F4 for sale

Hallow!
I would like to ask an adwise.
I have an old (from 1923) F4 Mandolin and would like to sell it, but don't know, what to begin with and how much it could be cost. The mandolin is in perfect condition and has a super beautiful pour full tone. May be anybody could give me a good adwise and show the right way?

Thanks!

[evanreilly]

Go look at the Classified ads here on the 'Cafe.

[moku9]

you can use the advanced search engine at ebay to select only auctions that have already ended. this gives you the price range of what you search for, very handy.

[stevem]

Post some pictures here, if you are able to figure it out. That will help folks with pricing. They range anywhere from $4500-$10,000+ depending on the condition. A 1923 year generally means it will sell at the higher end (Loar era).

Given its high value and the age of the instrument, expect very detailed questions from potential purchasers. If you don't know much about mandolins, you might want to have a pro look it over to verify that it is in great shape. Then provide a copy of that appraisal to a buyer. Most buyers here like a 48 hour approval period as well, so they can check it over.

Put some time into really figuring out what it's worth, so you don't wind up selling it for too little.

Best of luck.

[Jim Garber]

You probably have gotten a dozen PMs already about this one. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

Jim

[allenhopkins]

Here's one at Mandolin World HQ, listed at $5250 with a case:

Mandolin World HQ F-4 (http://www.vintagemandolin.com/20gibsonf4_521768.html)

Here's one at Elderly Instruments, listed at $6500:

Elderly Instruments F-4 (http://www.elderly.com/vintage/names/gibson-f-4-%281920%29--90U-4662.htm)

And here's one at Gryphon for $4700:

Gryphon F-4 (http://www.gryphonstrings.com/instpix/26471/26471.html)

Mandolin Brothers has two, at $6100 and $5195.

Can't always tell if the listings are current, but this may give some idea of price range. Haven't seen one go as high as $10K, but $5-7K seems to be where we are now.

And I remember picking up an early '20's F-2 for $450 -- those were the days...

[chris]

If it has a virzi it could go $10,000.00

[evanreilly]

I believe there were two '24 F-4s, with the Virzi, sold in the vicinity of $15K; one here on the 'Cafe and one on Ebay.

[Scott Tichenor]

Hallow!
I would like to ask an adwise.
I have an old (from 1923) F4 Mandolin and would like to sell it, but don't know, what to begin with and how much it could be cost. The mandolin is in perfect condition and has a super beautiful pour full tone. May be anybody could give me a good adwise and show the right way?

Thanks!
OK to inquire about prices, but on this site please list instruments for sale here (http://www.mandolincafe.com/cgi-bin/classifieds/classifieds.cgi). Thanks.

[f5loar]

Those listed above are pre-truss rod models. The truss rod models(after 1921)fetch quite a bit more and like Evan said up to $15,000 for a really nice one with Virzi. A '23 is a prime year for the F4 as Mr. Loar went by and breathed on those.

[Keith Miller]

Is it just me being overly suspicious or does this sound like certain Ebay auctions ?

[fredfrank]

Is pour full tone the same as woody?

[Jim Garber]

Interesting that we never again heard from Nama. Where is this F4 now? Is it for sale? Or is there even an F4? Or a Nama?

Jim

[Timbofood]

No Frank, pour full tone is the sound of a rocks glass being "improved" with a generous amount of good booze!
Pure full tone comes later.

[LongBlackVeil]

I thought pour full tone was just one step below powrful tone

[lenf12]

And I remember picking up an early '20's F-2 for $450 -- those were the days...

I got my 1916 (see the headstock in my avatar) in 1975 or so for $625. I thought that both the seller and I got a good deal at the time. I'm very happy to still have this mandolin coming up on 40 years. It's got that pour full tone.

Len B.
Clearwater, FL

[Bernie Daniel]

Here's one at Mandolin World HQ, listed at $5250 with a case:

Mandolin World HQ F-4 (http://www.vintagemandolin.com/20gibsonf4_521768.html)

Here's one at Elderly Instruments, listed at $6500:

Elderly Instruments F-4 (http://www.elderly.com/vintage/names/gibson-f-4-%281920%29--90U-4662.htm)

And here's one at Gryphon for $4700:

Gryphon F-4 (http://www.gryphonstrings.com/instpix/26471/26471.html)

Mandolin Brothers has two, at $6100 and $5195.

Can't always tell if the listings are current, but this may give some idea of price range. Haven't seen one go as high as $10K, but $5-7K seems to be where we are now.

And I remember picking up an early '20's F-2 for $450 -- those were the days...

In 1973 I bought a 1919 F-2 for $275 ( it was in good condition) and a mint condition 1961 Hummingbird for $250. Those WERE the days indeed.

[Bernie Daniel]

I got my 1916 (see the headstock in my avatar) in 1975 or so for $625. I thought that both the seller and I got a good deal at the time. I'm very happy to still have this mandolin coming up on 40 years. It's got that pour full tone.
Len B.
Clearwater, FL


Such a fine line between pour full tone and poor foul tone -- knowing the difference is what separates the pros from the ammeters.

[Ken Waltham]

Doesn't everyone think this is a scam? I sure do.
Ken

[Hendrik Ahrend]

Isn't this from 2006, or am I missing something?

[Ken Waltham]

Ooops! Looks like it... strange..