Gibson master model pictures

[parapatton]

As a New Year's tribute to Charlie Derrington and his achievements in resurrecting the fine art of Mandolins, I'm posting for the first time my three Master Models. Charlie's dedication to recreate the forgotten & lost art of the Loar era helped bring back some of the magic of the original Loar's. These are all signed by Charlie and dated 2002, 2003, and 2004. They're beautiful works of art and exceptional sounding.

[olddavy]

I'll see if I can get pics of a couple more of Charlies MM on here too. Ive never posted a pic. These are both early ones.

[parapatton]

Since I wasn't able to post all the pictures together, I'll send them in one at a time.
Here's front of Master Model dated Dec. 18, 2002 a Darkburst.

[parapatton]

Back of Master Model Dated Dec. 18, 2002 V70365 Dark Burst

[parapatton]

Here's front of mandolin No.2
A Charlie Derrington signed Master Model dated Feb.18,2003
Serial No.V70370 Light Tobacco Burst

[parapatton]

Back of Mandolin No.2
Charlie Derrington signed MM dated Feb.18,2003
Serial No.V70370 Light Tobacco Burst

[parapatton]

Front of Master Model No.3
Charlie Derrington signed. Dated Nov.24,2004
Serial No.V70425 Medium Burst

[parapatton]

Back of Master Model No.3
Charlie Derrington signed. Dated Nov.24,2004
Serial No.V70425 Medium Burst
This is one of the last master model mandolins Charlie signed, as he left the Mandolin Department at the end of December, 2004.

[Glassweb]

I sure like the look of that light tobac... how's she sound?

[parapatton]

The Light Tobacco Master Model No.2 has a sound deep, woody, with volume to keep the banjos at bay. Bell like highs and strong midrange, with excellent projection and cutting power. It's evenly balanced from top to bottom.

The color of the top is not exactly as shown in the photo. In person, the top actually looks nicer; the sunburst is shaded so gradually that each shade disappears into the other. The red spruce has the purest grain, and as can be seen in the photo, the maple has the highest flame.

This is one of the first Light Tobacco finishes they did on a master model. It's copied directly from an original early Loar Charlie had on loan at the time.

This was a custom order mandolin and is a remarkable replica of the very early Gibson Loar F-5's from late 1922 to early 1923. Highest praise to Charlie for this fine reproduction.

[ipmala888]

Hey,
It really bugs me when guys brag about their Master Models.
Yeah, they look nice--but, how do we know your telling us
the truth about the sound ?? They don't even look like
they've been played !! You probably kiss 'em and tuck 'em
into bed every night. Hey man, looks aren't everything !!
Nothing bugs me more than guys who own Master Models and
don't even play 'em. BOORRRING. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sleepy.gif

[parapatton]

Actually, it is a big challenge giving each mandolin their well deserved playing time.
However, since I also play guitar & banjo, I'm used to rotating instruments. This way all my children get attention.
Want to talk about sound. Well, to me a good instrument has to have three things: Sound, Playability & Beauty.
The first two are essential and most important.
Beauty is a bonus.
Last, but not least, I don't kiss them goodnight, but I'll admit to loving and caressing them.

[mandolirius]

I appreciated the guy took the time to post the pics. I don't get to see that many Master Models. I wouldn't mind a few more.

[surfandstrum]

I agree...I love looking at pics of all mandolins...More power to you for having the opportunity to have 3 beauties... http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[Chris Biorkman]

Hey,
It really bugs me when guys brag about their Master Models.
Yeah, they look nice--but, how do we know your telling us
the truth about the sound ?? #They don't even look like
they've been played !! #You probably kiss 'em and tuck 'em
into bed every night. #Hey man, looks aren't everything !!
Nothing bugs me more than guys who own Master Models and
don't even play 'em. #BOORRRING. # http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sleepy.gif
Trolling much?

[Austin Koerner]

Hey,
It really bugs me when guys brag about their Master Models.
Yeah, they look nice--but, how do we know your telling us
the truth about the sound ?? #They don't even look like
they've been played !! #You probably kiss 'em and tuck 'em
into bed every night. #Hey man, looks aren't everything !!
Nothing bugs me more than guys who own Master Models and
don't even play 'em. #BOORRRING. # http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sleepy.gif
I could imagine anyone who would want to be careful with a master model

[wantaloar]

Here are my 3 . 2003, 2004, & distressed 2004(1st one made besides prototypes) All signed by Charlie

[wantaloar]

front of 2004 quilted back

[wantaloar]

2003 flame back

[wantaloar]

2003 flame front side

[wantaloar]

2004 distressed MM

[wantaloar]

2004 distressed front

[wantaloar]

Great lookin MM's parapatton. impala888 is just jealous.

[ipmala888]

<Comment removed. Violates board posting guidelines.>

[Chris Biorkman]

<Quote removed. Originating post violates board posting guidelines>.

How about a little tact? The guy is just trying to post some pics of his instruments, so why don't you just leave him alone already?

[Steve-o]

parapatton and wantaloar,
Thanks for posting your MMs. They are indeed works of art and most of us appreciate being able to view them and hear your impressions of them. Who wouldn't be jealous. It's like MAS-cubed!

[chip]

Here's some pictures of my Sept.27, 2002 MM, previously owned by Chris Hillman and signed by Charlie...

[chip]

Another

[chip]

Backside

[chip]

Last one

[surfandstrum]

I love looking at the pics and hearing reviews of great mandolins...It's such a shame that the negative part of forums and the people that post the comments tend to sneak in...Hopefully 2008 will be different, but human nature, jealousy and envy will probably once again cause turmoil in a great forum...

[parapatton]

Continuing this tribute here's some good links.
Charlie Derrington Interview on Mandozine from March 2003:

CGOW-Charlie Derrington (http://http://www.mandozine.com/resources/CGOW/derrington.php)

Charlie on YouTube:

YouTube-Charlie Derrington plays a Loar (http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8HAuy4ATek)

The Mandolin Museum:

Mandolin Museum (http://http://home.comcast.net/~ukecat/mandolin/loarhead.html)

[carleshicks]

I know that I sure love my Derrington. it has more tonal charecter than any other modern mandolin that i have spent time with. Every time I open the case I am in awe of it. I think that Mr. Derrington did an excellent job with these few master models and I hope that Gibson continues carrying on his Legacey.

[woodwizard]

Wonderful Gibson's! I've been dreaming of one of those. I can't belieave some of you guys have three of em. WOW! I'm impressed ... I feel I have some MAS setting in. I think I have the shakes and a fever as well. Thanks for sharing the pics for all of us. But ... now look what you've done to me. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[grassrootphilosopher]

How about some soundclips of these very instruments. They surely look good. Since my ears are jeallous of my eyes, make them happy and post some music.

[Chris Biorkman]

How do the new master models compare with the ones signed by Charlie?

[parapatton]

How do the new master models compare with the ones signed by Charlie?
Biorkman, that's a good question.
I've heard some mixed responses and I've not been able to see one in person yet; due in part to the few Gibson dealers left carrying mandolins. Also, the fact that the Master Models are some of their most expensive high end instruments. They've been trying to rebuild their dealer base since it was reduced to just a handful a few years ago. For example, all the dealers I purchased my Master Models from are no longer dealers.

Many, if not most of the people involved with the Charlie Derrington Master Models are gone (especially & most importantly Charlie).

However, Dave Harvey has taken over the mandolin department and He's one of the best qualified. Dave's a top notch mandolin luthier, as well as, an excellent mandolin player and he's familiar with the Master Models, having been around in the repair department.

Hopefully, they'll be able to continue creating excellent Master Models. It's a big challenge. They never made many of them. The best estimates are less than 100 Derrington Master Models exist; maybe around 75, more or less.

Danny Roberts took over when Charlie left and did an outstanding job. Those Roberts signed Master Models are also excellent and compare with the Derrington's. When Charlie and Danny were there they had several years experience building the Master Models, as well as, some of the best adirondack red spruce tonewood for the tops I've ever seen.

Only time will tell the future. Would love to hear from anyone out there with comments on the new Master Models.

[dirty harry]

Hey very nice Mandolins and thanks for sharing the photos!
Too bad not all can enjoy em......

[jferg9]

Pretty sad when this forum becomes like a high school sports forum with some of the juvenile naysayers posting!!!!!!!
For those who have shared their MM Charlie mando pics.....THANKS!!!!! Like others who have posted it is a true joy to see close-up
pics of these fine instruments. I go on-line to Elderly and Janet Davis etc often and look at the pics of the high quality mandos just for the pure joy of looking at these gorgeous instruments. And the eye candy site on the cafe is fantastic.
Keep the pics coming.....:-)
Peace,
Jim

http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[wantaloar]

Here is a closeup of my May 27, 04 Distressed MM

[Joe Parker]

Here is a May 27,'04 MM.

JPP

[Joe Parker]

Backside-

JPP

[Mikey G]

I have V70446, signed June 25, 2007 by Casey Sullivan. I love the tone, volume and playability. I have played several Derrington signed mandolins and it's in the same league with those I've played. That doesn't mean it's necessarily better or worse, but pretty consistent with what I've seen and played with earlier Master Models. All of these MM mandolins I've seen or played had a special sound, playability, and look to them. Each time I picked one up, it just felt good. I'm sure the new MM will continue to be exceptional instruments. I wanted one of the Master Models for several years, and did what I'd assume a lot of others have done: trade up, save up, and keep looking for the right one to come along at the right price. I also appreciated it when Master Model owners posted their pics so I could get a glimpse of these instruments. I never felt resentful or jealous that I didn't have one....yet.

[parapatton]

Mikey G thanks for posting your information about your Master Model signed by Casey Sullivan.
Casey came after Danny Roberts. I don't know how many Master Models he signed, however, he was one of the last of the original team in the Charlie Derrington era. He's no longer there.

[Stanley Cox]

Where is Danny now besides playing with the Grascals?

Stanley http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[04GibsonF-5LFern]

My Feb 23rd 2004 fern is signed by a Danny Roberts I think. The last name is hard to read, was their another danny their in 04 by chance?

[pjlama]

Man, this thread is killing me. I sold my MM over the summer and regret it. I'm starting to look for another now and would like it to be a Derrington this time. My first was a Roberts, it was the loudest mando I ever heard. I just need to let my finances catch up to my desire since I own a seasonal business. Please keep the pictures coming, until I can get another one myself this will have to do.

[pjlama]

To elaborate on Chris's question has anyone played a new Dave Harvey signed MM?