View Full Version : F-4 to f-5 conversion success rate?
OregonMike
Apr-05-2007, 6:05pm
So I've been sitting here at the Cafe now for a few years and watching vintage 1920s F-5 prices climb beyond my reach, then I see this Gilchrist F-5 conversion at Player's:
F-5 Conversion (http://www.vintageinstruments.com/photos/inst27/gibchrist2ful.jpg)
I know this isn't a purist collectors instrument but it seems with 20's Gibson tone and Gil mojo it would be as hot as a Gil (without the truss rod). Am I missing something or isn't this the best of both worlds?
Cheers, Mike
16 A-0
24 A-1 Snakehead
Description: 1996 Gilchrist F-5 Conversion Exc This is a ca. 1920 F-4 with flame maple back and sides that has been converted by Steve Gilchrist to an F-5. Steve lengthened the neck at the dovetail joint and carved an F-5 top for it. (on which there is now a slight blemish that can probably be rubbed out) Add the appropriate Loar style fingerboard and adjustable bridge and voila! This mandolin plays beautifully with a nice low action and sounds wonderful. It retains its original tailpiece and tuning pegs and of course the fabulous double flowerpot inlay in the headstock. Oblong hard shell case. An affordable Gilchrist. Price: $15,500.00
Jim M.
Apr-05-2007, 6:25pm
I've played this instrument and it is great. Very warm, focused tone, good volume and a joy to play. If I had lots of disposable income, I would have bought it, but even if it is an affordable Gilchrist, it cost too much for me.
evanreilly
Apr-06-2007, 12:55pm
This was a routine done many times in the past.
This practice is to be avoided, since the F-4 deserves a better fate.
Only if it is a real basket case should this conversion be considered nowadays.
allenhopkins
Apr-06-2007, 2:17pm
Agree with Evan. There were quite a few F-2 and F-4 conversions out there (I remember Jack Tottle playing one) 20-30 years ago. But now there are plenty of F-5's and F-5 types available, from Gibson and others.
It's a shame to see a wonderful F-4 sawed apart for its back, sides and headstock. Makes me want to adapt a "Save The Whales" bumper sticker -- "Save the Round-Holes!"
cooper4205
Apr-06-2007, 3:37pm
Agree with Evan. There were quite a few F-2 and F-4 conversions out there (I remember Jack Tottle playing one) 20-30 years ago. But now there are plenty of F-5's and F-5 types available, from Gibson and others.
It's a shame to see a wonderful F-4 sawed apart for its back, sides and headstock. Makes me want to adapt a "Save The Whales" bumper sticker -- "Save the Round-Holes!"
Tottle still plays his all the time- and boy does it sound good!
evanreilly
Apr-06-2007, 5:49pm
Jack has had his conversion a very long time. I would be willing to suggest he would not nowadays take an intact F-2 or F-4 to make a conversion job to an F-5 style. It is no longer the best shortcut to a great F-5. There are too many better options out there, without sacrificing an otherwise classic instrument.
cooper4205
Apr-06-2007, 6:52pm
i never said it was right, just that it sounds good http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
i agree with you, those old F2's and F4's are wonderful intstruments in their own right and don't deserve to become parts for an F5
allenhopkins
Apr-06-2007, 8:40pm
Tottle still plays his all the time- and boy does it sound good!
I think he told me Randy Wood did his -- not sure after all these years...
OregonMike
Apr-09-2007, 4:18pm
Thanks guys - I wouldn't think of chopping an F4 up today (I'm one who believes these old mandos are just on loan to us anyway).
I am curious about the necks on these old F5 conversions - is the neck replaced also or are they the same length?
If so why wouldn't this one have been truss rodded? Just to preserve the flower pot?
allenhopkins
Apr-09-2007, 7:33pm
In most conversions the F-4 neck is replaced with a longer, raised neck. Perhaps the one at which you looked, had the original headstock retained to keep the double flowerpot.
carleshicks
Apr-09-2007, 9:48pm
I believe an extension was added at the dovetail and then recarved.
Martin Jonas
Apr-17-2007, 4:16am
So, these conversions have their top and (sometimes at least) their neck replaced. #That doesn't leave an awful lot of vintage Gibson behind: just the back and sides. #Was it really ever worth doing that instead of building a new F-5 from scratch?
Martin
tiltman
Apr-17-2007, 11:11am
Hey Oregon Mike,
That mando has been there for over a year.
Makes me wonder, not that good or overpriced?
Oregon Kirk
Gibsonman
Apr-17-2007, 11:30am
Hey Kirk how are you doing old buddy?
OregonMike
Apr-17-2007, 12:48pm
Makes me wonder, not that good or overpriced?
Hey Oregon Kirk,
I haven't played it so I can't comment on how good it is (although there is one vote in favor above).
I didn't realize there was so little vintage Gibson in a conversion - kind of like George Washingtons axe that has had the handle and head replaced a few times but is still "original".
Then again wouldn't that make it even more of a Gilchrist?
Cheers,
Mike
tiltman
Apr-19-2007, 11:18am
Mike,
I know what you mean, a poor man's Gilchrist...hmm...
Hey John,
I'm doing well - good to know you're still out there in cyberspace! Don't know if I'll be getting back to Baltimore anytime soon but I know where I can get a good meal and pick some fine mandolins! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
Kirk
mikeyes
Apr-19-2007, 3:52pm
Of course you could get one of the new F-4 kits from international violin, make it up and then send it to Randy Wood for an F-5 conversion. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif