I almost could not believe it!

[barry k]

I was at a bluegrass festival this past weekend in Cochran Georgia, and ran into a fellow that owns a Gibson F5G with a unique (at least I thought so) story. He showed it to me,when I looked at the back it had two drilled holes through the back.He said he had bought the mando from a man that bought it from the Gibson showroom and it was hanging on the wall, with screws, through the holes that were drilled in the back.He said the man wanted it, so they took it down and sold it to him. It was hung there because it had a blemish on the top. the mandolin is beautiful,and played great. Anyone know the story behind this mando?, and was or is this a common practice? ..that was the first time I have seen this.

[Big Joe]

I am familiar with the mandolin and the story. It was a display mandolin that we did not want to sell. It had been on the wall for about three years. The customer insisted on bying that one. We finally sold it with a clear disclaimer it was not a functional instrument and carried no warranty. He left very happy and that was the last we heard about it until today. The story is true. It was screwed to the wall and not intended to sell. We do not have another one up there though we probably should http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif .

[ronlane3]

Big Joe,

What do you mean it is not a funcational instrument? Do the holes weaken the back? Barry, said that he has played it and it plays well. Just curious.

[barry k]

Thanks Joe, It is a Great mando, big sound and looks. If I had some wood putty with me I would have took care of the holes right away!!!...naw...they need to be there , its a great conversation piece.

[Big Joe]

Hey Ronlane...it was supposed to be scrap and not intended to be sold. When it left us the neck had a very noticeable curve in it. It could have made a nice skateboard ramp http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif . I don't know if the truss rod corrected it or he had to plane and refret it but that was what we meant by non functional.

Hey Barry K....I'm glad you enjoy it. It just proves even our junk is pretty darn good !!! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif .

[Tom C]

I'm shocked that Gibs*n would sell something that was not intended to be in the marketplace. That could lead to bad impressions.

[ronlane3]

Thanks Joe, that is an interesting story. You know what they say: one man's junk is another man's treasure.

[jim simpson]

"I'm shocked that Gibs*n would sell something that was not intended to be in the marketplace. That could lead to bad impressions."
Hey, the customer must have pestered them enough and it looks like it turned out good for all involved. I would like to find a deal like that. I wouldn’t hesitate to work on the neck or replace it if necessary. Now the holes - I think i'd leave them for conversational purpose. I have seen many older Gibson acoustics marked as 2nd and I never could figure out why.

[JEStanek]

Why mar the finish on the scroll when you could thread the strap through the "modified" back! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif
Jamie