F4s, F5s, F7's, etc.

[Darren]

This might be a dumb question but all throughout the board there is talk about the different models of Mandolin. In another thread for example there is mention of modifications to an F4 which was "converted" to an F5. Can someone please tell me what makes a F4 an F4, a F5 an F5, etc?

Thanks

[JimRichter]

One of the best places to check is this website: http://www.provide.net/~cfh/gibson8.html

It'll explain production years, specs, etc. A lot of it has to do with when produced, scale length, where neck joins the body, bracing, oval hole vs. F hole, etc. Reviewing the website is the best way to find out (since answer can be pretty involved.)

[f5loar]

I believe the biggest difference between an F4 and the F5
is about $100,000. The difference between a converted F4 to an F5 and an F5 is still about $100,000.
In 1924 the difference between the two models was $100!
Go figure!