are the next decade sleepers. Best to go ahead and start hording them up while prices are still cheap.

[strings777]

Evan, the link wouldn't work for me. Do you have to have a Facebook account to view it?

[evanreilly]

Evan, the link wouldn't work for me. Do you have to have a Facebook account to view it?

I was messing with the pics; the link should work now.... it is the FB link. tnx for looking.....

[Jack Roberts]

[SIZE=2]... Only thing lacking is the case key!

Shoot, I used to have a second case key for my 1914 F4. Let me take a look see if I still have it.

I can't see your picture. I am very fond of F4s.

[doc holiday]

Love the double flowerpot inlay. That's a beaut!

[evanreilly]

Shoot, I used to have a second case key for my 1914 F4. Let me take a look see if I still have it.

I can't see your picture. I am very fond of F4s.

I am sure we can find something suitable to trade...... It is my F-4 album on Facebook....

[f5loar]

Me thinks it's a 1915. Just post the photos here. Not everyone likes facebook. Once you go there you can never escape.

[evanreilly]

Okay, Okay.... And it is a 1915 mandolin!! thanks TI!

[F-2 Dave]

That's a beautiful mandolin. That case is freaky clean.

[strings777]

Really nice shape and I'll bet sounds great too. I've been searching for a nice 1915 Gibson (that was the year my father was born), and it looks like you've definitely found one!

[Gary Hedrick]

This F4 lover says "mighty fine...mighty fine"

[evanreilly]

This F4 lover says "mighty fine...mighty fine"

And didn't your dad lend WSM a similar mandolin on occasion???

[Gary Hedrick]

Well more like the other way around....my first "good" mandolin (after the Silvertone...the A40 and then the A50) was a 1917 that Bill used to pay my father for a sound system in the Bean Blossom barn.......boy was I excited!!!!

Then there are threads that debate whether this F4 was the one used to record Big Mon with or was it one from Connie Gately etc.....and whether Ira Louvin used it or a while etc.

I've owned over 15 of them through the years.....got a 21 right now that is just about as pristine as yours.....have fun with it...as I know you will......

[Jack Roberts]

Oh, yeah! Nice...

I found only one key to my case. I don't think it is original, as it has some teeth ground off it, but you might be able to find an old locksmith who can make one for you. Here is the picture:



Looking at your pictures, it looks a lot like my 1913, which was also thought to be a 1915, but Spann says otherwise. How did you date it?

When I got mine, the strings were unplayable, so I'm picking a set of Thomastik Mittels now. I also had to reposition the bridge, which left a mark. Are you doing any modifications or leaving it as you found it?

[f5loar]

It's really nice. Can't wait pick "Big Mon" on it.

[f5loar]

"I've been searching for a nice 1915 Gibson (that was the year my father was born), and it looks like you've definitely found one! "
Search no more. Gruhn's in Nashville, TN as 2 - 1915 F4s on sale at present. Also several other years of the mighty F4 Gibson.
Same key as the Loar case key. Easy to find on ebay.

[Mike Romkey]

Nice. Very nice.

[evanreilly]

Looking at your pictures, it looks a lot like my 1913, which was also thought to be a 1915, but Spann says otherwise. How did you date it?

When I got mine, the strings were unplayable, so I'm picking a set of Thomastik Mittels now. I also had to reposition the bridge, which left a mark. Are you doing any modifications or leaving it as you found it?

I had originally thought 1917, but F5Loar has the Spann book and he researched it and it is most likely built in 1914 and shipped in 1915, based on serial # & FON.

I have a set of Thomastik Starks on the way; other than that, for the nonce, it remains as is. Bridge is pretty well positioned and action is very nice & low.

[AlanN]

I have a set of Thomastik Starks on the way

Indeed, you do

Glorious looking specimen there, Evan.

[f5loar]

I just got back from picking on this time warp 1915 F4 in absolute near mint condition. I've never seen a case more mint than the mandolin inside it but this case is so mint it was as if it was never exposed to light in 98 years. Every metal piece on it shines like newly minted money. Even the strap handle shows no signs of fatigue. These generally just roit on their own without being carried but this handle is factory fresh. The F4 still has it's original strings from the 20's and they play like butter. Action super low with a super fast neck for one this year. The photos above do not do this one justice. It's almost craze finish free. Whomever had this one knew how to take care of a fine musical instrument. This should be put in a museum.